Campus News

Annual Big Blue Crush 'Battle for Blood' Is On

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 14, 2011) − University of Kentucky fans can prove they bleed blue during the 24th annual Big Blue Crush, Nov. 14-18.

Big Blue Crush, the yearly blood battle between Kentucky and Tennessee fans and Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) and Medic Regional Blood Center in Knoxville, provides UK fans an opportunity to defeat Tennessee and save lives.

“I’m encouraging all Kentucky fans to donate blood during Big Blue Crush. It’s a great way to show you support the Wildcats. You can save lives, bleed blue and beat Tennessee during Big Blue Crush,” said UK Football Coach Joker Phillips. 

All donors will receive a Big Blue Crush T-shirt and a coupon for a free McDonald’s McCafé Beverage. Everyone who registers will also be eligible to win prizes. Monday and Tuesday donors have a chance to score two tickets to the UK-TN football game on Nov. 26. All donors will also be eligible to win one of five $200 gas cards and the grand prize NCAA Game Package.

All KBC donor centers will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. during the competition. There will also be a number of blood drives throughout the area, including on the UK campus:

  • Monday thru Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Singletary Center for the Arts
  • Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Ralph G. Anderson Building (Student Commons Lobby)
  • Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Chandler Hospital, Room H-133
  • Thursday, 1-7:30 p.m., Johnson Center
  • Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Chandler Hospital, Room H-133

Tennessee leads the rivalry 12 to 10 with 1 tie, but Kentucky won the competition last year for the first time since 2002.  KBC has set a goal of 4,000 donors this year, in hopes of keeping the trophy.  This friendly competition ensures an adequate blood supply during the holidays.

About KBC

Kentucky Blood Center, the largest FDA regulated blood bank in Kentucky, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring a safe, adequate blood supply for patients at nearly 70 Kentucky hospitals and clinics in more than 60 counties.  KBC relies on volunteers to collect 400 pints of blood per day to meet area patients’ needs.  Over the last year KBC distributed nearly 130,000 blood components.

To find a donation location or to schedule an appointment, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800-775-2522.

 

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:  Carl Nathe, (859) 257-3200; Denise Fields, (859) 519-3721 or  

                     (859) 333-2022