Big Blue Slam back on regular schedule
UPDATE: UK will be open and on a normal schedule Thursday, Jan. 29. Big Blue Slam will continue as scheduled through Jan. 30.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2026) — Big Blue Slam, the annual blood battle between University of Kentucky fans and University of Florida fans to collect the most blood, is Jan. 26-30, at all Kentucky Blood Center locations, including on the UK campus.
The friendly competition between Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) and LifeSouth Community Blood Center in Florida encourages blood donations in the winter months when weather and illness can hinder collections. Not yet at the halfway point of the winter season, the drive to fill the shelves with a healthy supply of blood is meant to counter the inevitable disruptions this time of the year have on collecting blood.
Donation locations on campus include:
- Gatton Student Center (BallroomA): Monday-Friday; Jan.26-30
- William T. Young Library (KBC Bloodmobile): Monday and Tuesday, Jan. 26 and 27
- Lewis Honors College (Scholars Student Lounge): Thursday and Friday, Jan. 29 and 30
The winner of the blood battle has been determined by less than 100 donors for six straight years. Campus donors often make the difference in deciding the winner.
For playing a pivotal part in the competition and boosting the blood supply, campus donors will receive additional perks. All donors will receive a Big Blue Slam T-shirt and a $5 Starbucks gift card. On Monday only, donors will also receive a coupon for a free entrée at Qdoba. All thank you items are while supplies last.
KBC will also make a $5 donation to a DanceBlue team of a donor’s choosing for giving blood (donor must fill out slip at donation). In partnership with UK Invests, a deposit will be provided by UK Invests into the enrolled accounts of students who participate in the blood drive as well.
Donors can schedule their appointment in advance at hbit.ly/BigBlueSlam2026_UK or by calling 800-775-2522. Walk-ins are welcome.
Blood products are essential for a wide range of treatments and needs, including traumas, cancers, diseases, surgeries, organ transplants and more. As the provider of blood to more than 70 hospitals in Kentucky, including UK HealthCare, KBC meets the demand of local patients to ensure they have the lifesaving blood products they require. More than 40% of all blood collected at KBC goes to UK HealthCare.
Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health, show a photo ID and meet additional requirements. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at kybloodcenter.org.
About Kentucky Blood Center
KBC, the largest independent, full-service, nonprofit blood center in Kentucky, has been saving local lives since 1968. Licensed by the FDA, KBC’s sole purpose is to collect, process and distribute blood for patients in Kentucky. KBC provides services in 90 Kentucky counties and has donor centers in Lexington, Louisville, Frankfort, Pikeville, Somerset and the Tri-County area (Corbin).
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.