UK fans can avenge gridiron loss to Vols by winning third consecutive blood battle
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky fans were heartbroken when the Wildcats lost at home to Tennessee in this month’s edition of the annual football rivalry, but there’s still a chance for Cat fans to notch a win over Tennessee this month. Kentucky Blood Center is urging UK fans to roll up their sleeves and use their lifesaving powers to help Kentucky beat Tennessee in the 34th annual Big Blue Crush blood drive event and combat a national blood shortage.
Last year, Kentucky Blood Center and Kentucky fans claimed a second straight victory over Tennessee fans and Medic Regional Blood Center. As blood centers across the nation continue to face pandemic blood shortages, KBC is looking to Cats fans to boost the Thanksgiving blood supply.
The blood drive, which was established by the two community nonprofit blood centers in 1987, ensures blood is available for the upcoming holiday, when donations are in short supply. Kentucky leads the rivalry 19 to 13 with one tie. Last year, Kentucky had a narrow victory with 2,174 donors to Tennessee’s 2,060.
As a thank you for saving lives, Big Blue Crush donors receive ringer-style Crush T-shirt. Donors who visit KBC’s six donor centers will also receive a coupon for a free appetizer from Texas Roadhouse. Donor center donors who make an early donation Monday or Tuesday will be entered to win a four-pack of tickets to UK’s senior day game vs. New Mexico State at Kroger Field on Nov. 20.
“Big Blue Crush brings out the competitive spirit in a long-standing rivalry between these two SEC foes,” said Mandy Brajuha, Vice President of External Relations. “After the heartbreaking loss earlier this month, I personally want to get a victory in this event, not just for bragging rights but to have a healthy holiday blood supply for Kentucky patients.”
Donors may give at any KBC mobile blood drive or donor center. A complete listing of Big Blue Crush donation locations can be found at www.kybloodcenter.org/events/big-blue-crush-2021.KBC donor centers are listed below and are open from 9 am – 6 pm during Big Blue Crush (Nov. 15-19).
Middletown Donor Center
Phone: 502.290.0537
Hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522
Beaumont Donor Center
Phone: 859.276.2534
Hours:
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522
Andover Donor Center
Phone: 859.327.3223
Hours:
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522
Hillview Donor Center
Phone: 502.915.0989
Hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522
Pikeville Donor Center
Phone: 606.432.4979
Hours:
Monday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tuesday–Wednesday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522
Somerset Donor Center
Phone: 606.679.7413
Hours:
Monday–Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Schedule an appointment or call 800.775.2522