Red Cross, Anheuser-Busch to host blood drive at Little Caesars Arena
DETROIT -- For the third consecutive year, the Ilitch organization is proud to host the American Red Cross and Anheuser-Busch at Little Caesars Arena for a One Team blood drive to address the urgent need for blood. The event takes place Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the arena's 60,000-square foot Via Concourse, which provides ample room for safe social distancing.
All attendees will have the opportunity to spin a wheel to win prizes including sports memorabilia, autographed items, and gift cards, while supplies last.
The Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donations to prevent another blood shortage as hospitals resume surgical procedures and patient treatments that were temporarily paused this spring in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion," said Beth Frahm, donor recruitment account manager with the Red Cross. "We are thrilled to again partner with the Ilitch organization and Anheuser-Busch to ensure blood products are available to those in need."
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions - including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff - have been implemented to ensure the health of all those in attendance. Eligible donors are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment by downloading the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) sponsor code: LCA313. Donors are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.
"The annual blood drive at Little Caesars Arena is a critical event in our community. We look forward to providing a safe space for Detroiters to give blood, contribute to a great cause and help save lives across the country," said Chris Granger, Group President, Sports & Entertainment, Ilitch Holdings, Inc.
Little Caesars Arena Blood Drive
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Little Caesars Arena Via Concourse
2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48201
*Free parking is available for donors, at the Henry West Garage located at 128 W. Fisher Service Dr.
As part of a $5 million donation to the American Red Cross, Anheuser-Busch alongside its sports partners, identified available arenas and stadiums to be used for temporary blood drive centers, which includes Little Caesars Arena, home of the Detroit Red Wings and the Detroit Pistons.
How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) sponsor code: LCA313 to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver's license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit RedCross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
About Little Caesars Arena
Little Caesars Arena is a key anchor in The District Detroit and serves as the home of the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons and countless other sports, entertainment and community events. Rich with the tradition of the Original Six™ and 11-time Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings, the three-time world champion Detroit Pistons and Detroit's incredible musical heritage, the arena also features state-of-the-art technology, fan amenities and active community spaces like the Via, the BELFOR Training Center and the Chevrolet Plaza. One of the busiest venues in the world, Little Caesars Arena received the prestigious Sports Facility of the Year award at the 2018 Sports Business Awards Ceremony, established by SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily to celebrate and recognize the leaders, visionaries and day-to-day practitioners who personify excellence in the business of sports.