Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680LAS VEGAS(Jan. 24, 2024) — As Super Bowl LVIII tickets are now selling for as much as $25,000 each, the American Red Cross offers a way to get these sought-after seats for free, while contributing to a worthy cause. Blood donors have one more week to contribute towards ending the nationwide blood shortage and simultaneously stand a chance to win a free Super Bowl package. This combines the thrill of football with the generous act of blood donation, offering a unique opportunity to experience the Super Bowl while making a lifesaving difference.
The American Red Cross, in partnership with the National Football League (NFL), hopes to inspire blood donations by offering this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Those who come to donate blood by Jan. 31, will be entered into a drawing to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. “By teaming up with the NFL, we're not only offering a unique incentive for donors but also raising awareness about the pressing need for blood donations,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “We hope this initiative will encourage more Nevadans to contribute towards replenishing our critically low blood supply.”
Urgent Appeal for Donations
The Red Cross is facing a nationwide emergency blood shortage, driven by the lowest numbers of donors in 20 years. The demand for blood at hospitals is outpacing the rate of donations. A series of winter storms across the country further worsened the blood shortage, leading to the cancellation of over 450 blood drives nationwide and leaving more than 15,000 blood donations uncollected. “To overcome this shortage, the Red Cross will need to collect an additional 8,000 blood donations nationwide weekly for several weeks,” Flanigan added.
The Red Cross is integral to the nation's blood supply, responsible for approximately 40% of all blood collected. To meet the needs of patients at over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers, the Red Cross must collect 12,500 blood and 3,000 platelet donations daily. In Southern Nevada alone, more than 15 hospitals rely on the Red Cross for their blood supply. Donors can schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Super Bowl Sweepstakes
“We're turning fans into heroes,” Flanigan said. “When you donate blood, you don't just stand a chance to win a trip to Super Bowl LVIII, but you also help ensure that lifesaving blood is available for those in need.”
All who come to give Jan. 1-31, 2024, are automatically entered to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, as our thanks for helping during the critical blood shortage. The winner and a guest will get to enjoy Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, access to day-of in-stadium pre-game activities, tickets to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare to Las Vegas, three-night hotel accommodations (Feb. 9-12, 2024), plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses. Details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
