Crew, FC Cincinnati to hold second annual blood drive competition in August
Columbus Blood Drive event presented by OhioHealth to take place at Lower.com Field on Aug. 23
COLUMBUS – The second annual Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati Blood Drive Competition kicks off this week, running from Aug. 1-31. The friendly challenge is connected to the “Hell is Real” matchup at TQL Stadium on Sept. 14 and is focused on helping save lives in Ohio.
Crew and FC Cincinnati supporters surpassed 17,750 registered donors (17,771) during the inaugural competition. Columbus collected more donations to claim the contest’s first trophy, co-designed by each club’s supporters group.
“We are thrilled to bring this competition back and join FC Cincinnati once again in the mission to save lives in Ohio,” said Josh Glessing, Chief of Strategy & Corporate Development at Haslam Sports Group. “While we may be rivals on the pitch, donations from both clubs’ supporters show the lasting impact that the beautiful game can have off the pitch.”
The Crew will partner with American Red Cross and OhioHealth in Central Ohio during the competition while FC Cincinnati will collaborate with Hoxworth Blood Center in Greater Cincinnati. Individuals who donated blood at official sites during the month, including at Lower.com Field on Friday, Aug. 23, will receive a club-themed t-shirt. Donors who register online will also count toward each city’s total.
The blood drive occurs at a critical time during the summer months, significantly impacted by the fact donations are being requested by hospitals in higher numbers than are being contributed at centers.
MEDIA ASSETS: Photos of last year’s blood drive event at Lower.com Field are available for media use *here* (please provide courtesy to Columbus Crew)
How to donate blood
To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. 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.
ABOUT COLUMBUS CREW:
Columbus Crew is the first club in Major League Soccer. The Crew is operated by Haslam Sports Group and the Edwards Family. The Black & Gold are the 2021 Campeones Cup winners. The Club has won two MLS Cup championships in 2008 and 2020, one Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2002, as well as MLS Supporters’ Shield titles in 2004, 2008 and 2009. The 2023 campaign is the Crew’s 28th season in MLS as well as the Club’s second full season at Lower.com Field.
Website: ColumbusCrew.com | Twitter: @ColumbusCrew | Instagram: @ColumbusCrew | Hashtag: #Crew96 | Facebook.com/columbuscrew | App: ColumbusCrew.com/app | Stadium: Lower.com Field | Training Facility: OhioHealth Performance Center
ABOUT THE AMERICAN RED CROSS:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent 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, visit www.Redcross.org/centralandsouthernoh and join on Twitter and Facebook @ARCcsor.