Big Blue Slam returns to UK campus Jan. 27–31
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 27, 2025) — Big Blue Slam, the annual blood battle between the University of Kentucky fans and University of Florida fans to collect the most blood, is Jan. 27-31 at all Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) locations, including on the UK campus.
The friendly competition with the Florida Gators is always an important event to shore up the winter blood supply, but a rough weather start to 2025 has placed a heightened level of importance on a big turnout.
Campus donors can play a key role in boosting low blood levels and get rewarded for helping secure a Big Blue victory. All donors who give blood will receive a:
- Retro Big Blue Slam T-shirt
- $5 L8nite gift card
- $5 Starbucks gift card
- Buy-one-get-one-free box coupon from Cane’s
The T-shirt and gift cards are while supplies last. KBC will also make a $5 donation to a DanceBlue team of a donor’s choice for giving blood (donors must fill out a slip at donation).
KBC will be at the Gatton Student Center Monday through Friday, Jan. 27-31. Students can also donate at the William T. Young Library on Monday, Jan. 27, or Lewis Honors College on Thursday and Friday, Jan. 30-31. All drives on campus are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Donors can schedule their appointments in advance at bit.ly/BigBlueSlam2025_UK or by calling 800-775-2522. Walk-ins are welcome.
Donations are needed to recoup an estimated 1,000-plus units of blood lost in recent weeks due to winter-weather cancelations. In the process, KBC hopes to extend its four-year winning streak over LifeSouth Community Blood Center in Florida. KBC leads the overall series 10-6.
Blood is vital for Kentucky patients who need it for everything from trauma, cancer, diseases, surgeries, organ transplants and more. KBC is the exclusive blood provider for 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.
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).