Murfreesboro, Tennessee, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Middle Tennessee State University is organizing its annual blood drive, “Bleed Blue to Beat WKU,” which focuses on supporting patients with sickle cell disease. The event, taking place over three days, aims to collect 800 to 900 units of blood. Donors will receive various incentives, and volunteers are encouraged to help with the event to foster community engagement and provide crucial support to those in need of medical assistance.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is set to host its annual blood drive, titled “Bleed Blue to Beat WKU,” from October 27 to October 29, 2025. Running from noon to 6 p.m. each day, the event will take place at MTSU’s Campus Recreation Center, located at 1848 Blue Raider Drive. This year’s blood drive will focus specifically on supporting patients with sickle cell disease, which impacts approximately 100,000 Americans, primarily within the Black or African American community.
Gene Baker from the American Red Cross has emphasized the critical nature of matching blood types for sickle cell patients, noting the importance of contributions from Black donors in particular. The long-standing rivalry between MTSU and Western Kentucky University (WKU) for this blood drive has been a tradition since 2010, during which the two institutions have collectively gathered nearly 13,000 units of blood, significantly impacting the lives of around 38,000 individuals.
Last year, MTSU emerged victorious in this competition, collecting 405 pints of blood compared to WKU’s 369 pints. For the upcoming blood drive, MTSU aims to collect between 800 to 900 units of blood, with a dedicated focus on meeting hospital demands. To encourage participation, donors will receive a range of incentives, including:
- A commemorative T-shirt
- A $10 eGift Card
- Free pizza
- Entry into a drawing for one of three $500 gift cards
- MTSU football tickets
While walk-in donations are welcomed, participants are encouraged to sign up in advance online or through the Blood Donor App using the sponsor code MTSU. Free parking will be available for off-campus donors at MT One Stop, located at 1860 Blue Raider Drive, with an online campus parking map accessible for further convenience. Volunteers are also being sought to help with the event, with a specific link provided for interested individuals to contribute their time and efforts.
The blood drive invites faculty, students, and community members to participate as both donors and volunteers to enhance community engagement while supporting a noble cause. Many students have expressed their personal motivations for getting involved, emphasizing the significance of donating blood for those who are in need of medical assistance.
Important Event Details
- Event: Bleed Blue to Beat WKU Blood Drive
- Date: October 27 – October 29, 2025
- Time: Noon – 6 p.m. each day
- Location: MTSU Campus Recreation Center, 1848 Blue Raider Drive
- Goal: 800 – 900 units of blood
- Focus: Support for patients with sickle cell disease
Incentives for Donors
- Commemorative T-shirt
- $10 eGift Card
- Free pizza
- Entry into drawing for $500 gift cards
- MTSU football tickets
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are encouraged and can find a link to sign up for assisting with the event. Both donors and volunteers will play a crucial role in promoting community engagement and supporting patients in need.
FAQ Section
What is the Bleed Blue to Beat WKU Blood Drive?
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is organizing its annual blood drive titled “Bleed Blue to Beat WKU” in competition with Western Kentucky University (WKU) from October 27 to October 29, 2025.
When will the blood drive take place?
The blood drive will take place from October 27 to October 29, 2025, from noon to 6 p.m. each day.
Where is the blood drive located?
The blood drive will be held at MTSU’s Campus Recreation Center, located at 1848 Blue Raider Drive.
What is the goal for this year’s blood drive?
This year’s goal is to collect between 800 to 900 units of blood, with a special focus on meeting hospital needs.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Bleed Blue to Beat WKU Blood Drive |
| Date | October 27 – October 29, 2025 |
| Time | Noon – 6 p.m. each day |
| Location | MTSU’s Campus Recreation Center, 1848 Blue Raider Drive |
| Focus | Support for patients with sickle cell disease |
| Incentives | Commemorative T-shirt, $10 eGift Card, Free pizza, Entry in $500 gift card drawing, MTSU football tickets |
| Volunteer Opportunities | Assistance needed for the event; sign-up link available |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
MTSU Hosts Annual Blood Drive to Support Sickle Cell Awareness
MTSU Hosts Annual Blood Drive to Support Sickle Cell Patients
Additional Resources
- WGNS Radio: Bleed Blue to Beat WKU Blood Drive Returns
- Rutherford Source: MTSU Ready to Bleed Blue to Beat WKU
- WGNS Radio: MTSU Bleed Blue Beat WKU Blood Drive
- Wikipedia: Blood Donation
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Blood
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