For second straight year, Little Caesars Arena Via Concourse will be the setting for one of southeastern Michigan’s largest blood drives



Community encouraged to register at Redcrossblood.org to help prevent blood supply shortages

DETROIT – An emergency blood shortage is prompting the American Red Cross, in a partnership with Little Caesars Arena and Meijer, to hold one of the largest blood drives in Michigan at the award-winning venue on Tuesday, August 13.

Blood donors are needed now to help avoid delays in lifesaving medical care for patients this summer. Right now, blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. More donations are immediately needed to help replenish the blood supply.

For the second straight year, Little Caesars Arena is proud to host the event in the 60,000 square foot street-level Via concourse. Everyone who comes to donate will receive a pair of complimentary tickets to a Detroit Red Wings and Pistons preseason game, along with the opportunity to win other exciting prizes.

“The need for blood is constant. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion,” said Beth Frahm, account manager with the American Red Cross. “We are thrilled to again partner with the Ilitch organization and Meijer to ensure blood products are available to those in need.”

The blood drive is one of many community initiatives supported by Ilitch Charities and the Detroit Red Wings Foundation.

“We are honored to welcome the American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan back to Little Caesars Arena for this very important blood drive,” said Chris Granger, Group President, Sports & Entertainment, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. “We look forward to another well-attended event as Detroiters do their part to help save lives in our region and across the country.”

American Red Cross Blood Drive at Little Caesars Arena Presented by Meijer

What: One of southeastern Michigan’s largest blood drives

Who: American Red Cross, Little Caesars Arena and Meijer

Where: Little Caesars Arena

When: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., August 13, 2019

Parking: Parking is available for donors free of charge at the Henry West Garage located at 128 W. Fisher Service Drive

Additional Information: Schedule an appointment to donate at Redcrossblood.org with the sponsor code LCA313.

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) 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.

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, 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 has earned or been directly affiliated with 18 awards, including the prestigious Sports Facility of the Year 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.

About Meijer

Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 245 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the “one-stop shopping” concept and has evolved through the years to included expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and electronics. For additional information on Meijer, please visit www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer and @twitter.com/MeijerPR or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.