The District Detroit and American Red Cross to Host Blood Drive at Little Caesars Arena August 9
Little Caesars Arena Via Concourse to be the setting for one of southeastern Michigan’s largest blood drives
Community encouraged to register at Redcrossblood.org to prevent blood supply shortage
DETROIT – An emergency blood shortage is prompting the American Red Cross, The District Detroit and Meijer Inc. to hold one of the largest blood drives in Michigan at the state-of-the-art Little Caesars Arena on Thursday, August 9. The Red Cross has issued an urgent call for eligible donors of all blood types – especially type O – to give now and help save lives. Blood donations are now being distributed to hospitals faster than they are coming in.
The event will take place in the arena’s 60,000 square foot street-level Via concourse amid the heritage of the Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Pistons. All presenting donors will receive tickets to sporting events, concerts and other giveaways. They will also receive discounts to the arena’s Team Store as well as Mike’s Pizza Bar; Sports & Social Detroit; Kid Rock’s Made in Detroit and the District Market and be entered to win additional prizes such as team autographed items.
“Donating blood is always important. Participating in this setting will also have a fun feel for our volunteers and our donors,” said Beth Frahm, Donor Resource Development Representative, American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan. “We’d like to thank the entire Ilitch organization and Meijer for supporting our work to help save lives right here in southeastern Michigan.”
The blood drive is one of many community initiatives supported by Ilitch Charities and the Detroit Red Wings Foundation.
“The unique design of Little Caesars Arena makes it a valuable community asset for a wide variety of events in addition to the larger sporting events and concerts,” said Chris Granger, Group President, Sports & Entertainment, Ilitch Holdings, Inc. “We’d like to thank the American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan for this opportunity to support those in need in our community.”
The District Detroit Blood Drive at Little Caesars Arena Presented by Meijer
What: One of southeastern Michigan’s largest blood drives
Who: American Red Cross, The District Detroit and Meijer, Inc.
Where: Little Caesars Arena
When: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., August 9, 2018
Parking: Parking is available for donors free of charge at the Henry West Garage located at 128 W. Fisher Service Drive
Additional Information: Registration is required 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), sponsor code: LCA313 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.
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, from a computer or mobile device. 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 in the heart of The District Detroit 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. The District Detroit unites world-class theaters, four professional sports teams and three professional sports venues including Little Caesars Arena in one vibrant, walkable destination for people who want to live, work and play in a dynamic urban environment. Little Caesars Arena received the prestigious Sports Facility of the Year award 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 The District Detroit
The District Detroit is a dynamic urban destination in the heart of Detroit. One that includes something for everyone—a dense neighborhood experience with a variety of developments alongside Detroit’s premiere sports and entertainment venues. Connecting downtown Detroit to growing nearby neighborhoods such as Midtown, Corktown and Brush Park, The District Detroit is having a dramatic economic impact on Detroit and is a driving catalyst of the city’s remarkable resurgence. The District Detroit has delivered $1.4 billion in new investment to Detroit including the new Little Caesars Arena, Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University and Little Caesars world headquarters campus expansion. Additionally, new office, residential and retail spaces will continue to add momentum to Detroit’s amazing comeback for years to come.
About Meijer
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates more than 235 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.