Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Oct. 28, 2026) — Metallica fans are traveling to Las Vegas from around the world, and many are making blood donation part of their visit. At the Red Cross x Metallica Blood Donation Experience at Fashion Show Las Vegas, donors from Finland, Belgium, Germany, Mexico, Australia, England, Spain and Denmark have joined donors from across the United States to give blood.
In just four weeks, the experience collected 1,187 blood donations, nearly doubling its goal and averaging more than 59 donations a day. The pop-up exceeded its daily target every day it was open. Nearly 65% of donors were first-time donors, more than double the percentage typically seen at Red Cross blood drives.
For Satu Toivonen of Helsinki, Finland, donating blood in Las Vegas was an opportunity to combine two things that matter to her: helping others and her love of music.
“I’ve been a regular blood donor in Finland for many years, so donating blood is something that’s already an important part of my life,” Toivonen said. “Being able to do it while traveling all the way from Finland to see Metallica made the experience even more meaningful. It’s a great reminder that no matter where we come from, we can all do something to help others.”
Metallica Experience Introduces Hundreds to Blood Donation
The strong turnout is especially notable because of the number of people giving blood for the first time. The experience is reaching people who may not have otherwise considered donating, introducing new audiences to the importance of giving blood.
“We knew Metallica fans would show up, but seeing people come from around the world and so many give blood for the first time has been incredible,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “Our hope is that these first-time donors will continue giving blood wherever they live.”
A Backstage Experience for Metallica Fans
The Red Cross x Metallica Blood Donation Experience, sponsored by Delta Air Lines, opened ahead of the band’s residency at Sphere Las Vegas. Created with Metallica and its foundation, All Within My Hands, the pop-up donation center offers fans a backstage-inspired experience while helping the Red Cross collect blood for hospitals and patients.
Visitors can explore Metallica artwork and memorabilia, sit behind a replica drum kit like one used by founding member Lars Ulrich, and enjoy refreshments in the Delta Backstage Lounge. Those who come to give blood receive a limited-edition T-shirt designed by Metallica artist Squindo, while supplies last, and are automatically entered for a chance to win a replica TAMA drum kit.
The experience continues through March 19, 2027, at Fashion Show Las Vegas, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S., on the second level near Dillard’s. Blood donations are scheduled Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. through mid-November. Hours for mid-November through March 2027 will be announced.
Appointments can be scheduled at RedCrossBlood.org/Metallica, through the Red Cross Blood Donor App or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Metallica Partnership Continues to Bring New Donors to the Red Cross
The success in Las Vegas builds on a partnership that began in April 2025, when the Red Cross and Metallica teamed up to hold blood drives at select stops during the U.S. leg of the M72 Tour. The effort quickly expanded nationwide through Give Where You Live, encouraging fans across the country to donate blood.
More than 25,000 blood donations have been collected across the United States through the partnership. Metallica also brought its blood donation efforts to overseas stops on the M72 World Tour, with about 93,000 donations collected worldwide.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
