Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Oct. 14, 2026) — Metallica is commanding the stage at Sphere Las Vegas, but it’s the band’s fans who are making headlines at the Red Cross x Metallica Blood Donation Experience. In just the first two weeks, the experience collected 640 blood donations, more than double its goal of 300, with nearly 61% coming from first-time donors.
From Sept. 28 through Oct. 9, the experience averaged 64 blood donations per day, more than twice its daily goal of 30. First-time donors accounted for 389 donations, or nearly 61% of the total, compared with the 26% to 31% typically seen at Red Cross blood drives.
The experience also collected 218 type O blood donations, representing more than one-third of the total. Type O blood is especially important in emergency care because O-negative blood can be transfused to patients of any blood type, and O-positive blood is the most frequently transfused blood type.
“We knew Metallica fans would come out to support this, but the number of first-time donors has been incredible,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “We’re reaching people who may never have considered donating blood before. We hope their first donation is the beginning of something they continue doing.”
The Red Cross x Metallica Blood Donation Experience, sponsored by Delta Air Lines, opened ahead of the band’s residency at Sphere. Created with Metallica and its foundation, All Within My Hands, the pop-up donation center offers fans an immersive, 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 just 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.
Red Cross x Metallica Blood Donation Experience
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 Brings New Donors to the Red Cross
The early 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 approximately 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.
