SOUTH CAROLINA (November 13, 2025) — This November, The University of South Carolina, Clemson University and the American Red Cross invite students, alumni, and fans to join in the 41st annual Carolina-Clemson Blood Battle. Since 1984, the annual blood battle challenge has yielded more than 120,000 units of blood to support those battling cancer, undergoing transplant surgery, and other patients in need.

The blood drive competition is set for will take place from Monday, November 17th, through Friday, November 21st. Eligible blood donors of all types are encouraged to make an appointment to give at a donation location by visiting redcrossblood.org and using sponsor code “GAMECOCKS” or “CLEMSON.”

NEW for 2025: Gamecocks and Tigers fans across the state are invited to show their school spirit by giving blood at Red Cross donor center locations in Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Charleston. Vote for your university, and you too can receive a commemorative long-sleeve blood battle t-shirt, while supplies last!  

Blood Battle locations and hours the week of Nov 17 – 21:  

• University of South Carolina locations: Mon – Thu 10AM – 6PM & Fri 10AM – 4PM 

• Russell House - 1400 Greene St. 

• Close Hipp Building - 1705 College St. 

• Clemson University – Riggs Hall 333 Calhoun Dr

Mon – Thu 10AM – 6PM and Fri 10AM – 4PM

• American Red Cross Donor Centers: 

• Columbia Red Cross Blood and Platelet Donation Center – 2751 Bull St  
  Mon – Wed 11AM – 7PM, Thu 9AM – 5PM, and Fri 6AM – 2PM 

• Charleston - West Ashley Donor Center – 2000 Sam Rittenberg Blvd

Tue – Wed 11AM – 7PM, Thu 9AM – 5PM, and Fri 7AM – 3PM 

• Mt. Pleasant Donor Center – 920 Houston Northcutt Blvd, Mount Pleasant 
  Mon – Tue 11AM – 7PM and Fri 7AM – 3PM 

• Myrtle Beach Red Cross Donor Center – 3681 Renee Drive, Unit #4  
  Mon 7AM – 3PM, Tue 9AM – 5PM, Wed 11AM – 7PM, Thu 9AM – 5PM, and   
  Fri 7AM – 3PM 

GIVE BLOOD, GET THANKS All presenting blood donors at Red Cross donation locations on campus and at Red Cross donor centers statewide will receive a Blood Battle T-shirt, while supplies last. Plus, show off your lifesaving impact with exclusive Red Cross x PAC-MAN socks! Score a classic pair when you come to give blood at the Blood Bowl, while they last.^ In addition, all presenting blood donors will receive a commemorative long-sleeve T-shirt, while supplies last!* 

YOU CAN BE THE LIFELINE FOR PATIENTS IN NEED: You can feel great about giving blood with the Red Cross knowing that your gift of life will go first to serve 34 hospitals in South Carolina, and then because of our national network, we’re able to send blood products wherever they’re needed most – including in times of disaster. When you give blood with the Red Cross, the single largest blood provider in the United States, you’re not only helping to save lives right here in South Carolina, you’re also supporting many essential community services. When a neighbor loses everything in a home fire, when a military family needs to contact their service member overseas in an emergency, when first responders need lifesaving skills training, the Red Cross is there. 

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 (16 with parental consent in some states), 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 donors can now 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, prior to arriving at the blood drive. To get started and learn more, visit redcrossblood.org/RapidPass and follow the instructions on the site. 

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 follow us on Twitter at @RedCross.