Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LOGAN, Utah (Sept. 9, 2026) — A rivalry between Utah State University and Weber State University that has spanned more than two decades is underway again as the schools compete in the annual American Red Cross of Utah Blood Battle.
Utah State kicked off this year’s competition Tuesday, with blood drives continuing through Friday, Sept. 11. Weber State will hold its Blood Battle drives Sept. 14-17.
The Blood Battle began in 2003 and has collected more than 20,000 units of blood since the competition started. Over the past five years alone, the two universities have collected a combined 3,580 units, with Utah State collecting 2,078 and Weber State collecting 1,502 from 2021 through 2025.
“The rivalry between Utah State and Weber State is what makes the Blood Battle fun, but the thousands of units of blood collected over the years is what makes it matter,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter. “As the school year begins, changing routines can make it harder for people to find time to donate. Bringing blood drives directly to campus makes it easier for students, faculty, staff and community members to give.”
2026 Blood Battle
Utah State University
Sept. 8-11, 2026
Use sponsor code BleedBlue when scheduling an appointment.
Weber State University
Sept. 14-17, 2026
Use sponsor code BleedPurple when scheduling an appointment.
Appointments can be scheduled using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, at redcross.org/GiveBlood or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Those who come to give blood or platelets Sept. 1-20, 2026, will receive an exclusive Red Cross × Hello Kitty® plush mascot clip and surprise sticker pack, while supplies last. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/HelloKitty.
Blood Donations Needed as Fall Schedules Get Busier
The national blood supply has improved since the Red Cross declared only the second national blood crisis in its history in late July, but it remains vulnerable. The Red Cross must collect more than 13,000 blood donations each day to meet the needs of hospitals and transfusion centers nationwide.
September can be a challenging month for blood collection as schools reopen and families adjust to new class schedules, sports, after-school activities and other fall commitments.
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.
