Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 1, 2025) — The American Red Cross is giving football fans the chance to win tickets to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans while making a lifesaving impact. Starting today, every Red Cross blood donor who gives by Jan. 26, will be automatically entered for a chance to win the Super Bowl Sweepstakes package.
“This isn’t just about football, it’s about helping to saving lives,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Our partnership with the NFL showcases the amazing things that can happen when people come together to help others. Every blood donation can help save lives, and this year, it could also lead to the ultimate Super Bowl experience.”
Super Bowl Sweepstakes
With tickets for Super Bowl LIX already selling for as much as $25,000, this unique opportunity combines the excitement of football’s biggest game with the lifesaving act of blood donation.
Donors who give blood between Jan. 1-26, 2025, will automatically be entered to win a trip for two to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. The prize includes tickets to in-stadium pre-game activities on game day, access to the official Super Bowl Experience, round-trip airfare, three-night hotel accommodations (February 7-10, 2025), and a $1,000 gift card for expenses. For full details and eligibility information, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl.
Donors can easily find a nearby blood drive or donation center and schedule an appointment using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Challenges Facing Blood Supply
The beginning of the year is one of the most difficult periods for collecting blood donations. Severe winter weather often leads to widespread blood drive cancellations, affecting the ability to maintain a steady blood supply. Meanwhile, an active cold and flu season prevents many people from donating as they recover from illness.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a sharp increase in respiratory illnesses across the country. COVID-19, influenza, and RSV have been spreading rapidly in recent weeks, as millions of Americans gathered for the holidays.
“Donating blood is a simple but powerful way to bring comfort and hope to patients facing serious health challenges,” said Lafranca. “At this time of year, every donation becomes a priceless gift. It helps meet critical needs and uplifts our entire community.”
Supporting Patient Needs Nationwide and Locally
The American Red Cross provides 40% of the nation’s blood supply, supporting over 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers. Locally, nearly 45 hospitals in Utah rely on Red Cross donations to meet patient needs. Every day, the American Red Cross must collect about 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations to serve those in need.
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.