Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 1, 2026) — The American Red Cross is teaming up with the NFL to offer football fans a chance to attend Super Bowl LX in the San Francisco Bay Area. Beginning today, anyone who donates blood or platelets by Jan. 25, 2026, will be automatically entered to win the Super Bowl LX Gridiron Giving Giveaway while helping support the nation’s fragile blood supply.
The Super Bowl LX Gridiron Giving Giveaway comes during one of the most challenging times of year for blood collection. Winter storms, travel disruptions and an active cold and flu season often reduce donor turnout, even as hospitals continue to rely on a steady blood supply for emergency care, surgeries and ongoing treatments.
“Blood donors play a vital role in ensuring patients receive the care they need, especially during the winter months when donations often decline,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of Utah Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “This giveaway is our way of saying thank you to those who step up to help during this critical time.”
Super Bowl Giveaway Details
Donors who give blood or platelets between Jan. 1 and Jan. 25, 2026, will be automatically entered to win a Super Bowl LX prize package. The winner will receive two tickets to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, California, access to official pre-game events and the Super Bowl Experience, airfare, a three-night hotel stay from Feb. 6–9, 2026, and a $1,000 gift card to help cover expenses. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for details.
Blood donation remains one of the most direct ways to support patient care. Donors can schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcross.org/GiveBlood or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Winter Challenges to the Blood Supply
The start of the year is historically one of the most difficult periods for maintaining a stable blood supply. Severe winter weather frequently leads to canceled blood drives, while cold, flu and other respiratory illnesses keep many otherwise healthy donors from being able to give. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported increases in respiratory illnesses nationwide, trends that can further reduce donor availability at a time when blood inventories are already under strain.
Despite these challenges, the need for blood remains constant. The Red Cross supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, supporting more than 2,500 hospitals and transfusion centers across the country. In Utah, nearly 45 hospitals rely on Red Cross donations to meet patient needs. To maintain the blood supply, the Red Cross must collect approximately 12,500 blood donations and 3,000 platelet donations every day.
Urgent Need for Type O, A Negative and B Negative Blood
While all blood types are needed, the Red Cross is urgently seeking donors with type O, A negative, and B negative blood. O positive, the most frequently transfused type, is vital for 85% of patients, while O negative, the universal blood type, is critical in emergencies. B negative, found in less than 2% of the population, and A negative, present in only 6%, are both rare and essential for patients with limited compatibility options.
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.
