Florida enjoys slim lead over Kentucky in Big Blue Slam

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Gators jumped ahead of Kentucky after the first day of Big Blue Slam and leads the 11^th annual blood drive competition by only 27 points, 317 to 290.

Big Blue Slam is the annual blood battle between the Cats and the Gators to see which fans can donate the most blood. The 11^th annual competition week goes through Friday, and is at all Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) donor centers and blood drives.

Kentucky and Florida are tied, 5 to 5, in this yearly challenge between KBC and LifeSouth Community Blood Centers in Gainesville. Big Blue Slam helps to encourage blood donors when winter weather and flu season can hamper donations.

“Even though the Gators have the lead after one day, we know the Big Blue Nation is ready to roll up their sleeves and save lives the rest of the week,” said Martha Osborne, Kentucky Blood Center’s Vice President of Marketing.

As a thank you for saving a life, Kentucky donors will receive a long-sleeve Big Blue Slam T-shirt.

Donors may give at any KBC mobile blood drive or donor center. KBC donor centers, which will be open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for Slam week, are listed below:

Andover Donor Center

3130 Maple Leaf Drive, Lexington

Beaumont Donor Center

3121 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington

Hillview Donor Center

5406 Antle Drive, Louisville

Middletown Donor Center

12905 Shelbyville Road, Louisville

Pikeville Donor Center

472 S. Mayo Trail, Pikeville

Somerset Donor Center

10 Stonegate Centre (Stoplight 16A), Somerset