Cats vs Gators in Kentucky Blood Center’s blood drive

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – With a free T-shirt and chances to win a pair of tickets to the 2016 NCAA Men’s Basketball South Regional, Cats fans are invited to donate to the eighth annual Big Blue Slam Blood Battle.

KBC says five donor centers will be open during special hours – 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., during January 25-29.

“Big Blue Slam is a fun way for Kentucky fans to show up Gator fans, but it’s also a great way to build up the winter blood supply, which has been hurt by lower than expected donations because of cold and flu season and recent winter weather,” said Martha Osborne, Executive Director of Marketing and Recruitment.

Donor centers are listed below, and blood drive locations can be found at kybloodcenter.org.

Beaumont Donor Center

• 3121 Beaumont Centre Circle, Lexington

Andover Donor Center

• 3130 Maple Leaf Drive, Lexington

Middletown Donor Center

• 12905 Shelbyville Road, Louisville

Somerset Donor Center

• 10 Stonegate Centre at Stoplight 16A

Pikeville Donor Center

• 472 S. Mayo Trail

Studies show that one in seven hospital patients will require a blood transfusion during their stay. However, only 37% of the population is eligible to donate blood – and less than 10% does.