Kentucky takes early lead in ‘Big Blue Slam’

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Kentucky holds a narrow lead over Florida after the first day of Big Blue Slam. Solid Blue fans took a slight edge on the opening day of the 12^th annual blood drive competition, 181 to 167.

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

Kentucky has a 6-5 lead 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.

“We know Big Blue Nation is always ready to roll up their sleeves and go to battle with the Gators,” Martha Osborne, Vice President of Marketing said. “This week we hope to continue to see a great turnout to help alleviate ongoing blood shortages.”

As a thank you for saving a life, Kentucky donors will receive a throwback 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

Blood donors must be at least 17-years-old (16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds, be in general good health, show a photo I.D. and meet additional requirements. Sixteen-year-old donors must have a signed parental permission slip, which can be found at kybloodcenter.org.

Walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a donation or find other donation locations, visit kybloodcenter.org or call 800.775.2522.