The Tennessee Titans and the American Red Cross are turning Nissan Stadium's West Club into a one-day blood center on Wednesday, March 18, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., in a push to rebuild a local supply still strained after January's deadly ice storm. Donors who give in March are eligible for a free A1C test and a $15 Amazon gift card sent by email. Organizers say all blood types are badly needed and remind donors to bring a photo ID, eat beforehand and stay hydrated.
When and where to give
According to WSMV, the drive runs from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, inside the Nissan Stadium West Club. Organizers are urging people to make an appointment through the Red Cross website using sponsor code TITANS, though walk-ins will still be welcomed as space allows.
Why this matters now
Late-January's Winter Storm Fern knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of residents and was linked to dozens of deaths across Tennessee, leaving hospitals and blood banks stretched thin, The Weather Channel reported. Metro Nashville’s Office of Emergency Management has continued coordinating recovery and relief efforts, and officials say community blood donations are a key part of keeping that response going.
What donors get and who’s speaking
Titans Vice President of Cause Marketing Josh Corey said, “Our area is facing a critically low blood supply following Winter Storm Fern,” while Joel Valdez of the American Red Cross added, “Donating blood is one of the most direct, lifesaving ways to support your community,” as reported by WSMV. The outlet also noted that March donors receive a free A1C test and a $15 Amazon gift card via email.
Donor eligibility and how to prepare
The American Red Cross advises that donors be in generally good health and meet basic age and weight requirements, and it recommends using RapidPass to complete the pre-donation questionnaire online to speed up check-in. Full eligibility rules, preparation tips and other local drive listings are available through the Red Cross.
Organizers say Titans fans and neighbors alike can help stabilize the local blood supply by giving at Nissan Stadium on March 18 or at other Red Cross drives throughout the month. Appointments and more information are available on the Red Cross site using sponsor code TITANS.
