Murfreesboro, TN - It’s that time of year again when school spirit meets lifesaving service. Middle Tennessee State University is gearing up for its annual “Bleed Blue to Beat WKU” blood drive, a friendly but fierce competition with Western Kentucky University to see who can collect the most blood donations. The drive runs Monday through Wednesday, Oct. 27–29, from noon to 6 p.m. each day at MTSU’s Campus Recreation Center on Blue Raider Drive.

This year’s effort carries extra heart: a special focus on helping patients with sickle cell disease, a condition that affects about 100,000 Americans, most of whom are Black or African American. Gene Baker with the American Red Cross says matching blood types—especially from Black donors—can make all the difference for these patients.

The stakes are high, but the rewards are sweet. Donors will receive a commemorative T-shirt, a $10 eGift Card, free pizza, and a shot at one of three $500 gift cards. Football fans, take note—MTSU game tickets are also up for grabs. And yes, walk-ins are welcome, but signing up ahead of time is encouraged.

Last year, MTSU edged out WKU by 36 units, collecting 405 pints of blood. Since the rivalry began in 2010, the two schools have teamed up to collect nearly 13,000 units—enough to potentially save 38,000 lives across the region.

Free parking is available for off-campus donors at MT One Stop, and volunteers are still needed to help run the event. Whether you’re a student, alum, or neighbor, this is your chance to roll up your sleeves and be part of something bigger than a scoreboard.

Because in this game, every drop counts.