August 21, 2002 — Not only will the University of Utah’s football team go head to head with the Utah State University (USU) Aggies in Logan next week, both university communities, long-time, instate rivals, will go for the most blood–literally–in a competitive blood drive prior to the Aug. 31 game. The winner will secure bragging rights and both schools will replenish much-needed local blood supplies.

Marshall Welch, director of the U’s Bennion Center, one of the University’s campus agencies sponsoring the “Bleed Red for the Community” project, says “USU challenged the University to the blood drive to see which school could collect the most blood prior to the game, and we took up the challenge. Our goal is to collect 300 pints of blood, which will benefit the entire community. We urge all students, faculty, staff and alumni to participate in this effort, which will run Monday, Aug. 26, through Friday, Aug. 30.”

“Bleed Red for the Community” is sponsored by the University’s Student Health Service, the Bennion Community Service Center, Athletics Department and ARUP Blood Services, a local, independent community blood provider serving University of Utah Hospital & Clinics, Primary Children’s Medical Center, Shriners Hospital for Children and the Huntsman Cancer Institute.

On Monday, Aug. 26, from 10 until 11 a.m., University of Utah Head Football Coach Ron McBride and several Ute players will discuss the upcoming Utah-USU football game. The event will take place in the Rice-Eccles Stadium Tower (sixth level), located at 451 South 1400 East.

The campus community can donate blood at the following times and places:

Monday, Aug. 26, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Rice-Eccles Stadium Tower, level 6, and at The Blood Vessel, ARUP’s mobile blood collection bus, in the Rice-Eccles Stadium parking lot.

Tuesday, Aug. 27, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., The Blood Vessel, located on the Bookstore/Marriott Library Plaza.

Wednesday, Aug. 28, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., John A. Moran Eye Center, in the first-floor Moran Auditorium.

Thursday, Aug. 29, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., LDS Institute Cultural Hall; and from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. at The Blood Vessel at Heritage Center.

Friday, Aug. 30, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., East Ballroom, Olpin Union Building.

Donors must bring photo identification. For questions about donating blood, call 801-583-2787, extension 2647 or visit www.utahblood.org.