San Diego State University and Red Cross to Host 10th Annual Aztecs for Life Blood Drive

(Courtesy of American Red Cross Southern California Region)

For the 10th consecutive year, San Diego State University (SDSU) and the American Red Cross are teaming up to help hospital patients through the Aztecs for Life Blood Drive. The San Diego community is invited to join the Aztecs and CBS 8 on Thursday, November 19, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Viejas Arena. The blood donations collected will help treat cancer patients, trauma victims, surgery patients and others requiring life-impacting blood transfusions.

Over the past nine years, the Aztecs community has donated 2,719 units of blood, helping provide lifesaving care for thousands of hospital patients. The 10th annual blood drive continues its legacy as the largest single-day collegiate blood drive in California, marking a decade of support for patients in need.

“Reaching the 10th Annual Aztecs for Life Blood Drive is an incredible milestone and a testament to the generosity and commitment of our Aztec community,” said Lisa Bynum, Senior Associate Athletic Director of Marketing and New Media, San Diego State University. “For a decade, SDSU has partnered with the Red Cross to help patients that need it most. Together, we’ve built a tradition that has collected thousands of units of blood and helped save countless lives."

The blood collected at this special blood drive will help ensure that the 130 Southern California hospitals that the Red Cross serves – including 20 San Diego hospitals – have the blood products that patients rely on.

"The 10th Annual Aztecs for Life Blood Drive is a powerful example of what can be achieved when community partners unite around a shared mission,” said Vanessa Van Mill, District Manager for American Red Cross Biomedical Services. “Through the dedication from SDSU, CBS 8 and generous blood donors, this event has become the largest single-day collegiate blood drive in California for the Red Cross and has helped meet the ongoing blood needs of hospital patients throughout our region. Together, we are creating hope and healing for those who need it most."

Appointments are recommended and can be made at GoAztecs.com/BloodDrive or by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device, and using sponsor code Aztecs.

Aztecs for Life Blood Drive
San Diego State University - Viejas Arena
Thursday, November 19
9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
5500 Canyon Crest Drive

As a thank-you, those who come to donate blood will receive an Aztecs t-shirt, coupons and additional giveaways from local businesses (while supplies last), a $10 Amazon Gift Card by email, 200 bonus points toward a-maze-ing Blood Donor Rewards, plus successful November 2026 donations will get free A1C testing. (*Terms and additional details can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/Maze.)

How to donate blood
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.