Columbus Crew, Versiti host “I Bleed Black & Gold” Blood Drive, presented by OhioHealth, at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field on July 9

COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew, in partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Ohio, will host the I Bleed Black & Gold Blood Drive, presented by OhioHealth, on Thursday, July 9, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the River Club at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field. Supporters are invited to donate blood, help save lives across Central Ohio and show that they truly bleed Black & Gold. Complimentary parking will be available in the North Lot.Â

Now in its third year at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the blood drive highlights the Club's ongoing commitment to supporting the health and well-being of the Columbus community. Every blood donation collected during the drive will remain in Central Ohio to help local patients in need.Â

Blood donations often decline during the summer months as vacations and holiday schedules disrupt regular donation habits, while the need for blood remains constant. Community blood drives help ensure local hospitals have the blood products they need for surgeries, trauma care, cancer treatments and other lifesaving procedures. Every donor makes a difference, as each donation can save up to three lives.   Â

"We believe the strength of our Club is measured not only by what happens on the pitch, but by the impact we make throughout our community," said Stephanie Cedeño, Vice President of Community Relations for the Columbus Crew. "Every blood donation has the potential to save lives, and we're proud to partner with OhioHealth and Versiti to provide our supporters another meaningful way to give back.”Â

“Every day across OhioHealth, blood donations make it possible for our teams to perform lifesaving surgeries, respond to traumatic injuries and care for patients facing some of the most critical moments of their lives,” said Shay O’Mara, MD, Clinical Vice President of Surgery, OhioHealth Clinical Enterprise. “The need for blood never takes a day off, especially during the busy summer months. We’re grateful to partner with the Columbus Crew and Versiti to make it easy for our community to step up, donate and help ensure this lifesaving resource is available when patients need it most.  We know Crew supporters from decades of partnership, and we know they'll always step up and help!"Â

“Similar to soccer, donating blood is a team effort because every blood donation significantly increases the chances of survival for patients in critical conditions,” said Joe Gantz, Versiti Blood Center of Ohio area vice president and director of donor services. “We are grateful to the Columbus Crew and their dedicated fans for contributing to a collective effort that saves lives.”Â

In addition to helping save lives, all registered donors will receive an exclusive co-branded I Bleed Black & Gold t-shirt while supplies last and will be entered to win four tickets to the Crew's Hell is Real Derby match against FC Cincinnati on July 25, as well as a team-signed Crew jersey. Donors can also enjoy complimentary tours of ScottsMiracle-Gro Field from noon to 1 p.m. during the event.Â

Supporters are encouraged to schedule their donation appointment in advance by visiting: https://versiti.org/get-involved/featured-blood-drives/columbus-crew-blood-drive.Â

Versiti has their fourth and final blood drive of the year scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5, when Crew supporters and Chicago Fire fans will compete to see which club can donate the most blood ahead of the teams' Decision Day matchup on Nov. 7.