ENGLEWOOD, Colo. --The Broncos on Tuesday, Oct. 13 will host Drive for Life 18, Bonfils Blood Center's annual Denver Broncos Community Blood Drive, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.
Drive for Life is Colorado's largest single-day community blood drive. In the event's 17 years almost 33,00 donors have participated, supporting more than 94,000 patients in need of blood.
"It takes about 3,000 donations a week for Bonfils to have adequate blood supply for the needs of patients in Colorado and beyond," said Manager of Community Development Liz Mannis. "Last year we actually got almost a thousand donations the day of, so we're hoping to hit that 1,000 donation mark and people who come to the stadium tomorrow between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., they don't need an appointment.
The Broncos, in conjunction with 9NEWS, Sports Radio 104.3 The Fan and The Denver Post, sponsor the event.
Donors will be escorted by Broncos players and will also have the chance to meet cheerleaders, Miles the Mascot and Stix, the Denver Outlaws' mascot. There will also be interactive games, activities and a chance for fans to take photos with the team's two Super Bowl trophies.
"People who donate will actually have access to the fan zone, which is really fun," Mannis said. "There's interactive games and opportunities to meet players. Last year people who donated blood got to actually play corn hole and football toss with our Broncos. It's just a really fun day and a cool way to save lives with us."
All donors will receive goodie bags filled with a T-shirt, lapel pin and laser-signed Peyton Manning photo.
Fans can also take a guided, behind-the-scenes stadium tour for a $20 tax-deductible donation, benefitting Bonfils Blood Center.
"One of the great things about giving blood is that it does not discriminate," Mannis said. "People of all ages, genders, backgrounds, need blood transfusions on a daily basis. So really it's the most selfless way to give back and it's great that we've partnered with Bonfils for 18 years now."
Bonfils does not take appointments for donations, but donors are strongly encouraged to see if they are eligible to give blood by calling Bonfils' Donor Relations Department at 303-363-2202 or visiting bonfils.org prior to attending Tuesday's Drive for Life.
Parking is free and available on the west side of the stadium in Lots C and J. Donors should enter the stadium through Gate 2, which is also located on the west side of the stadium.
