University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers to Participate in Abbott, Big Ten Conference’s ‘We Give Blood’ Drive
8/29/2025 4:35:00 PM | Athletics
The winning school will receive $1 million from Abbott to advance student or community health, awarded at the Big Ten Football Championship Game Dec. 6
Minneapolis – Gopher Athletics is proud to join forces with Abbott and the Big Ten Conference in the second annual "We Give Blood" drive competition, uniting to help tackle one of the nations' most urgent health challenges. The competition aims to encourage a new generation of blood donors and while saving thousands of lives along the way.
Someone needs blood every 2 seconds, yet some blood centers have less than a 1-day supply available. The need for blood is constant whether for trauma victims, mothers experiencing complications after childbirth, or individuals receiving cancer treatment. As people get older, they become less likely to be eligible to donate blood. At the same time, the number of young people donating blood has been falling in recent years. But Abbott, the Big Ten Conference and Gopher Athletics along with multimedia rightsholders Learfield and Gopher Sports Properties are calling on students, fans and alumni to change that.
"Donating blood is a powerful way Golden Gophers support one another," said Darren Irby, Executive Director of Brand Partnerships, American Red Cross. "Each blood donation can help save more than one life, but we need more people to donate. We're calling on Gophers across Minnesota and beyond to dig deep, give back and make Minnesota proud."
The 'We Give Blood' drive competition puts rivalry and school spirit to the test among all 18 Big Ten universities in a race to see which school can donate the most blood
So show up and donate this 2025 season, rep your Golden Gophers pride and save lives!
To participate in the competition, University of Minnesota students, fans and alumni can donate anytime between Aug. 27-Dec. 5 at blood drives or blood centers across the U.S.
This year's competition brings even more chances for Minnesota to ignite school spirit and inspire first time donors. People who show up to donate and log their donation during the competition – including on national fan holiday College Colors Day on Aug. 29 – can receive an exclusive, limited-edition Minnesota T-shirt designed by Homefield.*
Make Your Donation Count
Logging a donation for University of Minnesota is easier than ever. After you donate, you can submit your donation at BigTen.Org/Abbott or text "DONATE" to ABBOTT (222688).
The winner of the "We Give Blood" drive will be announced at the Big Ten Championship Game on Dec. 6 in Indianapolis. The winning school will receive $1 million from Abbott to advance student or community health. Donations will be tracked on a live leaderboard at BigTen.Org/Abbott throughout the campaign.
Let's roll up our sleeves and show what it means for the Golden Gophers.
* Any potential incentives related to this program are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. T-shirts are available while supplies last. For terms and conditions, visit our website at BigTen.org/Abbott.
Someone needs blood every 2 seconds, yet some blood centers have less than a 1-day supply available. The need for blood is constant whether for trauma victims, mothers experiencing complications after childbirth, or individuals receiving cancer treatment. As people get older, they become less likely to be eligible to donate blood. At the same time, the number of young people donating blood has been falling in recent years. But Abbott, the Big Ten Conference and Gopher Athletics along with multimedia rightsholders Learfield and Gopher Sports Properties are calling on students, fans and alumni to change that.
"Donating blood is a powerful way Golden Gophers support one another," said Darren Irby, Executive Director of Brand Partnerships, American Red Cross. "Each blood donation can help save more than one life, but we need more people to donate. We're calling on Gophers across Minnesota and beyond to dig deep, give back and make Minnesota proud."
The 'We Give Blood' drive competition puts rivalry and school spirit to the test among all 18 Big Ten universities in a race to see which school can donate the most blood
So show up and donate this 2025 season, rep your Golden Gophers pride and save lives!
To participate in the competition, University of Minnesota students, fans and alumni can donate anytime between Aug. 27-Dec. 5 at blood drives or blood centers across the U.S.
This year's competition brings even more chances for Minnesota to ignite school spirit and inspire first time donors. People who show up to donate and log their donation during the competition – including on national fan holiday College Colors Day on Aug. 29 – can receive an exclusive, limited-edition Minnesota T-shirt designed by Homefield.*
Make Your Donation Count
Logging a donation for University of Minnesota is easier than ever. After you donate, you can submit your donation at BigTen.Org/Abbott or text "DONATE" to ABBOTT (222688).
The winner of the "We Give Blood" drive will be announced at the Big Ten Championship Game on Dec. 6 in Indianapolis. The winning school will receive $1 million from Abbott to advance student or community health. Donations will be tracked on a live leaderboard at BigTen.Org/Abbott throughout the campaign.
Let's roll up our sleeves and show what it means for the Golden Gophers.
* Any potential incentives related to this program are non-transferable and not redeemable for cash. T-shirts are available while supplies last. For terms and conditions, visit our website at BigTen.org/Abbott.
Cub Plays of the Year
Monday, July 14
2024-25 Gopher Sports Year in Review
Wednesday, July 09
Kostas Zaltos
Wednesday, May 14
Gophers Spend a Day at CLA
Wednesday, March 26