Metallica and American Red Cross Partner for Mohegan Sun Blood Drive

Metallica Teams Up With the American Red Cross for Connecticut Blood Drives

Following a lifesaving collaboration that launched last year, the American Red Cross and Metallica are joining forces once again for a three-day blood drive ahead of the band’s upcoming concerts in Connecticut.

The upcoming drives are scheduled around Metallica’s concerts celebrating the 25th anniversary of Mohegan Sun Arena. Eligible donors of all blood types—with a particular need for type O blood—are encouraged to book appointments for November 18, November 20, or November 21, 2026. The events will take place inside the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Everyone who comes out to donate will receive an exclusive Red Cross and Metallica T-shirt designed by Squindo, while supplies last. The partnership aims to bolster blood supplies during a time of year when donations often slow down due to holiday planning and busy schedules.

From the M72 Tour to a Global Movement

Metallica’s involvement with blood donations began in April 2025 during the U.S. leg of their “M72” tour. Soon, the initiative widened across the country, allowing supporters nationwide to join through the Give Where You Live campaign.

Our #BleedingMe blood drives, in partnership with the American Red Cross and All Within My Hands, are coming to Mohegan Sun next month!Registration is now open at https://t.co/JVYBLT2ubY, and everyone who comes to donate will receive an exclusive Metallica T-shirt designed by… pic.twitter.com/e1W78dlmmf

— https://x.com/Metallica/status/2115398285225545817

That initial push resulted in more than 25,000 blood donations collected across the United States. The movement eventually went global as the band encouraged fans to donate at overseas stops during their world tour, bringing the worldwide total to approximately 93,000 blood donations.

Richard Branigan, CEO, American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region, pointed to the tangible impact of the ongoing partnership.

“This partnership demonstrates the incredible difference people can make when they come together for a meaningful cause,” Branigan said. “We look forward to welcoming donors to Mohegan Sun, celebrating the generosity of the METALLICA family and helping save lives through blood donation.”

Jeff Hamilton, president and general manager of Mohegan Sun, echoed those sentiments regarding the venue’s role in hosting the campaign.

“METALLICA’s connection with its fans goes far beyond the stage, and we’re honored to host the continuation of their blood drive campaign that has collected tens of thousands of donations worldwide,” Hamilton said.

Schedule and Donation Details

The Red Cross and Metallica blood drives will take place at Mohegan Sun on the following dates and times:

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Wednesday, Nov. 18: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 20: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 21: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Donors can make an appointment by visiting rcblood.org/BleedMetallica, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Blood Donor App. A blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in.

Generally, individuals who are 17 years of age in most states—or 16 with parental consent where allowed by state law—who weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate. Specific height and weight criteria also apply to donors aged 18 and younger, including high school students.

Donors can make their visit more efficient by utilizing RapidPass to finish the online health history questionnaire and pre-donation reading on their appointment date.