Red Cross offers free tickets to circus to encourage Hoosier blood donations

INDIANAPOLIS — The hour it takes to give blood can mean a lifetime to a person with serious medical needs. That’s why two organizations are teaming up in downtown Indianapolis to host a blood drive.

The American Red Cross and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus are partnering to host the “Give Thanks Blood Drive” on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the lobby of the fieldhouse, and all donors will receive a free ticket to “The Greatest Show on Earth” circus at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Dec. 1-3.

Donors must have a driver’s license or two other forms of identification to check in. 

Those who donate must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. High school students and other donors 18 years old and younger must meet certain height and weight requirements.

If you can’t make it to the event, Red Cross also offers donations by appointment. To schedule your donation, click here. Make sure to use the code “ringlingbrosindy” to get free tickets.

And as an added bonus, those who donate at Red Cross locations from Nov. 10-30 will receive a free pair of “Elf” socks to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the holiday film, while supplies last. For more information on this donation event, click here.