Red Cross and Metallica Partner for Blood Drive at Mohegan Sun

When the American Red Cross and Metallica first teamed up in April 2025 during the U.S. leg of the M72 tour, few realized how large the rock band’s humanitarian footprint would become. Now, the heavy metal legends are pairing up with the Red Cross once again for a three-day blood drive in Connecticut.

Three Days of Giving at Mohegan Sun

The upcoming blood drives are scheduled ahead of the band’s concerts honoring Mohegan Sun Arena’s 25th anniversary. Eligible donors of all blood types, particularly those with type O blood, are encouraged to make appointments for November 18 or November 20-21, 2026. The drives will take place inside the Uncas Ballroom at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut.

According to redcross.org, donors who participate will receive an exclusive Red Cross x Metallica T-shirt designed by Squindo, while supplies last. The event arrives during a notoriously difficult stretch of the year. The final two months bring packed schedules filled with seasonal activities and holiday planning, making regular donation appointments easy to overlook.

Appointments can be booked by visiting rcblood.org/BleedMetallica, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or using the Blood Donor App.

Global Scale of the Metallica Family Partnership

What started as targeted stops on a domestic stadium tour has rapidly expanded into a massive global movement. Following the initial domestic rollout, the campaign widened into a nationwide “Give Where You Live” initiative. Over 25,000 blood donations poured in across the United States alone. Overseas stops on the M72 World Tour also featured dedicated blood donation drives, bringing the worldwide total to approximately 93,000 donations.

“This partnership demonstrates the incredible difference people can make when they come together for a meaningful cause,” said Richard Branigan, CEO of the American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region.

Jeff Hamilton, president and general manager of Mohegan Sun, emphasized that the band’s connection to its supporters extends far beyond arena stages. Hosting the campaign aligns with the venue’s silver anniversary celebrations while tackling a persistent regional health need.

Red Cross Blood Drive Requires Identification and Health Checks

For those planning to attend the Uncasville drive, standard Red Cross eligibility rules apply. A blood donor card, driver’s license, or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Prospective donors must be at least 17 years of age in most states—16 with parental consent where allowed—weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in generally good health. Younger donors must also meet specific height and weight requirements.

To streamline the check-in process, participants can use RapidPass to complete pre-donation reading and health history questionnaires online on the day of their appointment.