LAS VEGAS — The American Red Cross has announced that its partnership with the heavy‑metal band Metallica at Fashion Show Mall has far exceeded expectations. From Sept. 28 through Oct. 9, the Red Cross × Metallica Blood Donation Experience collected 640 blood donations, averaging 64 donations per day—well above the original daily goal of 30.
First‑time donors lead the surge
Nearly 61% of the donations came from first‑time donors, a testament to the event’s ability to reach people who might never have considered giving blood before. “We knew Metallica fans would come out to support this, but the number of first‑time donors has been incredible,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter. “We’re reaching people who may never have considered donating blood before. We hope their first donation is the beginning of something they continue doing.”
Critical type O donations
The drive also secured 218 type O blood donations, a type especially vital for emergency care across the region.
Event details and incentives
The pop‑up donation center, located on the second level of Fashion Show Las Vegas near Dillard’s, will remain open through March 19 2027. Appointments are scheduled Monday‑Friday, noon to 6 p.m., with additional hours to be announced for the winter months. Donors receive a limited‑edition T‑shirt while supplies last and are entered for a chance to win a replica TAMA drum kit.
How to participate
Residents can schedule an appointment at RedCrossBlood.org/Metallica. The collaboration highlights how community events and popular culture can boost life‑saving blood donations, reinforcing the Red Cross’s mission to meet the region’s medical needs.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
