Clemson to host 42nd annual Blood Bowl on campus

A student gives a donation during the 2024 blood bowl A student gives a donation during the 2024 blood bowl
Student Affairs

The 42nd annual Blood Bowl is taking place from Monday, Nov. 16 to Friday, Nov. 20 with donation centers located all across campus.  

The Blood Bowl is put on by Clemson’s chapter of Alpha Phi Omega through a partnership with The Blood Connection and American Red Cross. Blood donations go exclusively to hospitals in the Upstate, including Greenville and Spartanburg counties. 

For over 41 years, the Clemson Tigers and South Carolina Gamecocks have been competing against each other in the blood donation battle for the greater good. Between the two schools, over 180,000 donations have been collected over the years. During the 2025 drive, Clemson reported over 3,669 pints of blood collected compared to South Carolina’s 1,997. The score is currently 22-18 Clemson, with the Tigers in possession of the trophy from last year’s drive.

2025 Blood Bowl co-chairs hold up the trophy on Clemson's Library Bridge on a sunny day
Clemson has hoisted the Blood Bowl trophy 22 times.

In order to participate, donors must meet the following requirements: 

  • Be at least 17 years old 
  • Not be taking any antibiotics 
  • Be in good health 
  • Weigh at least 110 pounds 
  • Cannot have donated within the last 8 weeks (56 days) 

Eligible participants can schedule a donation time online.  

Senior civil engineering major Amanda Gettings and junior performing arts major Caroline Plumb are serving as this year’s Blood Bowl co-chairs after years of involvement with Alpha Phi Omega. 

“My favorite part of Blood Bowl is getting to see someone that’s never donated walk out with a smile on their face,” says Gettings. 

This year, donors will receive the free sweatshirt designed by Alpha Phi Omega scouting chair Blake Peeler alongside an assortment of giveaways, including a free scoop of ice cream and coupons for a local car wash and retail restaurant item.  

“It makes you part of something on campus and it’s great to see everyone come together for the community,” Plumb says. 

Each donation saves three lives and helps Clemson beat its rival, the University of South Carolina. 

Students, faculty, staff and community members are encouraged to give if they are able. Visit the CU Blood Bowl Instagram account for more information.