Nebraska Athletics and Sam Griesel to Host Blood Drive at Memorial Stadium

Nebraska Athletics partners with American Red Cross to host community blood drive on Feb. 17

Lincoln, NE — Nebraska Athletics and Husker basketball player Sam Griesel will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Friday, February 17th from Noon to 6 p.m. The drive will take place in the West Stadium Club of Memorial Stadium. 

In November of 2021, while playing for North Dakota State, Griesel suffered a bleeding stomach ulcer that resulted in him needing a blood transfusion. Griesel returned to the starting lineup for the Bison just weeks later thanks to a successful four-hour transfusion. Now playing for his hometown school, Griesel wants to bring awareness to the national blood shortage and encourage members of the community to donate blood at the drive on February 17th. 

“This is really important to me because, as many people know, I went through my own health scare in which a blood transfusion was necessary for my recovery.” Griesel explained.  “Through my experience, I learned about blood donation shortages we have across the country. I was so grateful that someone took time out of their day to donate blood so that I could feel better. I’d like to use my platform to help spread awareness for this issue.” 

Blood is a perishable product that can only come from volunteer blood donors. With someone in the U.S. needing blood every two seconds, blood products must be constantly replenished, according to the Red Cross.  Donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with types O negative, A negative and B negative. 

For more information or to make an appointment to donate at this drive, sign up online at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=UNLAthletics