Be a Hero and Save Lives at Comic-Con 49th Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive

Donating Blood at Comic-Con Blood Drive 2025

Who can donate blood at San Diego Comic-Con?
To donate blood, you must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and be in general good health.

Read about blood donation requirements and find answers to our Frequently Asked Questions.

Still, have questions? We’re here to help! Call (619) 400-8251 or email donorservices@sdbb.org.

We will be accepting two types of donations: whole blood donations (most common) and double red cell donations from donors who meet the eligibility criteria and have a little extra time.

Is the Comic-Con Blood Drive inside the San Diego Convention Center?
No. The Comic-Con Blood Drive is located next to the SD Convention Center, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, on the first floor in Grand Hall A, next door to Panel Premiums. You’ll see signs to register to donate blood. You do not need an appointment or a San Diego Comic-Con badge to donate blood. Walk-ins are welcome. This blood drive is open to the public.

How long does it take to donate blood at San Diego Comic-Con?
Blood donation time varies by person but please allow at least one (1) hour of your time for the entire blood donation process. This includes check-in, screening, blood draw, and recovery time. Double red cell donation takes about 1.5 hours.

Can I donate blood in cosplay?
Absolutely! We welcome anyone in costume to donate. Please note that to donate blood, your arm must be free for a blood pressure screening and blood draw. After you donate, share your new super lifesaving power by posting a selfie on social media and tagging us. Help us spread the word! #ComicConBloodDrive #SanDiegoBloodBank

Linktree: @sandiegobloodbank (Instagram, Threads, TikTok) or @sdbloodbank (Twitter/X, Facebook).

How can I arrive prepared to donate blood at Comic-Con?

To ensure a smooth blood donation, it is recommended to:

• have a good night’s rest the night before
• eat a healthy meal before donation
• check to ensure you feel healthy and well to give blood.
• arrive hydrated with your Photo ID that shows Date of Birth.
• It’s recommended to consume iron-rich foods complimented by foods that are rich in Vitamin C and drink more water in the day(s) leading up to your donation.

I am not eligible to donate blood, how can I support the Comic-Con Blood Drive?
Special event support volunteers are needed for all five days of the blood drive! Click here to learn more about joining our volunteer community and how you can help San Diego Blood Bank during Comic-Con.

If I am donating blood, where should I park?
We strongly encourage carpooling or taking public transportation. San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (SDMTS) will be offering expanded service to the Convention Center with a special event Trolley line and discounted PRONTO cards.

⛔Parking passes are not available and are not provided by San Diego Blood Bank⛔

Can I bring my friends and family with me to the blood drive?
Yes! We love seeing families enjoying Comic-Con together and all are welcome to visit the blood drive. Children must be supervised at all times. Friends and family of blood donors may gather in the Waiting Area just outside of the Draw Area.

Please note: Children are not allowed in the Draw Area and cannot accompany parents to the blood donor health screening. 

If you have small children accompanying you, we recommend planning ahead by pairing up with friends so you can take turns donating blood. Childcare is not available. Thank you for understanding.