Be super this summer and donate blood during San Diego Comic-Con®, July 24-July 28, and get a limited-edition Marvel Deadpool & Wolverine T-shirt, while supplies last.
Join San Diego Blood Bank and Comic-Con for this exciting and lifesaving annual event for the 48th year! All blood donors will receive a Marvel T-shirt for saving lives. When you give blood at the Comic-Con Blood Drive, you are giving a vital gift to hospital patients in Southern California, ensuring they can have a healthy and happy summer.
Help San Diego Blood Bank reach 3,000 blood donations during San Diego Comic-Con 2024!
UPDATE: We have exceeded our goal and collected more than 3,000 donations at Comic-Con! Thank you for saving lives with us.
Keep up with all the #ComicConBloodDrive fun on X: @sdbloodbank & Instagram: @sandiegobloodbank
A total of 77,573 pints of lifesaving blood have been donated by Comic-Con attendees, exhibitors, professionals, volunteers, and staff—impacting up to 232,000 lives over the course of that last 47 years! You can find out more about the history of the Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive on the San Diego Comic-Con website.
Don’t miss out on being a hero! Book your blood donation during the five-day blood drive event during San Diego Comic-Con, happening next to the San Diego Convention Center at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, Wednesday, July 24 through Sunday, July 28, 2024.
- Blood donors do not need a convention badge to donate blood
- Arrive hydrated and ready to save lives
- Photo ID with Date of Birth (D.O.B.) is required
- Appointments are encouraged and honored first
- Walk-ins are welcome
- Parking passes are not available
Comic-Con 48th Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive
Where:
Manchester Grand Hyatt
4th Floor, Coronado Ballroom
1 Market Place,
San Diego, CA 92101
When:
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Book Now
Thursday, July 25, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Book Now
Friday, July 26, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Book Now
Saturday, July 27, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Book Now
Sunday, July 28, 2024 | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Book Now
Donating Blood at Comic-Con Blood Drive 2024
*T-shirts are available for blood donors only, while supplies last. Sizes are subject to availability, Small-5XL. Not for resale.
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 4th Floor inside the Coronado Ballroom. You’ll see signs to register to donate blood at the top of the escalators. 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 be best 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, to eat a healthy meal before donation, and check to ensure you feel healthy and well to give blood. Arrive hydrated with your Photo ID that shows your Date of Birth. It’s recommended to prepare to donate blood by eating iron-rich foods complimented by foods that are rich in Vitamin C 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.
Helpful Resources
Blood Donor Eligibility Requirements | General Frequently Asked Questions
Previously deferred from donating blood for residency or travel to the UK between 1980-1990s?
You may not be eligible to donate blood! Review the resources below.
Read information regarding updated FDA donor eligibility guidelines for travel, medications, and individual blood donor assessment:
- July 2022: FDA Updates Donor Eligibility Criteria Expanding Blood Donor Pool
- October 2023: Welcoming More Donors with Our Updated Donor History Questionnaire
