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 It's a "Blood Drive Tailgate" at MetLife

New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Mary E. O'Dowd today urged New Jersey residents to help save lives by donating blood at a mega "Blood Drive Tailgate" in the parking lot at MetLife Stadium on October 1.

The "Blood Drive Tailgate" will take place in the parking lot of MetLife Stadium from 11:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.  Everyone who volunteers to donate blood will be entered into the Super Community Blood Drive sweepstakes to win a pair of tickets to Super Bowl XLVIII in February 2014 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford.

Those who volunteer also will be able to tour the Host Committee's Huddle Shuttle, the first mobile tour associated with a Super Bowl. It includes the Vince Lombardi Trophy and displays an array of football memorabilia.

The "Blood Drive Tailgate" is co-hosted by the NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee and the New Jersey Workplace Blood Donor Coalition, co-chaired by Commissioner O'Dowd and Kevin Rigby, US Country Head of Public Affairs and Vice President of Public Affairs for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.

"We are proud to partner with the New Jersey Workplace Blood Donor Coalition for this Mega Drive event," said Alfred F. Kelly Jr., President & CEO of the New York/New Jersey Super Bowl Host Committee. "Giving the gift of life through a blood donation is critically important so we encourage donors to come to MetLife Stadium on October 1."

Commissioner O'Dowd said New Jersey's hospitals need blood every day to treat patients who need blood transfusions for traumatic injuries, illnesses and surgeries. "Every blood donation helps to ensure that blood is available when it is needed and one donation can save three lives."

The "Blood Drive Tailgate" gives donors a unique opportunity to participate in New Jersey's "Super Community Blood Drive" campaign (http://nynjsuperbowl.com/give-back/give-blood), which will include thousands of blood drives in New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area in the run-up to Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium.

"The New Jersey Workplace Blood Donor Coalition is proud to join with six of New Jersey's blood centers to bring the mega Blood Drive Tailgate to MetLife Stadium," said Rigby.  "The Blood Drive Tailgate provides an exciting opportunity for area businesses, community organizations, schools, and government entities to be involved in blood donation."

Donors are encouraged to register in advance to donate at the Mega Drive and select a specific time that is convenient, but "walk-ins" are welcome. Registration is easy. Donors can sign up today by clicking on the "Mega Drive" gold star at www.njsave3lives.com.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old (16 years old with signed parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. Donors should bring valid photo identification, wear conformable clothing and drink more fluids than normal on the day of the blood drive. 

Participating blood centers are:

• American Red Cross / Penn Jersey Region
• Blood Center of New Jersey
• Central Jersey Blood Center
• Community Blood Council of New Jersey
• Community Blood Services
• New Jersey Blood Services 

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About the 2014 NY/NJ Super Bowl Host Committee
The 2014 New York/New Jersey Super Bowl Host Committee is the entity created by the owners of the New York Giants and the New York Jets to raise the necessary funds and partner with the NFL to plan and stage Super Bowl XLVIII and all of its associated events. The Host Committee also works closely with area business leaders and public officials to coordinate key logistics and maximize the game's positive economic impact for the region.

As President and Chief Executive Officer, Alfred F. Kelly, Jr. oversees all host activities leading up to Super Bowl XLVIII, which will be history's first outdoor, cold-weather Super Bowl. Super Bowl XLVIII will be held on February 2, 2014, at MetLife Stadium, the home of both the Jets and Giants.