Oklahoma Blood Institute, OSU Cowboys announce partnership, inaugural bedlam blood battle

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

The highly anticipated Oklahoma State-Oklahoma in-state rivalry takes on new meaning this fall when the schools go head-to-head not only in athletics but in the inaugural “Bedlam Blood Battle” as well.  Leading the effort with OSU is Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI), which announced today its three-year commitment to serve as associate Bedlam sponsor.

The Bedlam Blood Battle comprises two special events putting OSU and OU in a competition to see which Oklahoma campus can generate the most blood donations during select weeks throughout the 2010-’11 athletic season – November 15 – 19 (the week before the November 27 Bedlam football game); and January 31 – February 4 (the week prior to the February 5 Bedlam basketball game).  The winning school will earn bragging rights for the year.    

According to OBI, one in three people will need blood in a lifetime.  Those who are generally healthy and age 17 or older are eligible to donate blood every 56 days.  Every drop of blood needed by patients in some 150 Oklahoma medical facilities is provided by donors with Oklahoma Blood Institute.

“Many Cowboy fans are loyal blood donors with Oklahoma Blood Institute who know that giving of themselves to save another’s life is the ultimate win,” said OBI President, CEO John Armitage, M.D.  “Without a doubt, we’re thrilled to be a part of the Bedlam tradition between OSU and OU and know the addition of a blood drive between the neighboring schools will certainly add a new dimension.”

Cowboy Sports Properties, OSU Athletics’ multimedia rights holder that secured the OBI relationship on behalf of the University, will work closely with the non-profit blood center to promote the respective blood drives through concentrated online and on-campus marketing efforts.

“I am thrilled Oklahoma State University is involved with the Oklahoma Blood Institute in this life-saving effort,” said OSU President Burns Hargis.  “I encourage all Cowboy faithful who are able to do their part to not only donate blood to help others but to ensure an OSU victory in the Bedlam Blood Drive.”

Oklahoma Blood Institute is the twelfth largest non-profit blood center in America.  In 2009, more than 140,000 donors provided blood used for transfusion and associated clinical services through OBI.  Nearly 700 Oklahomans are employed by OBI, which works with an estimated 800 volunteers and 2,600 drive coordinators.  To learn more about OBI’s 11 donor centers or mobile blood drives across Oklahoma, or to donate, visit OBI at obi.org or by calling 877-340-8777.

Cowboy Sports Properties is a property of Learfield Sports, which manages the multimedia rights for more than 50 collegiate institutions and associations.  In addition to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, Learfield Sports represents other Big 12 member schools Colorado, Iowa State, Kansas State, Missouri, Texas A&M and Texas Tech.  The Dallas-based company also titles the Learfield Sports Directors' Cup, oversees marketing partnerships for the Black Coaches & Administrators (BCA) and provides exclusive sports programming to more than 1,000 radio stations nationwide.  Learfield Sports is an operating unit of Jefferson City, Mo.-based Learfield Communications, Inc.  For additional information on the company and its collegiate portfolio, visit learfieldsports.com.