ATLANTA--For the third straight year, Georgia State will face off against Georgia in the annual Red Cross Blood Drive Competition. “In the Red Zone” will challenge the two schools to see which can collect the most units of blood while showing their school spirit.

The blood drive at Georgia State will take place on Sept. 24 at the GSU Sports Arena from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and simultaneously in the University Commons from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"We are proud to enter our blood drive competition against GSU to help the Red Cross which does wonderful work throughout the year in places all around the world,” UGA football coach Mark Richt said.  "In the Red Zone" against Georgia State is a great way to stimulate interest and increase blood donations. I am sure Coach Miles is as proud of his Panther fans as I am of our UGA blood donors since it will be a win-win for everyone."

However, winning that title isn't the only thing being kept in mind. Georgia State coach Trent Miles reminds us of the true importance of giving back.

“My wife, Bridget, and I believe it is important for everyone to give back to the community,” Miles said. “The Red Cross is one of the organizations we have both enjoyed partnering with in the past, including last year when Bridget organized all of the local efforts in Terre Haute to assist the Red Cross in helping those affected by Hurricane Sandy. Now, we look forward to lending assistance again through this blood drive. While it is a competition, I am confident our Panther faithful will come together to join the Georgia fans in supporting this meaningful effort.”      

Both squads' student-athletes will encourage friends, roommates, classmates and family members to participate in this charitable effort to get more people involved in Atlanta and Athens on behalf of the Red Cross in Georgia.                                                                                                                                                  

Panther and Bulldog fans can also donate blood on Sept. 19 from 2-6 p.m., while participating in the Gwinnett County “In The Red Zone” drive at the Simpsonwood United Methodist Church, Family Center Building, 4500 Jones Bridge Circle, Norcross, GA  30092. 

The theme and competition, created by CHIME Global Consulting, is an effort to help the Red Cross stimulate efforts to reach new donors and will again support students and fans, encouraging them to invite friends, neighbors, parents and family members to unite throughout the State of Georgia to give blood: “In The Red Zone-- Panthers & Dawgs Compete for One Cause-Save Lives!”      

Third-year sponsors for all three “In the Red Zone” 2013 blood drives include: Propel Agency, CHIME Global Consulting and The American Red Cross. New sponsors include: The Gwinnett Daily Post, Simpsonwood United Methodist Church, AIESEC Georgia State University and AIESEC University of Georgia. Prizes, give a-ways and refreshments will be made available to presenting donors.