Pirates and Central Blood Bank team up to host third Blood Drive of 2012 this week at PNC Park

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Central Blood Bank will host the third of four Blood Drives of 2012 at PNC Park. The drive is scheduled for Tuesday, June 26 thru Thursday, June 28 from noon to 6 p.m. inside the PNC Park press conference room.

All participating donors will receive a pair of tickets to an upcoming game at PNC Park. Each participating donor will also receive a Pirates promotional item and be entered in a drawing for a trip for two to the 2012 Mid-Summer Baseball Classic scheduled for Tuesday, July 10 in Kansas City, Missouri. In addition, on June 27 Pirates alumni Bob Friend will be on hand from 12 to 2 p.m. to take photos and sign free autographs for donors.

Limited free parking for the Pirates Blood Drive will be available in the lot across the street (Red Lot 6) from the press entrance on General Robinson Street, courtesy of Alco Parking.

Donating blood is important as each individual whole blood donor can make a difference by saving up to three lives. Last year, more than 1,000 units were donated at Pirates Blood Drives, helping to save more than 3,000 lives in the Pittsburgh region.

For more information on donating blood or to schedule your lifesaving appointment, please call (412) 209-7080 or visit www.centralbloodbank.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.