April 17, 2025 — The spirit of giving is saddling up once again as the Central California Blood Center partners with the Clovis Rodeo Association for the 24th annual Rodeo Blood Drive.
Held ahead of the 111th annual Clovis Rodeo, this longstanding tradition offers locals a chance to roll up their sleeves and help combat recent blood shortages throughout the Central Valley. The drive will take place on Monday, April 21 and Tuesday, April 22, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Clovis Rodeo Hall.
As always, the focus is on community support and life-saving donations. All donors are encouraged to eat a good meal and hydrate a few hours before donating. A photo ID is required at check-in, and those who give will receive a limited-edition Rodeo Blood Drive T-shirt while supplies last.
The annual drive has become a vital part of rodeo week in Clovis, serving as a reminder that behind the broncs, bulls, and boots is a community that steps up when it matters most.
Blood donation is one of the most impactful ways a person can support their neighbors. A single donation can save up to three lives, providing critical support for patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma care, or those with chronic illnesses like sickle cell disease. With local hospitals continuing to report lower-than-average blood supplies, the need for donations remains urgent.
Events like the Rodeo Blood Drive help ensure that blood banks are stocked and ready when emergencies strike. Whether it’s a car crash victim in need of an emergency transfusion or a newborn baby requiring specialized treatment, donors play a direct role in supporting the health and safety of Valley residents.
For the Central California Blood Center, rodeo week has become one of the largest collection opportunities of the year. The annual drive consistently brings in hundreds of units of blood, thanks in part to the rodeo’s enthusiastic crowd and strong community ties. The partnership between the Clovis Rodeo Association and the blood center has helped save thousands of lives over the past two decades.
But the need doesn’t end when the dust settles in the arena. Blood has a shelf life of only 42 days, meaning new donations are constantly required to maintain a safe and stable supply. By participating in the drive, locals not only support the rodeo’s mission of giving back, but also help protect their own families, friends, and neighbors.
Following the blood drive, the 111th annual Clovis Rodeo officially kicks off on Wednesday, April 23 and runs through Sunday, April 27. With parades, concerts, and world-class rodeo events on the schedule, the week promises high energy and deep community pride.
Those looking to donate can sign up in advance online through the Central California Blood Center. Walk-ins are also welcome, space permitting.
To learn more about donation requirements, safety protocols, and FAQs, visit the Central California Blood Center website.