Adding an innovative humanitarian twist to the usual promo campaign, HBO invited Game of Thrones fans to bleed for the throne today- literally. The network announced, as part of their #ForTheThrone campaign leading up to Season 8, a blood drive in partnership with the National American Red Cross. The Bleed for the Throne campaign kicks off March 7th with an immersive experience at SXSW.
According to HBO, Bleed For The Throne is “the largest blood donation promotional effort by an entertainment company in American Red Cross history, with six days of coordinated giving from fans across the entire country. The partnership will include an immersive experience at SXSW from March 7-9, in addition to blood drives in 43 states and 9 colleges and universities across the U.S. from March 7-12.” The SXSW drive will take place at Fair Market in downtown Austin.
So what’s in it for the fans who step up to the throne and give? Fans who present to donate during the above period will reportedly receive an exclusive Bleed For The Throne t-shirt (while supplies last). As a very cool bonus incentive, people who present for blood donation at any Red Cross blood drive by March 17th will automatically be entered to win a trip to the season 8 world premiere of Game of Thrones!
Blood donation appointments are available starting today at 11:00 am ET and are expected to fill up quickly, with a standby line available for fans who are unable to make appointments online. The link to register with Red Cross!
Lyft is also helping out with the cause by providing rides (up to $10) at SXSW and to all 163 Red Cross blood donation centers across the country. Donors can visit the American Red Cross website leading up to the blood drives to learn more about how to access the Lyft rides.
SXSW Activation Location:
Fair Market: 1100 E. 5th Street, Austin, TX 78702
SXSW Activation Hours:
Thursday, March 7th: 12-6pm CT
Friday, March 8th & Saturday, March 9th: 10am-6pm CT
Learn more at forthethrone.com/bleed!
