Human biology and psychology senior, and MSU UBI president, Kezen Sanchez said the competition brings MSU students together with a common goal of defeating their rival school. During the showdown drives, the organization sees far more donations than other drives during the year, he said.

"It's a huge community builder," Sanchez said. "As MSU students, we have this pact to want to succeed. We can succeed over and over and over again if we keep this three year streak going. So, I am excited to hopefully clutch that win again."

This year, MSU UBI is striving to receive 50 units of blood in donations, MSU UBI vice president Ryan Eitniear said. This goal would require 75 individuals to donate and would save the lives of approximately 150 people, he said.

MSU UBI’s donation partner, Versiti, is a blood center dedicated specifically to the state of Michigan. All donations collected during the showdown will go directly to Michigan hospitals and residents, Sanchez said.

"We have family here, we have friends here," Sanchez said. "Making sure that all of these hospitals are supplied with this blood is so, so important for our loved ones and even just people that we share our community with."

The blood drive will be held on April 4 from 12:30 to 6:15 p.m. in the West Holmes Lobby. Potential donors should schedule an appointment through Versiti, though walk-ins will be accepted if there are open slots, Sanchez said.

Eitniear said all donors must bring a valid form of identification that shows their birthdate. He also encourages students to get plenty of sleep, food and water before their appointment. 

Participants will also receive a $10 e-gift card following their donation.

"It's amazing that we as students can contribute," Sanchez said. "We really want to aim to get all these units of blood because I want to have that impact on our community as well. I really just hope that a lot of people are encouraged to donate and aren’t afraid for their first time donating."