Comic-Con’s Heinlein Blood Drive returns for 49th year at Manchester Grand Hyatt

The Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive, organized by the San Diego Blood Bank, returns to Comic-Con for its 49th year.

The five-day event will take place from Wednesday, July 23, to Sunday, July 27, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place, San Diego (first floor, Grand Hall A).

All donors will receive a limited-edition Marvel Fantastic 4 T-shirt while supplies last.

First held in 1977, the Heinlein Blood Drive is the San Diego Blood Bank’s longest-running and largest drive. Over the past 48 years, more than 90,000 pints of blood have been donated at Comic-Con, potentially helping more than 270,000 people.

Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh 110 pounds or more, and be in general good health. A photo ID is required, and donors should plan for about an hour from check-in to completion. Convention badges are not required to participate.

Appointments are encouraged but not required. Walk-ins will be accepted as space allows. To make an appointment, visit sandiegobloodbank.org/Comic-Con or call 619-400-8251.