Houston is hosting the world this summer, and Gulf Coast Blood is here to help ensure our community never misses a beat. Find everything you need on this page, including promotions, donor center locations, and match-day travel information, all in one place.
Our Gulf Coast Blood Medical Center donor center, located at 1425 La Concha Lane next to Houston Stadium, may be impacted by increased traffic during FIFA World Cup 2026™ events. Houston Stadium will host matches on June 14, 17, 20, 23, 26, 29, and July 4, 2026. In addition, the FIFA Fan Festival™ will take place in East Downtown Houston from June 11 through July 19, which may contribute to heavier traffic, road closures, limited parking, and longer travel times throughout the city.
If you have an upcoming appointment, please plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and check current road conditions before arriving.
While Houston welcomes fans from around the world, local patients will continue to depend on lifesaving blood donations. Your donation is still urgently needed. Please keep your appointment and help ensure hospitals have the blood they need.
Traffic alert: Match days run from June 14 through July 4. Expect heavy congestion near Houston Stadium, Loop 610 South, Kirby Drive, and Main Street on match days.
Donor center access — HQ & TMC location
Both the HQ and the Texas Medical Center donor center will have managed entry and exit during tournament dates. Allow extra time when traveling to these locations on match days. Consider scheduling an appointment in advance to reduce wait times.
610/Kirby to Kirby Murworth — match day closure
This corridor will close 6 hours before kickoff and reopen 2 hours after the final whistle. Most matches kick off at noon, so expect closures from approximately 6 AM through 4–5 PM.
Highest-impact match days
June 14, 17, 20, 23, 29 — noon kickoffs. Expect heavy congestion around Houston Stadium all morning and into the mid-afternoon. June 26 — 7 PM kickoff, peak congestion 4–11 PM. July 4 has triple overlap: World Cup, Houston Astros and Independence Day.
East Downtown construction closures
Multiple overlapping construction projects in East Downtown continue to disrupt access. The FanFest runs 39 days in EaDo. Avoid this area when heading to a donor center.
June $25 eGift Card | June 8–30, 2026
Power the summer with your donation. Give blood with Gulf Coast Blood from June 8–30, 2026, and receive a $25 eGift Card as a thank-you. Your support helps patients across our region every day.
*Your reward points will be added to your Digital Donor account within 2–3 business days after your donation. Redeem your eGift Card in the Reward Store and ensure your account has a valid email address. eGift Cards are valid at popular retailers.
Saving Lives is Our Goal Giveaway! | Now through June 28, 2026
From April 1 through June 28, 2026, Gulf Coast Blood invites you to enter the Saving Lives Is Our Goal Giveaway for a chance to win two tickets to the July 4 Round of the international soccer tournament in Houston.
*No blood donation is required to enter or win. No purchase is necessary. Tickets are for personal use only and may not be resold or transferred.
July $25 eGift Card | July 1–31, 2026
This July, help keep the blood supply strong during the summer months. When you donate with Gulf Coast Blood from July 1–31, 2026, you’ll receive a $25 eGift Card as a thank-you for making a lifesaving impact.
*Your reward points will be added to your Digital Donor account within 2–3 business days after your donation. Redeem your eGift Card in the Reward Store and ensure your account has a valid email address. eGift Cards are valid at popular retailers.
Free A1C Screening | Now through July 31, 2026
Donate blood and get a FREE A1c screening! Early detection of elevated A1c levels can be a game-changer in preventing the long-term complications of diabetes.
Donating Blood
At Gulf Coast Blood, our mission is to partner with the community to help save and sustain lives by providing a safe supply of blood, biotherapies, and related services.
Donor Eligibility
Are you eligible to donate blood? Check out our answers to see if you can.
Preparing For Your Donation
We appreciate your interest in giving blood and saving lives! We want to make sure you're well-prepared and know what to expect for your donation.
Find a Location to Donate
We invite you to donate at any of our 19 conveniently located Donor Centers. Explore all donation opportunities on a map using our 'Find a Location' tool.
Donation Types
Learn more about the different types of blood donations and their purposes!
Why Donate Blood
While 1 in 7 hospitalized people will need a blood transfusion in a lifetime, only 1 in 20 eligible blood donors actually donate. Remember, there's no replacement for blood—your donation saves lives.