To meet the continued critical demand for blood donations, the Cardinals are partnering with Anheuser-Busch to host two blood drives next week at State Farm Stadium in conjunction with the American Red Cross.

All the slots for the appointment-only events, set for April 7 and 8, filled within 14 hours.

"The response to the call for blood donations has been incredible but so is the need," Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said. "While the drives at State Farm Stadium help, they can only accommodate so many people. However, blood drives of all sizes are continuing throughout the state and we encourage everyone to visit www.redcrossblood.org, locate one near you and donate if you are able."

The initial blood drive set for Tuesday, March 31, filled up twice within hours, after additional appointments were added following such an overwhelming response.

Blood donation drives are critical and essential health care activities and are exempt from the state's recent stay-at-home order. The stadium's size and the event's operational set-up will also ensure adherence to the necessary physical and social distancing guidelines while still accommodating the greatest possible number of donors.

Unfortunately, there will be no opportunity to accommodate anyone who has not made an on-line reservation for the State Farm Stadium drives.