Donate blood, get free tickets to SeaWorld San Diego’s Howl-O-Scream

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- Just in time for spooky season, the San Diego Blood Bank is once again giving people the chance to get free tickets to one of San Diego's most anticipated and frightening Halloween events, SeaWorld San Diego's Howl-O-Scream.

Howl-O-Scream returns to SeaWorld San Diego for its fifth year with more scares, thrills and entertainment in the form of five haunted houses, new scare zones, hidden speakeasies and more.

In partnership with SeaWorld San Diego, the blood bank will be giving away tickets to the Halloween nighttime event to anyone who donates blood between Sept. 1-30.

This year, the blood bank's goal is to collect 10,000 pints of blood, which is enough to potentially save 30,000 lives. SeaWorld San Diego has donated 10,000 Howl-O-Scream tickets this year, valued at more than $950,000.

“SeaWorld’s generous contribution to our September 2025 blood drives will play a vital role in
ensuring a stable blood supply for patients in need throughout Southern California," said Doug Morton, chief executive officer of the San Diego Blood Bank.

Last year, about 10,000 people donated blood during the Halloween-time partnership.

“This year, as we celebrate the 5th anniversary of fear at Howl-O-Scream, we’re thrilled to welcome back those generous donors and inspire even more people to give blood before experiencing San Diego’s biggest nighttime Halloween event!" said Tyler Carter, park president of SeaWorld San Diego.

Blood donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in general good health.

People can book an appointment at any of the various blood drive locations. The blood bank will also accept walk-in appointments.

To learn more about how to donate blood in exchange for a Howl-O-Scream ticket, visit the blood bank's website.