Story Summary
Sparta Prague will replace its usual club logo on special jerseys throughout November as part of the 20th Spartanská krev blood-donation campaign. The team will wear the shirts in both home and away games, carrying the appeal “Donate blood” and the wider message that anyone can help save a life.
The redesigned kit uses black, white and blood-red colours in place of Sparta’s customary red. A brushstroke symbolising blood covers the main logo, while a smaller club crest remains inside a blood drop. The brushstroke theme also appears in the numbers on the back of the jerseys.
Jakub Dlouhý, a Sparta board member responsible for marketing and commercial matters, said the campaign is deliberately being taken in front of supporters of other clubs as well. The initiative invites people to donate blood or join the register of potential bone marrow donors, regardless of their club allegiance.
Key Facts
- Sparta Prague will wear the special blood-donation jerseys at home and away matches throughout November.
- The campaign is the 20th edition of Spartanská krev, which first took place in 2007.
- The shirts feature a black, white and blood-red design, with the main club logo covered by a brushstroke representing blood.
- Three home games at O2 arena are dedicated to the campaign: Litvínov on 1 November, Hradec Králové on 15 November and Plzeň on 29 November.
- Blood donations will take place at participating hospitals and during joint collection sessions at Sparta’s facilities.
- Last year, 7,106 people came to donate blood, with 6,478 completing a successful donation for a combined total of 2,967 litres.
- The previous campaign included 582 first-time donors, while the number of successful donations nearly doubled from the preceding edition.
IHM Discussion
This is a visible expansion of a long-running Sparta initiative rather than a single-night promotion. By taking the altered crest and the donation message into every November fixture, including away games, the club is placing the appeal in front of audiences beyond its own regular home support.
The campaign’s design has a direct purpose. The covered badge, blood-red detailing and flowing-blood motif make the shirts immediately different without removing the club identity altogether. Sparta are also offering more than one route to contribute: people can donate blood, enter the register of potential bone marrow donors, or support transfusion centres by purchasing a Spartanská krev wristband if they cannot donate themselves.
Dlouhý’s emphasis is on a message that crosses hockey rivalries. The campaign is aimed at the wider public, not solely supporters in Sparta colours.
Why It Matters
The figures from the previous edition give the initiative tangible weight. Thousands of people attended to donate, nearly 3,000 litres of blood were collected and hundreds were first-time donors. Sparta’s November programme uses the visibility of professional hockey to keep attention on the continuing need for blood donations and potential bone marrow donors.
For supporters, the three designated O2 arena games offer clear focal points within the campaign. The decision to wear the shirts on the road also means the appeal will remain part of Sparta’s match identity throughout the month rather than being confined to one arena or one occasion.
Mini Q&A
Why are Sparta Prague covering their logo in November?
The club are promoting blood donation and registration as a potential bone marrow donor through the 20th Spartanská krev campaign.
Which Sparta home games are dedicated to the campaign?
The dedicated O2 arena games are against Litvínov on 1 November, Hradec Králové on 15 November and Plzeň on 29 November.
Coach Mark Comment
The small crest left inside a drop of blood is a thoughtful touch. Sparta have not simply removed their identity for November; they have used it to carry an appeal that is bigger than any fixture on the schedule.
The 582 first-time donors in the previous campaign stand out. Regular donors are vital, but a first visit is often where a campaign proves it has reached somebody who might not otherwise have considered going. Wearing the jerseys away from O2 arena gives that invitation a chance to meet people in a different setting, including those who would not normally choose a Sparta event. That is a worthwhile use of a hockey shirt.
What Comes Next
Sparta’s first dedicated home game for Spartanská krev is against Litvínov on 1 November. Further campaign games at O2 arena are scheduled against Hradec Králové on 15 November and Plzeň on 29 November, while the special jerseys will be worn throughout the month.
IHM Final View
Sparta Prague’s November kit change turns a familiar hockey symbol into a month-long public appeal. The campaign’s previous donation totals show why the club has chosen to give Spartanská krev such prominent space across its home and away schedule.