If you don’t have tickets yet for the Carolina Panthers’ first playoff game, be prepared to spend some big bucks to go to the game. MARK HAMES, The Charlotte Observer

Our friends at the Community Blood Center of the Carolinas (CBCC) really know how to sponsor a contest: They are offering a pair of Panthers playoff tickets to one lucky person who donates blood or platelets between now and Jan. 14.

The tickets are for the Sunday, Jan. 17 matchup against a team to be determined at Bank of America Stadium. The seats are on the 50-yard line, row 12, Panther’s side of the field.

To schedule a blood donation appointment at one of CBCC’s centers or mobile blood drives, call 704-972-4700 or visit www.cbcc.us.

The tickets notwithstanding, we know you’re doing it for the worthy cause.

Oh, yea; The Charlotte Observer recently reported that tickets or this game are selling on the secondary market starting at about $200.