Press Release

DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 25, 2019 – This morning, JB Duke Hotel, North Carolina’s contemporary lodging destination located on the campus of Duke University, issued a rivalry-fueled challenge to the Rizzo Center, located in on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), leading up to the Saturday, March 9 game between renowned opponents the Duke Blue Devils and North Carolina Tar Heels. JB Duke Hotel is putting its weight behind a Duke victory, while Rizzo Center is asserting that UNC will come away with the win.

The outcome of the Duke-Carolina game is one fans and viewers across the country anxiously await each season. To join the fun, JB Duke Hotel and Rizzo Center are putting stakes on the game – the winner will make a monetary donation in addition to the staff volunteering time and service to benefit the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina. In addition, the winning team will dress Rizzo Center’s body opponent bag in the losing team’s jersey and throw a few light-hearted jabs to signify the victory – all while capturing and posting a fun social media post to acknowledge the victor.

“Every year, the air changes on campus as the rivalry matchup approaches. We are surrounded by anticipation for the annual Battle of the Blues given our residency on Duke’s campus and proximity to Cameron Indoor Stadium and want to show our unwavering support for Duke pride,” said Gregg Hilker, general manager, JB Duke Hotel. “It seems very fitting to challenge our Chapel Hill neighbors at Rizzo Center to a friendly competition. We are confident in our team’s ability to pull off a win and are looking forward to throwing a few friendly jabs at the body opponent bag in the days following the game. Let’s go Duke!”

The JB Duke Hotel will also host a watch party to witness the action unfold, kicking off an hour before tip-off. The event will show the game on large screens in the dining and barista bar areas, featuring a range of specials and festivities. There will be a tailgate kiosk menu for $18 per person, a game day a la carte menu all evening, a beer special for $3, square game giveaways for the first half and end of the game and more.

The JB Duke Hotel is located at 230 Science Drive in Durham and offers complementary parking for guests. To learn more information about the JB Duke Hotel, please visit jbdukehotel.com or call (919) 660-6390.