Bristol’s Hard Rock Casino Raises More Than $37K For Cancer Research

In the spirit of giving, Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock raised more than $37,000 to help fund cancer research advancements.

The casino’s team members and patrons helped fund the donation during October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

On Nov. 10, the casino officially presented the American Cancer Society with a check totaling $37,426.

“We are incredibly grateful for Bristol Casino — Future Home of Hard Rock’s amazing first-year support of the local American Cancer Society’s breast cancer programs,” said Amanda Darling-Thompson, Director of Development, American Cancer Society, Southeast Region.  “100% of funds raised by the casino’s team members, patrons and ‘Real Men Wear Pink’ donors will go to fund patient support programs and life-saving Breast Cancer research advancements.”

The temporary casino took advantage of a variety of opportunities to raise the money.

Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock team member dining room proceeds totaled $16,911.

The casino’s team member T-shirts, accessories and a bowling night event came out to $7,942.

Marc DeLeo, the casino’s vice president of marketing, conducted a “Read Men Wear Pink” campaign, which raised $5,478.

Another $7,095 came from:

• A pink Blackjack table
• Proceeds from a “Pretty In Pink” specialty cocktail
• money from Mr. Lucky’s and Brick’d eateries and
• Slot coupons.

“I could not be prouder of our team and guests for their incredible generosity,” President of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol Allie Evangelista said.  “We all have friends, family or loved ones who have been impacted by the tragedy of breast cancer.  Our hope is that these funds can be used to raise awareness and also provide support and treatment to those who are bravely battling breast cancer.”

More on the American Cancer Society

The American Cancer Society is one of the top organizations leading the fight against cancer. Founded in 1913, the group led the way in cancer research, patient support and advocacy.

Since 1946, the cancer-fighting organization invested more than $4.6 billion into research. According to its website, the American Cancer Society says it has about $400 million committed to research grants.

“Currently, the Society is funding 153 multi-year Breast Cancer specific research grants, totaling more than $1.3 million — this is only made possible due to partners like Bristol Casino — Future Home of Hard Rock,” Darling-Thompson said.

According to the American Cancer Society’s website, the group is proud to be a key contributor in work that resulted in the United States seeing a 29% drop in overall cancer death rate.

“That drop equates to 2.9 million fewer cancer deaths between 1991 and 2017,” the website states.

What to know about the Bristol Casino – Future Home of Hard Rock

Located at 500 Gate City Hwy in Bristol, Virginia, the temporary full-service casino has something for everyone as construction is underway. The 30,000-square-foot casino space has more than 870 slots, 21 tables and a sportsbook. It’s open seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

When construction is all said and done, the new casino will boast a 100,000-square-foot casino floor. It will feature 30,000 slots, 100 table games and a variety of retail shops. Patrons can take advantage of a 20,000-seat outdoor live music venue, a 3,200-seat amphitheater, a spa and a pool. It’s roughly a $300 million upgrade for the city of Bristol.

So far, the early numbers are promising. In the first nine days of the Hard Rock Bristol’s temporary casino, patrons wagered more than $37 million. Slots generated $35 million of that total, proving to be popular with patrons in Virginia.

Bristol expects to officially open its Hard Rock Casino in 2024.