MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s time for the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
The four-day competition begins tomorrow at Liberty Park due to construction in Tom Lee Park, where the event usually takes place.
You’ll need a ticket to get in. They are available online and at the gates. Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the gate.
Gates Open:
- Wednesday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Thursday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Friday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
- Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. On-site Judging – 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. World Champion Awards Ceremony – 6:30 p.m.
Free shuttles will run from downtown to the Southern Avenue at Early Maxwell gate at the venue. Shuttle Hours are from 4 p.m until one hour after gates close each day. There are two pickup/drop off locations downtown — One at Second St. and Exchange Ave. at the Sheraton Hotel and a second at Union Ave. and BB King Blvd. at the Peabody Hotel.
Monday, crews and barbecue teams were working to put the final touches on their cooking areas, preparing to complete the backdrop for the “Most Prestigious Barbecue Contest.”
How Memphis in May BBQ teams are preparing for the incoming heatwave
Teams representing the best of barbecue that have been honing their craft for years compete for the title of World Champion and a share of the more than $140,000 in prize money.
Dozens of teams from more than 25 states and several different countries are competing this year, including a team from Canada that’s returning after a three-year hiatus due to COVID.
The contest features championship pork categories of Ribs, Shoulder, and Whole Hog, as well as the ancillary competitions of Hot Wings, Sauce, and “Anything But Pork.”
FOX13 wanted to talk to someone with serious grilling skills who has competed for years.
Heath Riles has won 74 grand championships across the country and has competed in Memphis in May for more than 15 years. It’s one of the only titles that has eluded him. Riles said he is constantly tweaking his recipes to make sure when a judge bites down, it’s the best bite ever.
Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest: What it takes to become a grill master
It’s going to be a scorcher this week with temperatures in the low 90s and a heat index in the upper 90s. The highs are forecasted to stay near 90° through Friday, running 10° above average. Isolated showers are possible Friday evening and Saturday afternoon.
Memphis in May officials said they will have medical personnel on-site just in case anyone suffers from any heat-related illness.
How Memphis in May BBQ teams are preparing for the incoming heatwave
Remember that, sadly, you can not buy BBQ from the teams. They cook only for the judges, team members and friends, not the general public. Local health department regulations prohibit teams from serving barbecue to the general public.
There are barbecue vendors, as well as other food vendors that sell food to the public.
TSA issues warning about BBQ sauce before World Barbecue Cooking Contest
And if you’re looking to bring the taste of Memphis home with you after the Memphis in May World Barbecue Cooking Contest, the TSA has a saucy reminder for you.
BBQ sauces are not allowed in carry-on bags. You’ll need to place the sauce in your checked luggage or make other plans to get it home safely.
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