FAQ

General Event Questions

What is the BBQ Jackpot?

BBQ Jackpot is a KCBS-sanctioned BBQ contest held at Bass Pro Shops in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Dec. 7, 2024.

Where is the competition?

The competition is at Bass Pro Shops, which is located off the I-15 at 8200 Dean Martin Drive.

How do I register to compete?

Please visit our Master Series Registration page for details.

How do I register to judge?

Please visit our Judges Application page for details.

How can I become a sponsor?

Please visit our Sponsors page for details.

What are the hours of the event?

Teams start smoking up their BBQ before the sun even rises Saturday morning. The first entry is due at noon.

Bass Pro Shops opens at 9 a.m. and demos will be happening throughout the day. The event ends at the conclusion of the awards ceremony, which will start around 5 p.m. Check out the full schedule for details.

Where should I park?

If you are a registered team, designated parking will be provided for you. If you’re a judge or volunteer, please park in the south end of parking lot closer to the Hyatt Place.

If you’re a spectator and you plan to check out all the great things happening inside Bass Pro Shops, you’re welcome to use their customer parking.

Are there activities for the public?

Spectators are welcome to walk around and witness these champion pitmasters at work. Feel free to ask questions, just know that from about 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. they will be very busy preparing their entries for the judges.
There will also be BBQ and grilling demonstrations. A schedule of demos will be posted closer to the event date.

Will I get to eat BBQ?

The competition teams will be preparing BBQ to serve to the certified judges. Their BBQ will not be served to the public. However, demonstrations will be held throughout the day and free samples will be provided.

What’s the weather like in Vegas in December?

In December, the highs in Las Vegas are usually in the 60s. The lows can dip down to the 20s. There is always a chance of strong winds in Vegas, so please bring tent weights. There’s also a slight chance for rain.

Competition Questions

Can I bring a trailer?

Yes, so long as the space you registered for can accomodate the size of your trailer.

Will there be electricity for teams?

At this time, we do not plan to provide electricity. If that changes, we will let you know. You are allowed to bring your own generators, but they must be placed on a mat of some kind to protect the parking lot from fuel spills.

Do any nearby stores carry BBQ supplies?

Yes! Bass Pro Shops has a huge collection of BBQ rubs, sauces, grills and other BBQ equipment.

If you’re looking for other specialty items, Premier BBQ and Fire is another great option.

Are there any grocery stores nearby?

There is a Target within one mile of the event. They carry some grocery store items. There is also a Smith’s Grocery Store within two miles.
Restaurant Depot is located 7 miles from the event.

Is there anywhere in Las Vegas where I can buy higher-grade meats?

Both Sam’s Club and Costco occasionally carry Prime Grade briskets. There are several locations in town. We recommend calling ahead.

The Newport Meat Company can also cases of competition-quality meat, but you will need to coordinate with them in advance. They are not open to the general public.

What are the rules related to alcohol and recreational drugs?

Both alcohol and recreational drugs, including marijuana, are prohibited at the BBQ Jackpot event site. Although cannabis is legal in Las Vegas, it is illegal to use it in any public space. Teams who abuse this policy may be disqualified.

If you’d like to grab a drink, the Silverton Casino is within walking distance, and there are cannabis lounges throughout the city.

Can I arrive on Thursday and/or leave on Sunday?

Yes with pre-coordination with the event organizers.

What is the event cancellation policy?

BBQ Jackpot reserves the right to cancel an event for reasons beyond Force Majeure. If BBQ Jackpot cancels an event, registrants will be notified and offered a full refund of the fees paid directly to BBQ Jackpot minus any non-refundable processing fees. The American Royal is not responsible for any refund between the registrant and a third party vendor or for travel expenses.

In case of cancellation of the contest or unavailability of the event due to any causes that are beyond BBQ Jackpot’s control, including, without limitation, such causes as war, governmental action or order, act of God, fire, flood, severe storm, strike, labor disputes, or other similar causes (“Force Majeure Event”), this Agreement shall terminate, and the Contestant shall be entitled to the return of the fees for the Contest, less the prorated share allocated to the BBQ Jackpot of the expenses incurred in connection with the event as of the date of the Force Majeure Event. Refund of the Fees as provided in this section shall be the exclusive remedy of the Contestant against the BBQ Jackpot in case the contest is cancelled or rescheduled through a Force Majeure Event. In the event of cancellation or unavailability for reasons beyond the control of the BBQ Jackpot, Contestant releases and holds all claims for damage and agrees that the BBQ Jackpot shall have no obligation except the above stated refund.

Accommodations & Attractions

Are there any hotels nearby?

Yes! The Silverton Casino and Hyatt Place are both within walking distance of the event.

Silverton Casino: Group Discount Link

There are several other hotels both on and off the Strip within 10 miles of the event.

Which airport should I fly into?

The Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) is only seven miles from the event.

What restaurants are near the event?

Cracker Barrel shares a parking lot with Bass Pro Shops and is within walking distance.

Inside the Silverton, you’ll find a collection of restaurants including a steakhouse, catina, sushi restaurant, noodle house, cafe, Johnny Rockets and a Starbucks. .

What’s the best way to get around in Vegas?

Las Vegas has a variety of public transportation options, including public buses, taxes, Uber and Lyft. There are also several car rental options at the airport.

What is there to do in Vegas?

Absolutely everything! From taking a gondola down a canal to indoor and outdoor skydiving to watching concert or fabulous show, the possibilities are quite endless. If you’re not sure where to start, check out Visit Vegas.