Teams

OPEN Team Registration

Team registration is ONLINE ONLY and requires payment by credit card at the time of registration. Smokin' on the Rio no longer accepts "mail-in" registration forms. If you need assistance registering, please contact us via email at [email protected].

Early OPEN registration ends Feb.1st - $300 / team + Jackpots @ $50ea

LATE registration: February 2-8 - $350 / team + Jackpots @ $50ea

Returning Team Registration:  Closed - 12/30/23! 

--- don't forget your Premium Package ($175) & Private Team Portacan ($125) & Pro Team Package Tent/Table/Chairs ($400)---

 

Campsite Availability?

What campsites are available?  Go the eTix link on the "Register Now" button and click on any SECTION on the eTIX map to see availability for campsites in that section.

REGISTER TODAY and reserve your team & spot!

REGISTER NOW!  (username is email address used for 2023 registration)

OTHER IMPORTANT INFO for 2024!

New sanctioning organization!  After considerable deliberation and evaluation, along with input from our teams, the 2024 Smokin' on the Rio will be sanctioned by the Champions Barbecue Alliance.  Learn more about their rules on their website at www.cbabbq.com

REMINDERS for 2024

Private Team Portacans

Smokin' on the Rio has an exclusive vendor for Private Team Portacans.  Any team wanting their own must go through Team Registration to secure a portacan that will be delivered onsite.  No outside vendors of portacans will be allowed onsite.

Premium Package

In addition to registering for your campsite... don't miss the campsite Premium Package which includes:

  • 2 whole chickens
  • 2 slabs pork spare ribs
  • 5 lbs. premium fajitas
  • +1 case sponsored beer

* Provided at arrival and check-in 

* Meat provided by Chorizo de San Manuel

 Login and select PRIVATE PORTACANPREMIUM PACKAGE when you register..

2024 Cookoff Information

This event is sanctioned by the Champions Barbecue Alliance (CBA) and all applicable rules and policies apply in addition to local event requirements. Smokin’ on the Rio has increased its team recognition efforts to $50,000+ in cash and prizes. There are four meats in the CBA events to include Chicken, Pork Spare Ribs, Pork, and Brisket.  These will qualify for Cash Award prizes listed below.
CBA Events
  • Chicken
  • Pork Spare Ribs
  • Pork
  • Brisket
Jackpot Events
  • Beans
  • Fajitas

 Cash Prizes:

Overall Awards
Grand Champion - $2,500
Reserve Grand Champion - $2,000 
3rd Overall - $1,500
4th Overall - $1,000
5th Overall - $750
6th Overall - $250
7th Overall - $250
8th Overall - $250
9th Overall - $250
10th Overall - $250
Category Awards
(Brisket, Pork Spare Ribs, Pork, Chicken)
1st Place - $1,500
2nd Place - $1,250
3rd Place - $1,000
4th Place - $850
5th Place - $650
6th to 10th Place - $250

Important Team Information

Please read the information below carefully.
  • February 9 & 10, 2024
  • Jackpot categories have changed:  Beans & Fajitas
  • Returning teams from 2023 will be have a short period to register and select their same site as in 2023 before registration is open to the public when all sites will be released.
  • Private team portacans must be secured through Smokin' on the Rio.  No outside portacan vendors will be allowed in the facilities.  Order through team registration site.
  • Team check-in times will be Thursday 12:00PM – 7:00 PM and Friday 8:00AM – 6:00PM. All teams must be checked in Friday by 6:00 PM.
  • Returning teams wanting the same campsite they were at the previous year must register early during the "returning team registration period."
  • New cooking teams should select their site when registering online from available sites.
  • As per local fire code, every team must have a fire extinguisher per campsite.
  • Only one vehicle will be allowed at each campsite during the event.
  • No ice or alcohol will be allowed in during the event. Ice and Beer will be sold to cooking teams by onsite vendor only.
  • No pets, golf carts, or ATV vehicles will be allowed on the grounds.
  • Each team will be provided a space of approximately 40’ x 40’ campsite.  Some sites may vary in size.
  • Electricity and water will be available to some sites on a first come first served basis. Make sure you bring plenty of extension cords and water hoses. Not every site has power, water or any guarantee on amperage/load.
  • Propane burners can only be used for cooking beans.
  • Multiple pits are allowed as long as you do not exceed the space provided.  All teams and team equipment must be within campsite boundaries.
  • Generators are allowed, but your campsite will be issued far away from the other teams and the public.
    • NEW/IMPORTANT.  The immediate ground gates, where all the cooking teams will be stationed and parked, will be closed and remain locked from Friday, February 9th, 2024 at 6:00 PM CST to Sunday, February 11th, 2024 at 2:00 AM CST. This means by 6:00 PM on Friday, NO VEHICLES IN OR OUT of the immediate grounds until Sunday at 2:00 AM.
  • Random meat inspections will be done on Friday from 3-7 PM. * Head Cooks Meeting: Friday 6:00 PM at the Event Center
  • Fajita and Beans check-in will be Friday night from 5:00PM – 6:00PM. Entry fee is $50 for each event.
  • Concert (or concert tickets) are not included in team registration.  Concert tickets sold separately.
 

Head Cook's Meeting

Friday Night @ 6pm - Judging Area
 

Turn In Times (subject to change)

Friday Night
  • Fajitas Jackpot 7:00 PM
  • Beans Jackpot 8:00 PM

NEW!  Jackpot Awards @ 9:00 PM

Saturday
  • Chicken 11:00 AM
  • Pork Spare Ribs 12:30 PM
  • Pork 2:00 PM
  • Brisket 3:30 PM
Awards: approximately 5:00 PM
 
For complete rules and regulations please visit the CBA website at www.cbabbq.com.
 

Cook-off Campsite Layout

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Kids 'Que Pic

Kids 'Que

Just for Kids 6-12!

This is for kids between the age of 6 and 12 years of age (as of 2/10/23).  Space is limited to (12) 6-9 year-olds and (12) 10-12 year-olds and will be on a first-come-first-served basis.  The registration fee is $50 per entry.  Read the registration form for more information.

Kids 'Que Information

Are you between the ages of 6 and 12? Do you like to cook? Even if you’ve never cooked, do you want to give a try? If so, come and join us in a KIDS ONLY barbeque cooking contest. We will provide the pit, the charcoal, the competition meat and apron. You will need to enter by having your parents fill out the entry form. Entry fee is $50 for 1 person team.


First 12 teams in each age division registered (& paid) will be able to cook. Each team cooking must have an adult check them in. Everyone will be cooking on the same type of pit and using the same type of charcoal. Each contestant will be provided two pork chops 1” thick. These chops may be seasoned in any way using your own seasoning/sauces. No garnish in turn-in box. This will be your competition meat.


Saturday, February 10, 2024 6-9 Year Old Division • Check-in @ 10:30am • Start cooking @ 11:00am • Turn-in @ 11:30am 10-12 Year Old Division • Check-in @ 10:30am • Start cooking @ 11:00am • Turn-in @ 11:30am. AWARDS for all Kids ‘Que Cooks @ 12pm.


Important Rule: You must listen to the Head Judge during cooking because it is important that no one gets hurt. If you are asked to stop doing something, it is to keep you safe.


Most Important Rule: HAVE FUN!!!!

Smokin' on the Rio

Smokin’ on the Rio State Championship BBQ Cook-Off was established in 2004 by a group of local businessmen with the goal of raising money in support of youth agricultural projects in the Rio Grande Valley.