Rules

Official event rules

February 12th–13th, 2027

Smokin' on the Rio is sanctioned by the Champions Barbecue Alliance (CBA). All CBA rules apply in addition to the Smokin' on the Rio rules below.

Smokin' on the Rio rules

  1. Jackpots: Beans & Fajitas (Friday the 12th). Pan de Campo will not be a Jackpot in 2027.
  2. Sanctioning organization: Champions Barbecue Alliance (CBA) rules.
  3. Returning teams from 2026 will have a short period to register and select their same site as in 2026 before registration is opened to the public when all remaining sites will be released.
  4. Private team porta-cans and tents must be secured through Smokin' on the Rio. No outside porta-can or tent vendors will be allowed in the facilities. Order through the team registration site. Personal canopies are allowed.
  5. Absolutely no stakes of any kind are allowed to be used on paved surfaces.
  6. Team check-in times will be Thursday 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. All teams must be checked in Friday by 6:00 PM. Gates will be locked Friday at 6:01 PM until Saturday after awards. No exceptions.
  7. Returning teams wanting the same campsite they were at the previous year must register early during the "returning team registration period." Returning Team Registration will begin 10/1/2026 at 10 AM and will end 11/22/2026 at 10 PM.
  8. New cooking teams should select their site when registering online from the available sites.
  9. Only one vehicle will be allowed at each campsite during the event.
  10. No ice or alcohol will be allowed in during the event. Ice and beer will be sold to cooking teams on site.
  11. As per the local fire code, all teams must have one fire extinguisher per campsite.
  12. No pets, golf carts, or ATV vehicles will be allowed on the grounds.
  13. Each team will be provided a space of approximately 40' × 40'. Some sites may vary in size.
  14. Electricity and water will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring plenty of extension cords and water hoses. Not every site has power, water, or any guarantee on amperage/load.
  15. Propane burners can only be used for cooking beans.
  16. Multiple pits are allowed as long as you do not exceed the space provided. All teams and team equipment must be within campsite boundaries.
  17. Generators are allowed.
  18. The immediate ground gates, where all cooking teams will be stationed and parked, will be closed and remain locked from Friday, February 12th, 2027 at 6:01 PM CST to Saturday, February 13th, 2027 after the Awards Ceremony.
  19. Mercedes PD will be onsite to assist in the safe exit of teams wishing to leave. We ask that you exit out of the closest open gate to your spot, as traffic will not be allowed in designated areas.
  20. Any team member or team guest found driving a vehicle inside the event grounds between the hours of Friday 6:01 PM and Saturday prior to awards ending will be disqualified and/or not allowed to participate the following year. No exceptions.
  21. Random meat inspections will be done on Friday from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM.
  22. Head Cooks Meeting: Friday 6:00 PM at the Event Center.
  23. Fajitas and Beans check-in will be Friday night from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM in the Event Center. Entry fee is $50 for each event. Entry fees must be paid online by February 11th, 2027 at 10 PM. No exceptions.
  24. Concert tickets are not included in team registration. Concert tickets are sold separately.
  25. Teams are responsible for their campsite. Trash must be picked up and placed in trash cans, and the area (asphalt, gravel, grass, etc.) must be free of trash, ashes, and coal prior to awards. No ashes or coals are to be placed in trash cans or the dumpster, nor left in the campsite. No exceptions.
  26. Violations of Smokin' on the Rio rules may lead to disqualification and/or not being allowed to participate the following year.
  27. Federal tax law: any contestant who receives $2,001 or more will be required to fill out a 1099.

High School rules

  1. All High School team campsites will be in a designated area to the west of the main entrance.
  2. High School teams are not required to stay the night.
  3. Smokin' on the Rio is sanctioned by the Champions Barbecue Alliance (CBA). All applicable CBA rules, Smokin' on the Rio rules, and the following High School rules apply.
  4. High School teams are made up of 4–5 high school students enrolled in grades 9th – 12th.
  5. Teams are to have a District Employee or High School staff member (with a high school email address) in charge of the team who also travels with them under ISD rules.
  6. Coaches, mentors, other adults, and any non-team member are not allowed to touch meat, spices, marinades, cooking equipment, or pits.
  7. Alcohol is not permitted at any time. This includes being in the recipe or any product. If any High School team member is found consuming or possessing alcohol during the Smokin' on the Rio event, it will be grounds for disqualification.
  8. Teams are responsible for making sure they know the turn-in times for each competition.
  9. Teams are responsible for their campsite. Trash must be picked up and placed in trash cans, and the area (asphalt, gravel, grass, etc.) must be free of trash, ashes, and coal prior to awards. No ashes or coals are to be placed in trash cans or the dumpster, nor left in the campsite. No exceptions.