Competition Rules
The Battle for the Bones BBQ Competition will be held on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama in celebration of the UAB-Memphis football rivalry game. The competition is a one-meat ribs contest sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue society and is open to professionals and amateurs. KCBS Backyard contest rules apply. Deadline to enter the Battle for the Bones contest is 5 pm CT on Monday, Oct. 16, 2023. Limited spots available. Once sold out, a waiting list will be available.
NEW: A Sauce only entry has been added. Individuals and teams who would like to participate in the Sauce portion contest only can register online. Registration fee is $50 and includes two UAB-Memphis football game tickets. The prize for the 1st place Sauce contest is a trophy. Register using the link below.
Final Battle for the Bones contest schedule listed below. Please contact Leah Clayton at LC4@uab.edu with any questions.
Contestant Responsibilities
All contestants must be registered by Monday, October 16 at 5 pm CST. Sign-in and setup will open at Saturday, October 21 at 5 am CT. A mandatory cook’s meeting will be held that day at 7 am CT to go over the rules and answer questions. Water stations will be available and electricity will be provided. Tents, tables and chairs are not provided but are permitted.
Judging Procedures
All meat should be kept raw and unseasoned at 40 degrees or colder for inspection prior to marinating or cooking. After the cooking process, the meat must be kept at 140 degrees or hotter. A judging panel will require six or more separate and identifiable samples be submitted in an approved turn-in container to determine a first, second and third place. Judging will begin promptly at 1:30 pm CT for sauce and 2 pm for ribs. Each team will collect points based on the appearance, taste and tenderness of the meat that will ultimately determine the winner of the contest. Winning teams will also receive the coordinating prize listed below.
