April 28, 2011
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - Any event with delicious food, great music, and a chance to spend time with family and friends is special. Throw in the chance to benefit UNLV Athletics and Rebel fans have a guaranteed winner.
UNLV Athletics has teamed with Smoke on the Water Productions to be a part of the Orleans USA Barbecue Championship at the Orleans Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The event - which will be held Saturday and Sunday, May 21-22 - will feature the world's best barbecue vendors selling their famous ribs, pork, brisket, chicken and other great eats at the Ribba-Ramma barbecue fest. Hundreds of professional barbecuers will be vying for $125,000 in prize money. Admission is free to the event.
"The USA Championship was created to bring the best barbecuers in the world together to compete," said organizer Ron Cates. "To be the best, you have to beat the best. It's that simple. The 2010 USA Barbecue Championship attracted over 300 professional and amateur teams representing 43 states as well as six from Canada and one from Tokyo."
However, you don't have to be a pro to join in the competition. Everyone is invited to "Get Your Rib On" as part of the inaugural UNLV Ribba-Ramma amateur competition, created especially for the weekend warrior and backyard griller. For just a $75 entry fee, your team will be entered into the amateur competition on Saturday, May 21. Entry fee includes (3) three racks of ribs, (1) one bag of competition charcoal and (1) one bag of VooDoo rub & spices.
Each team prepares three racks of ribs. Three bones are turned in for judging and the remainder will be offered to attendees who present UNLV Donor Cards. While attendance is free, a UNLV Donor Card can be purchased for a donation of $10. Patrons will receive a punch card redeemable for five ribs from different amateur stations. After filling up the card, attendees can then cast their vote for the "People's Choice" best ribs. The top three teams will win prizes, including season tickets to the upcoming UNLV football season and tailgating opportunities.
All proceeds from the amateur competition will support UNLV Athletics through the Rebel Athletic Fund. For more information on registering a team, visit www.smokeonthewaterbbq.com.
"We're thrilled to be involved with this event," said Jim Livengood, UNLV's Director of Athletics. "This has a chance to be a special event in this community for years to come and we're excited to be involved in year one in Las Vegas. It will be a fun celebration for UNLV fans."
UNLV Athletics representatives - including new men's basketball head coach Dave Rice - are schedule to be in attendance at the event for fans to meet. More information will follow on appearance schedules.
Businesses are also encouraged to become a sponsor and showcase their company in front of an expected crowd of 50,000 people. Sponsorships range from $500 to $2,500, with benefits including VIP tickets, VIP parking, banner placement, logo and website link on the event webpage, special recognition, display space, and more. All sponsorship proceeds go directly to UNLV Athletics. Call (702) 895-1533 for more sponsorship information.
To Get Your Rib On at the Amateur Rib Cook-off and support your UNLV Rebels, log on to www.smokeonthewaterbbq.com.
