UNDERWRITER & GUEST FAQs

WCBBQ COOK-OFF FAQs

What are the dates of the cook-off?

Thursday–Saturday
February 22nd – 24th, 2024

What are the hours of the cook-off?

Officially, the cook-off is open the following hours:
Thursday: 5pm – 11pm
Friday: Noon – 11pm
Saturday: 9am – 11pm

Where is the cook-off?

The cook-off is in the south parking lot of NRG Stadium (1 NRG Park, Houston, TX 77054).

How do I get onto the grounds of the cook-off?

Yes, it cost to walk through the front gates and into the grounds of the cook-off.

Adults & Children over 13  – $25
Child (ages 3-12) – $10 / 2 & under – Free
Season Pass – Adult – $55

Purchase tickets on HLSR website

Ticket purchase at the gate is not required if you have a current HLSR badge or special HLSR credentials. This is a charitable contribution to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo scholarship fund that everyone must pay at the entrance gate to enter. This is something we have no control over, but the money does go to a good cause.

Can my children come to the Third Coast Cookers tent?

Children are allowed on the cook-off grounds and inside the Third Coast Cookers tent until 7pm each night.  After 7pm, the tent is 21 years old and over.

What is the difference between a VIP badge and a Guest wristband?

Your VIP badge will get you access into the tent all three nights of the cook off.  A VIP badge will also allow you to be admitted into the tent ahead of any guests that may be in line.

A guest wristband is only good on its designated day.

When do you serve dinner?

Dinner service is from 5:30pm-7pm

Leftovers will be set aside in a serve yourself area. We do not guarantee quantity or times.

Will there be security at the tent?

We will have a uniformed City of Houston police officer at the door along with members of Third Coast Cookers whose sole responsibility is to make sure you and your guests are safe.  If anyone in the security detail asks a guest to leave, please help us facilitate their removal.  We do NOT want anyone to try to drive after having too much to drink.  Please notify any Third Coast Cookers team member and they will be glad to call a cab, Uber, or Lyft.

What else is going on during cook-off hours? 

The Garden, Rockin’ Bar-B-Que Saloon, and Chuck Wagon offer public venues for both live and DJ music. Check out the schedule.

Carnival

Fly high and see 360 degree views of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ on the La Grande XL. Soaring to heights of 130 feet, the Rodeo’s luxurious Ferris wheel features 36 air-conditioned cabins complete with padded leather seats, and enough room for you and three friends! Just steps away, all the best foods, including turkey legs, corn dogs, funnel cakes and cotton candy, are within easy reach at the carnival.

Reminder: Half-price carnival pack pricing ends on Saturday of cookoff.

Who do I contact if I have a problem?

Please email Greg@ThirdCoastCookers.com with any questions or issues.