WCBBQ Underwriter & Guest Cook-off FAQs

What are the dates of the cook-off?
Thursday–Saturday
February 27th – March 1st, 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.