Contestant Information

Key Contestant Information with Exciting Changes!

Contestant Timeline

Open Contest Application deadline for returning teams requesting 2008 space or changing space: July 17, 2009
Invitational Contest Application available via mail: August 14 - September 1, 2009
Certified Barbecue Judging Class form posted online: July 13 - October 1, 2009
Texas Hold Em Tournament form posted online: June 29 - October 1, 2009
Team Packets mailed to Chief Cook: August 14, 2009
Team Add-On Form posted online: August 14 - September 5, 2009

All Seasons Tent Rental

All Seasons Party and Tent Rental is the official supplier to the Royal and the only commercial tent company allowed on the grounds. Contestants may bring and set up personal tents without the aid of a different commercial tent company. Verify that the tent and weights fit within your space. Occupancy permits will not be issued for tents that encroach into the fire lanes, the aisles, or another contestant’s space. Offending tents will be removed and charged a $50 fine. No stakes!

Johnny on the Spot Port-a-lets

Johnny on the Spot, our port-a-let supplier, has agreed to service the teams’ rented port-a-lets early Saturday morning at no additional charge to the teams. However, to have your port-a-let serviced, you must have it placed within five (5) feet from the front of your space.

Invitational Only Teams

The few teams that are only competing in the Invitational Contest will be assigned locations that will give them easy access to leave after the Awards Ceremony on Saturday. Those assignments will not be given until early September.

Supplies Still Available

Glacier Ice, Kingsford Charcoal and water will still be available throughout the weekend with our volunteer delivery team working hard for you from Thursday through Sunday.

Contestant Check-In and Parking

For your convenience, check-in/load-in hours for contestants are:

Thursday, October 1 from 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
Friday, October 2 from 7:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday, October 3 from 7:00 am - 10:00 am

Due to traffic congestion and safety concerns, no one will be allowed to drive on the grounds after 3:00 pm Friday until 2:00 pm Saturday unless loading in early Saturday morning. Bands and caterers are the only exceptions (see Band/Catering Pass). Only one team vehicle with the approved vehicle pass is allowed to park in the team space and must not be moved after 3:00 pm on Friday. Parking for teams is available in Liberty Lot which is northeast of the American Royal grounds. We have worked very hard to improve this situation, but vehicular traffic must be limited during peak times.

Band/Catering Pass

Only vehicles with a purchased Band/Catering Pass ($25) can enter before 6:00 pm on Friday and Saturday to drop off band equipment and/or set up catering needs. These vehicles need to park offsite. Any vehicle parked illegally will be subject to be towed. No vehicles can move between 6:00 and 11:00 pm on Friday or Saturday. After 11:00 pm, they can return to load equipment and leave. The fee was established to limit this to bands/caterers only. To apply for a Band/Catering Pass, the team must sign up via the original application or the Add-On Form which is available online in September.

Health and Safety

City Health Regulations prohibit dispensing food to the public other than to family and friends within your team contestant space unless you’re a “Taste of the Royal” participant.
No alcohol should be brought from outside sources onto the grounds. All beer must be purchased from approved supplier to the American Royal. Due to traffic congestion and safety concerns, a team, its members, family members, and friends will be allowed ONLY through public entrances starting at 3:00 p.m. on Friday. No exceptions.

Motorized Vehicles and Trailers

Absolutely no unauthorized golf carts or other motorized vehicles will be allowed on the American Royal Complex grounds. If you are arriving in an RV, you will need to have your water tank full prior to entering the American Royal grounds. We do not have the water capacity to allow you to fill and dump your tanks. The major highways leading into the city have many truck stops along the way where you can fill up. Water is furnished solely for cooking and cleaning. Showers are available on the grounds in our Lower Exhibition Hall notated on our online map. If you are arriving early and need a list of available campgrounds/RV Parks, you are welcome to call 816.221.9800 for more information or e-mail BBQ@americanroyal.com. All vehicles and RVs must fit entirely within designated contestant space. Entry fee includes parking for only one vehicle in your barbecue space, which is not to be moved until event is over. Fire lanes must remain clear, and vehicles cannot be illegally parked in the spaces of late arriving contestants. Unauthorized or illegally parked vehicles will be towed at owner’s expense, and a fine of $100 will be levied. If your vehicle is towed, please see the American Royal Security located in the Command Center inside the American Royal Building. THIS WILL BE ENFORCED. All vehicles on premises must have proper parking credentials displayed at all times.

Electrical

Most teams purchase only 1 hook up (20 amp outlet), but you can purchase up to 3 hook-ups. 20 amp outlet; responsible for your own cords. **Please make sure all cords are 12 gauge to help alleviate power surges and outages. Up to 150 feet of power cord may be necessary for your connection. A limited number of electrical outlets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at $30 each. You are welcome to bring your own generator.

Fire Department

Your team will be required to comply with the Kansas City Fire Department codes which include having a fire extinguisher, purchasing a tent permit and posting “No Smoking“ signs inside your tent. You will receive instructions regarding these codes in your team packet mailed to the Chief Cook in mid August.

You can call the Fire Department in advance and request a list of these codes at (816) 784-9100.