Academy of Country Music
and Mandalay Bay Bet Big on
the ACM BBQ Throwdown

March 30-31, 2012 

Making its first appearance, the ACM BBQ Throwdown is part of the THE ACM EXPERIENCE, the Academy of Country Music's inaugural country lifestyle series of events, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 30 & 31, 2012 brought to you by Smoke on the Water Productions.

Considered one of the world’s richest contest with a guaranteed purse of $50,000, the Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned ACM BBQ Throwdown Champion's purse of $10,000 is also one the largest on the competition circuit. We're spreading the love by paying top ten overall and through twenty places in all four categories.

“The ACM BBQ Throwdown will bring the world’s best barbecue teams to Las Vegas,” said Ron Cates, event organizer. “Even though there is big money up for grabs, it’s really about more than that; it’s about respect among their peers. Those that compete in this contest know the winner will be recognized as the number one barbecue team on the planet.”

“Mandalay Bay is thrilled and proud to host this premier event during THE ACM EXPERIENCE weekend,” said Mandalay Bay Vice President of Entertainment Chris Baldizan. “We welcome the professional barbecue teams and believe the festival will add a tremendous amount of excitement and is something Las Vegas will embrace for years to come.”

Besides the competition, there will be world champion vendors selling their famous barbecue and some of the brightest stars in country music will be performing on the Miller/Coors Stage all weekend. Also, there is the ACM Fan Jam (part of the 47th ACM Awards), ACM EXPO (outdoor living & country expo), rib eating championship, Jack Daniel's Experience, and the Sin City Rib Throwdown.

It’s the Week Vegas Goes Country. Live music, great barbecue, the world's best teams competing for $50,000 and the ACM BBQ Throwdown title. And it's free admission. Let the flames begin!