Fort Lauderdale, FL – The 2018 edition of John Offerdahl’s Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival – which makes its return to the Pompano Beach Amphitheater Friday, November 9 – will include an all-new, family-friendly BBQ Pit Masters competition. The competition takes place from 12-5 p.m. on Saturday, November 10, as part of this year’s much-anticipated weekend-long celebration. Attendees will enjoy an authentic experience with craft barbecue, live entertainment, and a family-friendly Kid Zone for adults and children of all ages.
“As our event has grown and evolved over the years, we’ve looked for new ways to involve the community and enhance the overall experience for our guests,” said John Offerdahl, the founder of the Gridiron Grill-Off and former Miami Dolphins All-Pro Linebacker. “We are thrilled to host the first annual BBQ Pit Masters competition this year and look forward to showcasing the talent and passion of grillers from all across the Southeast. This event is an outstanding way for us to give back to the community, and by adding new elements like the BBQ competition, we know we will be able to contribute even more. It’s a great feeling.”
Each year since 2010, the Gridiron Grill-Off has paired celebrity chefs from South Florida’s finest restaurants with NFL legends to create signature grilled dishes. This year, in addition to the new BBQ Pit Masters competition, the festival will include three nights of live concerts and the ultimate tailgate experience during the Dolphins vs. Packers game on Sunday, November 11.
The Florida BBQ Sanctioned competition will showcase 40 pit masters competing to win a grand champion trophy and more than $10,000 in cash prizes. Teams will compete in four categories: chicken, pork, brisket and ribs. Included in their $10 ticket price, attendees will have the opportunity to taste ten 1-ounce samples of delicious BBQ hot off the grill and vote in the People’s Choice BBQ competition. Additional food and beverage will be available for purchase. The event will be hosted by Ronald Ramon Heller, former NFL offensive tackle and assistant offensive line coach for the New York Jets. Heller played twelve seasons in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins.
“I am very excited to join the Gridiron Grill-Off family in 2018 and host this special BBQ pit master competition with my friend and former teammate, John Offerdahl,” said Heller. “I am so proud to have watched this event grow throughout the years and I can’t wait to be a part of it, with a new, fun twist!”
Tickets are now on sale at the event’s all-new website, www.gridirongrilloff.com. Tickets to the BBQ Pit Masters event are $10 for adults and free for kids four and under, which includes (ten) one oz. samples of BBQ for voting (All other food and drinks are available for purchase and does not include access to the Grill-Off). General admission for the Gridiron Grill-Off are $85 per person, including all food and beverages at the Saturday event. VIP tickets, which include a gift bag and access to a private tent on-site with seating, shade, food and beverages, are $125 per person.
Follow the event on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gridirongrilloff or Instagram @gridirongrilloff and Twitter @GridironGriller for real-time participant additions and announcements.
About John Offerdahl’s Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival
John Offerdahl’s Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Music Festival is a weekend-long celebration that pairs celebrity chefs in South Florida with NFL legends to create signature grilled dishes while raising money to positively impact South Florida. Since 2010, the festival has raised money to support foster care and homeless agencies across South Florida and became a subsidiary of the Offerdahl’s Hand-Off Foundation in 2013. The annual event continues to grow each year drawing an average of 3,000 attendees. This year’s ninth annual Gridiron Grill-Off will feature three nights of concerts, a BBQ Pit Masters Competition and unique tailgate experience during the Dolphins versus Packers game on Sunday, November 11. The Live Concert Series powered by the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB’s partnership with AEG Presents will feature performances by Vince Gill, Barenaked Ladies, and Daughtry. Attendees will enjoy the grilling competition, complemented by several additions including new sponsors, live entertainment, a cornhole tournament, a refreshed silent auction and more. Participating restaurants this year include Beach House Pompano, Oceans 234, Naked Taco and Pelican Landing, among many others.
