The Smithfield Cup

The inaugural Smithfield Cup takes place this fall in historic Elizabethtown, pitting barbecue teams from North Carolina and South Carolina against each other in a battle of BBQ supremacy. The new event features a select group of pitmasters from the Carolinas who will prepare pork samplings from title sponsor Smithfield Foods, which operates the world’s largest pork processing plant in nearby Tar Heel.

Patrons to the event will be provided samples of chopped barbecue, ribs and more, plus one Southern side from each team. They'll then cast their People’s Choice vote for the best BBQ. The winning team will be awarded the Smithfield Cup and display the trophy for one year in that winning state.

The Smithfield Cup is scheduled for noon-5 p.m. for general admission. VIP experience gets patrons into the event at 11 am (one hour before the General Admission ticket to beat the crowds).