Smoke in the outfield at Toyota Field

MADISON — “Take me out to the ballpark,

“Take me out with the smoke.

“Grill me some brisket and barbecue,

“Fill up my plate with ribs and sauce, too …”

The smoke will be thick and so will the barbecue sauce this weekend as the home of the Trash Pandas will be transformed into the biggest barbecue arena.

More than 60 amateur cook teams from across the country will take over Toyota Field for the Smoke in the Outfield festival. The Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned event features competition in a variety of categories including chicken, ribs, and pork.

There will also be live music and activities for all ages.

Oh, of course, there will be some great food.

The VIP Opening Night Party gets things started Friday from 5-10 p.m. The cook teams will be introduced with their specialties. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, including pulled pork, beef brisket, smoked turkey, and specialty drinks. The Lamont Landers Band will also perform.

Things get cooking Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the People’s Choice BBQ tasting and competition judging in the afternoon. People’s Choice sampling will begin at 11 a.m. for guests that have purchased special sampling tickets.

There will be music from the Cruze Band along with inflatables, games on the concourse and more opportunities to ride the mechanical bull.

Several ticket options are available. Click here.

• VIP Tickets – $45 per person, includes a Saturday Sampling Ticket and a Friday Opening Night Ticket
• Saturday Sampling Tickets – $40 per person, includes one drink ticket (beer or fountain soda), access to People’s Choice BBQ competition to sample 2 oz. portions of People’s Choice Submissions and vote on the winner
• Adult Tickets – $15, includes admission Friday and Saturday
• Kids 12 & Under – $12, includes admission to both riday and Saturday
• Children 2 & Under – Free

Local vendors and businesses will be on hand throughout the festival. A full list is available  here.

The Kansas City Barbecue Society is the number one organization of grilling and live-fire smoking enthusiasts globally. It is also the top sanctioning body for barbecue food sports.