KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Smoke and fire will surround the Kansas Speedway this fall as the American Royal World Series of Barbecue competition will be held at a third different venue in the past three years, this time at the speedway on Oct. 28-30.

One constant at the annual cook-off is the participation of hundreds of teams from across the globe, which numbered more than 600 this past year when the event was held in the parking lot of the Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium, and the attendance of thousands of meat-loving spectators. Making a return to the highly anticipated event is Smithfield Foods, a presenting sponsor at the 37th American Royal competition.

“We are thrilled to be expanding our partnership with Smithfield, a nationally recognized company with over 500 employees in the Kansas City area,” said Lynn Parman, president and CEO of the American Royal.  Parman pointed out that the global pork company sponsored the rib category this past year and expanded its participation this year.

“It’s great to have their support again this year,” Parman said. “It’s because of the support of companies like Smithfield that the American Royal is able to provide agricultural competitive learning, educational experiences, and scholarships that inspire and cultivate dreams.”

The American Royal marks the end of the competition year for Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned events. It also serves as the finale of the Smithfield Hog Wild Throwdown, a recipe contest that culminates with a cook-off between the winners of the recipe competition judged by celebrity pitmasters. Details about the contest and prizes are available at: www.SmithfieldThrowdown.com.