Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board (CCLMC) held a press conference on the front steps of Segra Park June 14 to announce a new BBQ event in the Midlands.
“A year from now, in June of 2024, Columbia SC will host the inaugural Southeastern BBQ Showdown” said Miriam Atria, President and CEO of CCLMC. “This 2-day event held here at Segra Park will be the first ‘Food Sport Competition Event’ ever to be held in a Sports Complex in the United States.”
CCLMC developed a grand slam National BBQ competition event for Columbia. The Southeastern BBQ Showdown will pit the best of the best in the national competitive BBQ scene. Teams will compete during the two-day ticketed event which will culminate with an a-list country music concert and fireworks show finale.
Speakers at the press conference included Mark Conway of Mark Conway Media, the Emcee of the World Food Championships, and the World Championship Chili Cook-Off; Mayor Daniel Rickenmann; and Brad Shank, Team President of the Columbia Fireflies. Also in attendance were Jim Wellman of the South Carolina Barbeque Association; Bill Ellen, President & CEO of Experience Columbia, Columbia City Councilman, Howard Duvall; Lexington County Councilwoman, Debbie Summers; and the Columbia Fireflies mascot, Mason made an appearance.
The specific date of the event will be released later this Summer.
