Why Join ABA?
The mission of the Alabama BBQ Association (ABA) is to promote barbecue in the state of Alabama. The ABA oversees the Alabama Governor’s Cup. Prizes are awarded annually to the Top 3 Backyard and Top 3 Professional barbecue teams with the highest overall “Trail” Points for ABA sanctioned events throughout the contest season. Additionally, ABA promotes tourism to Alabama and to each of the host cities with its national promotion of its sanctioned events.
I'm a Backyard or Pro Division Cook Team, what do I need to know?
- ABA contest season runs January through December each year.
- Top 5 Teams in both Backyard and Pro are recognized at either the “Bash”, i.e., Alabama Tourism Partnership's Legislative Reception OR at an awards event on the Alabama BBQ Trail the following year.
- Team Of the Year (TOY) awards consist of both Trophies and Cash Prizes:
| Backyard Division | Professional Division |
| 1st Place $800.00 | 1st Place $1,500.00 |
| 2nd Place $500.00 | 2nd Place $1,000.00 |
| 3rd Place $300.00 | 3rd Place $ 500.00 |
| 4th Place Plaque | 4th Place Plaque |
| 5th Place Plaque | 5th Place Plaque |
How do I become a Member? If you are a Cook Team or Individual, apply on-line or fill out a Membership Application and return it with your payment to the ABA Secretary:
Suzanne Burton
4901 University Sq., Ste. 3
Huntsville, AL 35816
If you have additional questions, check out the FAQs for Backyard and Professional teams.
