The Carolina RailHawks will host the Inaugural Pregame Pig Pickin’ Festival on Saturday, July 21^st from 4:45 PM-6:45 PM. It will take place at WakeMed Soccer Park and will include BBQ, beer, a live band, and famous Pitmaster Ed “Big Ed” Mitchell. Entry bracelets for the event will cost $10 with Season Ticket Holders receiving a 20% discount. All beer and BBQ is included with the entry bracelet. The Festival will precede the RailHawks matchup against NASL rival Minnesota Stars scheduled to kickoff at 7:00 PM.

The RailHawks will hold a Fan Contest to choose two contestants to challenge Chef Joe from Backyard Bistro and Chef Dan from Hibernian Pub for the Pig Pickin’ Festival Best BBQ Crown. Fans can participate as chefs in the BBQ cook off by submitting a picture of a barbeque they have prepared or their rig to info@CarolinaRailHawks.comalong with a brief paragraph on why you should be chosen. All the entries will be posted to the RailHawks Facebook Page where Facebook followers will be able to comment or like entries to persuade the selection committee.

All pigs will be provided, courtesy of the North Carolina Pork Council, but chefs are responsible for providing their own grills, and grilling equipment.  The two fan contestant chefs chosen will receive 4 Suite Tickets as well as on-field during pregame warm-up access for the RailHawks game on Saturday, August 18th at 7:00 PM against FC Edmonton, a signed RailHawks jersey, and recognition at halftime on July 21st.  Local band GB4 will perform during the festival.

A portion of the proceeds of the event will go to The Food Effect (www.thefoodeffect.org) and the RailHawks Spread Your Wings Charity. For more information about tickets to the match and entry bracelets for the festival contact the Cruizers Box Office at 919-459-8144 or by email at tickets@CarolinaRailHawks.com. Tickets for the match can be purchased online at www.CarolinaRailHawks.com.