On National Cheeseburger Day (September 18th, if you didn’t know), a blizzard of burgers will touch down on Sacramento at the first ever Sacramento Burger Battle. Local restaurants will put their best burger forward, and I’m going to be in the center of the storm as one of the official judges.

Several restaurants have already signed up, and the final 6 will be announced in the weeks leading up to the battle. General admission tickets start at $45 and include unlimited burger samples from all 15 participating restaurants, plus dessert samples, craft beer, wine, and cider tastings, free parking, and a prize giveaway ticket. The early bird rate is available until July 20th. All ticket proceeds will benefit the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. You can also get early entry and early prize drawing tickets with a VIP ticket for $65 (early bird rate).

Between now and the 18th, I’m undergoing a training regimen of intense bike rides, sporadic binge eating, and lamaze breathing training to survive the impending burger tsunami and Sacramento heat, which can supposedly creep over 100 degrees, even in September.

Some things are certain: no one is going to leave Raley Field hungry. Others are TBD, including whether or not my pants will fit, post-judging. Probably smart to pack a pair of sweats, just in case.

Want to come? Get a ticket!