Now in its eighth year, John Offerdahl’s Gridiron Grill-Off Food & Wine Festival, presented by the University of Miami Health System, will return to the Pompano Beach Amphitheater on Saturday, November 11 from 1 – 4 p.m.

Created by five-time All-Pro Miami Dolphins Linebacker John Offerdahl, the Gridiron Grill-Off Food & Wine Festival brings the community together in support of Offerdahl’s Hand-Off Foundation and its mission to “Feed the Needs of Those in Crisis.” The premier event has raised over $500,000 by bringing together Miami Dolphins legends, top South Florida chefs and media personalities who delight football fans and foodies with signature grilled entrées paired with premium wines and spirits. Attendees of this outdoor afternoon culinary festival also enjoy live music and interactive activities

“The Gridiron Grill-Off has established itself as one of the most significant food and wine festivals in South Florida,” said Offerdahl. “Our unique brand succeeds by combining football, food and charity into one all-inclusive event that brings the community together to help those in need.”

Event attendees will traverse the open-air festival grounds sampling mouthwatering dishes as they go tent to tent meeting and mingling with players and chefs. The delicious culinary creations take center field as each team offers one signature grilled entree paired with premium wines and spirits. The teams will vie for the 2017 Judge’s Choice and Fan Favorite awards. Past award-winning dishes include Crazy Duck Tacos, Coconut Chili Ceviche, Grilled Spanish Octopus, Espresso and Chocolate Crusted Filet Mignon and Bacon & Bleu Rib-eye.

In addition to the free-flowing food and drinks, Grill-Off guests will be immersed in live entertainment, a silent auction, the Tito’s Vodka Tailgate Zone and the cornhole competition in the Toyota Cornhole Stadium and Festival Stage.

The popular festival evolves each year to deliver amazing food and fun. Participating this year are new restaurants such as The Pompano Beach House, The Foundry, Sky Thai Sushi, JWB Prime Steak & Seafood at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, The Rusty Hook Tavern, Atlantic Grill at the Atlantic Hotel & Spa and Naked Crab at the B Ocean Resort Fort Lauderdale.

First-time participating Miami Dolphins legends Woody Bennett, Lorenzo Hampton, Terry Kirby and Twan Russel will mix and mingle with nearly 3,000 event attendees while teaming up with an amazing lineup up of top chefs.

One hundred percent of event net proceeds will benefit Offerdahl’s Hand-Off Foundation. Established in 2012 by John and Lynn Offerdahl, Offerdahl’s Hand-Off Foundation (OHOF) helps “Feed the Needs of Those in Crisis” in partnership with business, governmental, civic and faith-based organizations. True to its mission to help the most vulnerable, the organization now spearheads John Offerdahl’s Gridiron Grill-Off Food and Wine Festival which has consistently raised funds to aid foster care and homeless agencies across South Florida. In recent years, OHOF has expanded its model of giving to generate a greater community impact through the creation of its Home Team Advantage Restorative Housing program. Its sole purpose is to help individuals who are seeking relational restoration and homeownership victory.

“A major sponsor of the event, the University of Miami Health System is committed to providing quality healthcare for all and being fully engaged in our community. This event is a perfect tie to our advanced Sports Medicine Institute,” said Thinh Tran, M.D., M.B.A., chief clinical officer and chief operating officer of the University of Miami Health System. “Our team is ready to rally behind this South Florida tradition in support of John and Lynn Offerdahl and all that they do to help “Feed the Needs of Those in Crisis” in our community.”

As a successful businessman and philanthropist, John Offerdahl created the Gridiron Grill-Off Food, Wine & Tailgate Festival in 2010 to integrate his love for grilling and football with his passion for helping kids in crisis. For more than a decade, John has operated the ever-popular Offerdahl’s Cafe Grill, a quick-casual restaurant specializing in just-grilled steak, chicken, salmon and shrimp on salads, sandwiches and entrees topped with John’s signature dressings and sauces.

To find out more and to purchase all-inclusive general admission and VIP admission tickets, visit www.gridirongrilloff.com.