I like to cook in pans, and wondering if the YS1500 has enough real estate for a 4 meat competition?

I'll probably have a separate chicken cooker so really butts, brisket, and ribs, but I might would like to start the chicken in the YS1500 also and then move them for higher heat finish.

I'm thinking three full hotel pans and room on top for ribs (not necessarily in a pan) would work pretty well.

yes it is big enough, had a friend that uses one, I've competed on the GMG DB with a weber kettle for all 4 meats with much less space then a Yoder, your 1st level grate is 24"x42". Nice to see another competition person on the site

Yes the YS1500 is big enough. I cooked with a guy who did everything (all 4 meats) on a YS1500.