Xcel Energy Lineman’s Rodeo Friday in Amarillo
Media Release, Xcel Energy
AMARILLO, Texas — Xcel Energy linemen will showcase their skills at the 33rd Lone Star Lineman’s Rodeo starting at 6 p.m. Friday at the Don Taylor Rodeo Grounds located at 7801 E. Interstate 40 in Amarillo.
The rodeo grounds are in the back of Xcel Energy’s Amarillo Technical Center, the primary training facility for line personnel in Texas and New Mexico.
The competition features both team and individual events scoring linemen on their knowledge of electricity, safety and their skills in climbing poles and performing construction and repair work atop utility poles. While the name might suggest otherwise, there are no horses or cattle involved in this rodeo—but for many of these line workers, it’s not their first rodeo.
Team competitions include the Pole Climb with Raw Egg, Hurt-Man Rescue and two mystery events.
The Hurt-Man Rescue scores a lineman’s ability to scale a pole and rescue a 165-pound, life-size dummy at the top and bring it safely to the ground secured in rescued rigging. Mystery events are unknown and cannot be practiced prior to the competition but involve everyday job and safety skills expected in utility line work.
Teams are made up of three participants, including two climbing journeymen and one groundman. Scoring is based on following correct work procedures and attention to safety.
Individuals will also compete in five events in the apprentice division: Apprentice Hurt-Man Rescue, pole climbing events, a written test and two mystery events.
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