Florence, KY — September 10–12, 2025 — The National Gas Rodeo at Turfway Park Field brought together 49 teams from 25 companies across 19 states for three days of spirited competition. Instead of horses and lassos, this rodeo featured backhoes, shovels, pipe cutters, and gas meters — with teams racing the clock in events designed to showcase the precision, strength, and skill that define the trade.
Hot Tie-In Crowned National Champions
The spotlight this year was on Hot Tie-In, a two-person PG&E/IBEW 1245 team out of the GC Gas Salida Yard, who captured first place overall in the two-person competition by just 1.8 seconds.
Captain Tom Peterson, a longtime member of IBEW 1245, credited their victory to discipline and strategy. “Last year we came in sixth…this year we came in with a game plan — no penalties, clean runs. And that’s what we did. It put us on top,” said Peterson, who has competed in the rodeo since 2016.
The team set the fastest overall time in the meter build, executed a flawless service run and hand dig, and sealed their win with a clean relay performance.
The Competition
The Gas Rodeo puts crews through a series of events that mirror the real-world skills required on the job. Every team completes four core timed events:
- Meter Set — assembling and tightening a meter to national standards
- Service Install — laying service line with tracer wire and riser
- Pipe Cut — cutting through heavy steel pipe with precision
- Hand Dig — carefully exposing marked areas in mixed sand and gravel
Top-performing teams then advance to the relay, a high-pressure sequence that tests teamwork as much as skill. In the relay, competitors maneuver a truck and trailer through tight cones, use a backhoe to delicately pick up an egg, squeeze off pressurized plastic pipe, operate a mini excavator, complete a regulator bypass, and finish with the water-cooler challenge — where every team member must down a cup of water hands-free before throwing their hands in the air to stop the clock.
Strong Showings Across the Board
All of the IBEW 1245 and PG&E-sponsored teams made their presence felt on the national stage.
Two-Person Teams
- Hot Tie-In (GC Gas Salida Yard) — National Champions
- Gas Money (Yosemite GC) — Top 10 finish
- Squeeze Eazy (PG&E/1245) — Top 10 finish
Four-Person Teams
- Gas Godz (PG&E/1245) — 5th overall
- Gas Clownz (PG&E/1245) — 8th overall
Brotherhood, Skill, and Sportsmanship
The National Gas Rodeo is about more than trophies. For competitors, it’s a chance to demonstrate the craft, strengthen bonds, and represent their union and company with pride.
“I was voluntold to do this rodeo back in 2016 and never looked back,” Peterson said. “I love doing it. And the union’s support for the rodeo means a lot.”
By IBEW 1245 Business Representative Phuong Tran