Join Us for a Weekend of Remembrance, Competition and Community
Hosted by the National Sisterhood United for Journeymen Linemen, this annual event combines heartfelt tribute, rodeo competition and community connection in one unforgettable gathering.
Join us in Hazleton, Pa., for a weekend that reflects the values of service, strength and solidarity at the heart of the lineworker family.
Location: City View Park, Hazleton, PA
Event Registration
Registration is the first step to being part of the 2026 NSUJL Rodeo weekend. Whether you are competing, serving as a judge, participating as a vendor or submitting an honoree for the ceremony, we encourage early action to meet all deadlines and help ensure a safe, organized and successful event.
Climbing for Lost Linemen
To submit an honoree for the Climbing for Lost Linemen (CFLL) Ceremony, please fill out the Honoree Form by May 1, 2026. This deadline ensures there is enough time to have each name professionally etched onto a lantern for the ceremony.
After the form is submitted, you must also email NSUJL to provide additional information about your lost lineman.
Your submission helps us honor your loved one with the dignity, respect and remembrance they deserve.
Rodeo
- Hurtman Rescue
- Speed Climb
- Mystery Event
- Mystery Event
Journeymen Team Registration
Journeymen teams must register for the 2026 NSUJL Rodeo by filling out the form. There is a $150 entry fee per team, plus a handling fee.
Additionally, each journeymen team must register a judge.
All journeymen team entries are due by May 1, 2026.
Apprentice teams may register for the 2026 NSUJL Rodeo by filling out the form. There is a $50 entry fee per team, plus a handling fee.
All apprentice team entries are due by May 1, 2026.
Late Entries
Registration after May 15, 2026, is allowed, up to the event day, and participant names may be updated until June 8, 2026.
However, the free long‑sleeve shirts and mini buckets are not guaranteed after May 1, as extras are first‑come, first‑served.
Be a Rodeo Judge
If you or anyone you know would like to serve as a judge for the 2026 NSUJL Benefit Rodeo, please submit the registration form by May 1, 2026.
As a thank you for helping the rodeo by serving as a judge, you will receive:
- Complimentary T‑shirt
- Lunch
- Buffet Dinner
Approximately 24 judges are required to properly host the rodeo. We ask that you share this opportunity with your family, friends, and coworkers.
Your support helps ensure the NSUJL rodeo is the best it can be in 2026!
Small Businesses/Food Vendors Sponsorship
NSUJL is looking to partner with small business owners and food vendors to serve as event sponsors. If you are interested in growing your visibility in the community while supporting a meaningful cause, then please fill out the form.
After you register, NSUJL will send you details on setup times, placement, requirements and vendor perks based on sponsorship level.
Rentals
If you need tables, chairs or a tent for your time at the Rodeo or the Climbing for Lost Linemen (CFLL) Benefit, then contact Tent Rentals of NEPA. They are our preferred provider due to their proven record of working with Local Unions.
Tent Rentals of NEPA is dedicated to making sure you have everything you need to be comfortable and prepared during the benefit and rodeo weekend!
Call Tent Rentals: 570-233‑4634
Email Tent Rentals: tentrentalsnepa@gmail.com
Rodeo Competition Requirements/Key Information
All rodeo contestants must complete all four events, including the two mystery events. Failure to complete all events results in disqualification.
Safety
The following are safety requirements for both the journeymen and apprentice rodeos:
- Fall protection is required at all times (100 percent fall protection system)
- Climbers, belt, safety strap
- Hard hat, safety glasses with side shields
- Cotton or FR long‑sleeve shirt
- Leather gloves, hand tools
- Knife (no razor knives)
- All tools must be labeled with your name
Journeyman Requirements
All journeymen must be union members, and each journeyman team must register one judge.
Apprentice Requirements
All competing apprentices must be union members.
An apprentice is defined as anyone working through an IBEW-registered apprenticeship who has not achieved journeyman lineman classification. However, apprentices reclassified to journeyman within 30 days of the rodeo may still compete as apprentices.
Apprentices must be qualified climbers.
Your organization must provide one judge for every two apprentices you sponsor.
Written Rules
Each team will receive a copy of the official 2026 NSUJL Benefit Rules upon registration.
Questions?
Please email info@nsujl.org NSUJL with any questions you may have about the event or registration process.
2026 Rodeo Location
The 2026 NSUJL Rodeo will be held at the same location as in 2025. Once again, City View Park will host both the Climbing for Lost Linemen Ceremony and the NSUJL Benefit Rodeo.
City View Park
700 S. Poplar St.
Hazleton, PA 18201
- Stay on the main highways your GPS recommends as you approach Hazleton
- If entering from I-81, you will typically use Exit 145 for West Hazleton/Hazleton
- If you get turned around, contact NSUJL for assistance
Important GPS Note:
Some GPS systems may direct travelers to incorrect or alternate entrances that do not lead to City View Park. As you get closer to Hazleton, double-check your route and avoid side-street shortcuts or unmarked access points when possible.
Buffet Dinner and Awards Ceremony
Children, team participants, rodeo staff, and rodeo volunteers eat free.
Sponsors may attend by purchasing a buffet ticket, and participants’ families may purchase additional dinner tickets.
Rodeo Lodging
NSUJL offers the following recommended lodging options for rodeo teams, families of honorees, sponsors and out-of-town guests attending the 2026 events.
Discounted rates are only available through NSUJL‑provided information.
Room blocks are limited, and early reservations are strongly encouraged.
Preferred Hotel – Candlewood Suites – Hazelton, Pa.
Candlewood Suites – Hazleton, Pa.
Discount rates are available for queen suites with kitchenettes. These suites offer conveniences for families and extended stays.
- Group rate: $119/night
- Call: (570) 459-1600
- Group name: Lineman Rodeo
- Online code: HBR
- Book Online
Rodeo Travel
There are multiple airports within a reasonable driving distance of the rodeo grounds. If you need help planning travel for the 2026 NSUJL Rodeo, please email us. ( info@nsujl.org )
Scranton/Wilkes‑Barre International Airport (AVP)
- A roughly 35‑minute drive from City View Park. This is the closest airport to the Rodeo and is likely the most convenient option for most attendees.
Major Airport Hubs (Approx. 2 hours away)
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) in Pennsylvania
Smaller Regional Airports
- Lehigh Valley International Airport (ABE), about an hour drive
- Harrisburg International Airport (MDT), roughly 90 minutes away from the venue