Call 811 Goes For Three-Peat Victory at Preakness Stakes

Photo Credit: The Washington Post

For the third consecutive year, a Call 811 sponsored jockey crossed the finish line first at the Preakness Stakes horserace. On Saturday, winning jockey Kent Desormeaux sported the bold “Call 811” logo and phone number on his riding pants and boots, as well as the ball cap he wore before and after the race. According to Nielsen ratings, more than 9.4 million people tuned in and saw the “Call Before You Dig” messaging as Kent rode horse Exaggerator to victory at the second leg of the Triple Crown series.

Photo Credit; USA North 811

Members of the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), an organization dedicated to educating professionals and homeowners about the importance of safe digging procedures, helped secure the partnership, including Dig Alert of Southern California, Dig Safely New York, Kentucky 811 and USA North 811. In both 2014 and 2015, jockey Victor Espinoza was wearing 811 gear when he won the Preakness Stakes. Last year was especially special, as Espinoza went on to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1973.

A call to 811, which should be done a few days before beginning construction projects, planting or undertaking any kind of digging activity, connects callers to their local One Call Center which gathers information about the project and alerts your local utility company. Crews then locate the utility lines near the planned project and make sure they are properly marked so you can be sure to avoid them. The process is fast, simple and free, and prevents excavation damage – the number one cause of pipeline incidents in the United States.

To learn more about Call 811 visit http://commongroundalliance.com/. If you are a utility and have a unique and interesting way you’re promoting Call 811, let us know in the comments section below or email loleary@aga.org.