Top masons will gather at Highmark Stadium Parking Lot on Sept. 25 for the highly anticipated SpecMix Bricklayer 500 & Jr. SpecMix Bricklayer 500 Regional Series Competition. Locally, the Mason Contractors Association of Western Pennsylvania will be supporting the event.
For more than 50 years, MCAWP, a not-for-profit organization of union masonry contractors, has promoted and advocated for masonry construction in Western Pennsylvania. The association plays a vital role in workforce development and career promotion in the region.
The day kicks off at 9 a.m. with the professional SpecMix competition consisting of a bricklayer and a tender, who race against the clock to construct a 26-foot double-wythe brick wall in 60 minutes. Judging is based on brick count, workmanship quality, craftsmanship, and penalties assessed for errors like crooked lines or excess mortar. The competition winner advances to the World Championship in Las Vegas, where top prizes include over $125,000 in cash and equipment.
The Jr. SpecMix Bricklayer 500 is for high school and apprentice participants who are tasked with building a 9-foot, 4-inch wall, showcasing precision accuracy and speed, all within 20-minutes.
The event aims to promote masonry careers and advocate for wider use of masonry construction. Expect a full day of educational sessions starting at 8:30 a.m. Topics include architectural brick detailing and masonry stain identification and cleaning, led by industry experts from Prosoco and Hohmann & Barnard, Inc.
Between sessions, attendees can explore a vendor expo and participate in hands-on masonry demonstrations led by MCAWP, Bricklayers Allied Craftworkers Local, SPEC MIX, and R.I. Lampus. Participants will apply mortar, lay brick and block, and get expert guidance in real time.
When: Thursday, Sept. 25
All festivities to begin at 9 am.
Where: Highmark Stadium Parking Lot, 510 West Station Square Drive
Cost: Free Features: Professional and apprentice competitions, vendor expo, hands-on learning, educational sessions (3 AIA HSW units), free lunch, Yeti Cooler prize drawing
To register or for more information, click here.
