Want to bring the excitement of a FIRST event to your organization? Read below for all the details on how to partner with us to bring a robotics competition to your organization.
The Role of an Event Partner
FIRST Texas partners with coaches, schools, nonprofit organizations, and companies to host our robotics events. Read below on the two key roles required for hosting an event. In most cases, we work with an organization that secures the venue spaces and identifies an Event Director to lead event coordination.
A Venue Host is responsible for:
- Signing an agreement with FIRST to provide access to the facility the day of the event.
- Managing venue-specific requirements such as security and custodial support.
- Coordinating tables, classrooms, network access, parking, and other facility needs.
The Event Director is responsible for:
- Working with the Venue Host on the layout and flow of the event.
- Creating the coaches’ packet using a provided template to share critical event information to teams.
- Recruiting and assigning volunteers with support from the local Regional Program Administrator.
- Working with FIRST Texas to coordinate delivery and ordering of equipment, supplies, and volunteer meals.
- Coordination of event onsite including overseeing the set-up, tear-down, team check-in process, and volunteer management.
Event Partner Stipends:
The following stipend will be provided by FIRST for FLL and FTC. For FRC pricing, please reach out to our team.
- FIRST LEGO League:
- $1,000 per FLL Challenge Qualifier Event - if a team wishes to cover all volunteer meals, the stipend is increased to $1,500.
- $400 per FLL Explore Festival.
- FIRST Tech Challenge: Qualifier: $1,800 total host stipend.
- Standard league with 24 or more teams: $3,600 total host stipend for three league meets and the league tournament.
- Small league with fewer than 24 teams: $2,700 total host stipend for three league meets and the league tournament.
These totals include stipends for providing the venue and coordinating or directing the event. If multiple venues, organizations, or individuals participate in delivering a qualifier or league, FIRST Texas will work with the hosts to determine how the total stipend should be divided.
Change to FTC League Stipends: In previous seasons, leagues with more than 24 teams operating in the “Metro League” format received twice the per-meet venue stipend provided to other leagues. Because there was not a meaningful difference in the work required to deliver events of that size, all leagues with 24 or more teams will now be included in the same standard-league stipend category.
The Role of FIRST Texas
FIRST Texas is here to support you every step of the way! From training resources and software to a dedicated local Regional Program Administrator, we are your partners in putting on high-quality events that engage K-12 students in the exciting world of robotics and STEM! We will:
- Provide program-related documentation, tournament software, and training needed to ensure the execution of events meet global standards set by FIRST.
- Provide all event supplies, materials, and equipment necessary to produce the event. This includes the purchase of volunteer meals (if applicable).
- Handle team registration and payment process.
- Provide training for all official FIRST volunteer roles. Support volunteer recruitment and verify all key volunteers complete required training.
Venue Requirements
Competition Area
This space is for the FLL, FTC, or FRC robot game. For most FRC and FTC events, this is typically a full-size gymnasium or similar large space. FLL events can often be accommodated in smaller spaces such as cafeterias, libraries, or multipurpose rooms. Approximately 3000-5000 sq. ft. Area should also include spectator seating for students, coaches, families, volunteers, and guests.
Example of FLL Competition Area
Example of FTC Competition Area
Example of FRC Competition Area
Team Pit
This is where teams work on their robots, store equipment, and prepare between matches. This is typically a full-size gymnasium or large cafeteria. Team pit spaces are generally 6 ft × 6 ft to 10 ft × 10 ft each. See examples below for FLL, FTC, and FRC events.
Additional Spaces
- Practice Fields: Space for two practice fields where teams can test and refine their robots during the event.
- Volunteer Operations: Classroom or meeting room for volunteer check-in, event management, breaks, and storage of supplies.
- Judging Rooms: Eight classrooms or meeting rooms for team interviews and award judging.
- Registration / Welcome Area: Entry area for team check-in and guest reception. Often can be accommodated within a lobby or common space.
Steps to Become an Event Partner
- Reach out to your local Regional Program Administrator or fill out this form: Interest Form to Host a FIRST Texas Event.
- Work with the RPA to ensure your venue meets requirements and schedule the best date for your event.
- Complete a Venue Host Agreement with FIRST to become an official Event Partner.
- Complete vendor onboarding process and submit invoice. Click here for more details.