📋 Table of Contents
Welcome to the FIRST Championship
The 2026 FIRST® Championship presented by BAE Systems will bring together thousands of students from around the world for the ultimate celebration of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and innovation.
This season — REBUILT℠ — every artifact we uncover holds a story. Each tool, each innovation, and each work of art connects us to the people and ideas that came before us. Using STEM skills and teamwork, today we can dig deeper into discoveries than ever before.
Get ready to have fun and be part of something extraordinary.
Accessibility
♿ Accessibility Services
Expanded accessibility information is available for attendees with disabilities. Please inquire at Guest Services on site.
👤 Accommodations
Service animals welcome. Wheelchair access available at all venues. Contact FIRST for specific accommodation requests.
FIRST Programs at Championship
FIRST LEGO League Explore
Grades K-4
60 teams present their research projects at the Festival in Ballroom, Level 3
FIRST LEGO League Challenge
Ages 9-16
108 teams compete in the UNEARTHED℠ challenge, Ballroom Level 3
FIRST Tech Challenge
Grades 7-12
342 teams compete in DECODE℠ presented by RTX, Halls A & B, Level 3
FIRST Robotics Competition
Grades 9-12
600+ teams compete in REBUILT℠ presented by Haas, Halls A-E, Level 1
Schedule Overview
🏠 Wednesday, April 29
Block Party at Discovery Green begins. FIRST Championship Conferences start. Team load-in.
🏠 Thursday, April 30
Competition heats up across all programs. Conferences continue. Block Party ongoing.
🏠 Friday, May 1
Final rounds across all divisions. Last day of conferences. Block Party continues.
🏠 Saturday, May 2
Championship matches & Closing Celebration ceremonies across all programs.
Detailed schedule available in the FIRST Championship App.
Venue & Campus Locations
George R. Brown Convention Center
Main venue. FRC Fields, Pits, FIRST Store, Conferences. Level 1: Halls A-E for FRC. Level 3: Halls A-B for FTC, Ballroom for FLL.
Discovery Green
Directly across from the Convention Center. Block Party with food trucks, games, live music, and more. Outdoor extension of campus.
Marriott Marquis Hotel
Connected to Convention Center via walkway. Primary hotel for teams and attendees.
Hilton Americas Hotel
Connected to Convention Center via walkway. Additional team and attendee lodging.
Registration & Badging
⚠ All attendees must check in and receive a badge. Consent and release forms required for all participants.
| Registration Hours | |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, April 29 | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Thursday, April 30 | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Friday, May 1 | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Saturday, May 2 | 6:30 AM – After Closing |
🚮 Check-In
Visit the registration area to pick up your badge and event materials. Have your consent forms ready.
🏴 Pronoun Ribbons
Available at registration. Wear your ribbon to share your pronouns with other attendees.
Health & Safety
⚠ Important: All children under 12 must always be accompanied by an adult in the Pit area. Face coverings and vaccinations are not required but are recommended. If you are feeling ill, please do not attend the event.
🚗 Pit Area Rules
Sandals, open-toed shoes, and Crocs are not allowed in the Pits, fields, or teamwork areas. Wear proper footwear at all times.
🚽 Dress Code
Wear relaxed, fun, and appropriate clothing. You represent your team and FIRST. Body paint in lieu of clothes is not appropriate.
🔧 Safety Glasses
Required in the Pits and on the competition fields. Glasses are provided at entry — bring your own or use ours.
🚑 Medical
Medical personnel on site. In case of emergency, locate the nearest event staff member or go directly to a medical station.
💭 Mental Health
Supporting mental health is a priority. Resources available on site — ask at Guest Services.
🚨 Youth Protection
Report any youth protection or safety concerns immediately to a staff member or designated reporter.
Security & Prohibited Items
🚡 Enhanced Security: Metal detection screenings at ALL event entrances. Expanded perimeter includes Discovery Green and Avenidas de las Americas. Plan for additional entry time.
Prohibited items include but are not limited to:
- Weapons of any kind
- Explosives or flammable materials
- Glass containers
- Large bags or backpacks (check size limits at entry)
- Outside food or beverages (sealed water bottles allowed)
- Pets (service animals excepted)
- Laser pointers
- Professional camera equipment (tripods, large lenses) without press credentials
Canine dog teams will be present at loading docks during team load-in for vehicle screening. Thank you for your cooperation.
Food & Concessions
🛒 Cashless Event: All food kiosks inside the George R. Brown Convention Center are debit and credit cards ONLY — no cash accepted.
Concessions inside the convention center plus local food trucks around Discovery Green. View nearby restaurants via the app.
🚤 Food Trucks at Discovery Green
Abu Omar Halal
Bad Chx
BLK MKT Birria
Burger Joint
Dough Cone
El Guajillo
Foreign Policy
Get Loaded
Hold The Sugar
Saucy Nosh
Mr. Sizzles
The Funnel Bar
The Waffle Bus
Uncle Louie G's
Wokker
Taqueria Provechito
| FIRST Store Hours | Open | Close |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, April 29 | 6:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Thursday, April 30 | 6:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Friday, May 1 | 6:00 AM | 6:00 PM |
| Saturday, May 2 | 6:30 AM | After Closing |
Activities & Special Events
🎉 Block Party at Discovery Green
Wed–Fri, April 29–May 1. Giant lawn games, Live Band Karaoke, Silent Disco, musical acts, and food trucks. Across from the Convention Center.
🎉 Closing Celebration
Saturday, May 2. All programs combined under one roof at George R. Brown. Global broadcast of highlights from each program's ceremony.
🎤 FIRST Conferences
Wed–Fri. Sessions on business, marketing, engineering, programming, outreach, and more. Rooms 340, 350, 360 — Level 3. First come, first served.
🎢 Innovation Faire
Explore hands-on exhibits and demos from sponsors and partners throughout the Convention Center.
🏷 Team Picture Area
Official team photo location on site. Check the app for schedule and location.
🎯 Campus Tours
Guided tours of the Houston campus available. Sign up via the app or at Guest Services.
Practical Information
📅 Registration & Badging Hours
Wed–Fri: 6 AM–6 PM
Sat: 6:30 AM–close
Sat: 6:30 AM–close
🚗 Parking
Parking available at nearby lots. Download the app or visit the FIRST website for the most current parking map and rates.
📦 Shipping
Team shipping information available through your team dashboard. Plan ahead — shipping deadlines apply.
📶 Lost and Found
Visit Guest Services in the Convention Center. Items turned in are logged daily.
📻 Wireless
Free WiFi available throughout the Convention Center. Network details posted on site.
🎪 Houston Dynamo
Check the app for information on Houston Dynamo soccerevents and discounts available to Championship attendees.
💪 Volunteers
Volunteer opportunities available on site. Visit the volunteer check-in area or the app to sign up.
🎯 Follow Team 5199 at Championship
Live match results, team updates, and more — all on the Robot Dolphins tracker.