FIRST® Robotics Competition
High-Tech Robots. High-Stakes Competition. Life-Changing Impact.
FIRST® Robotics Competition (grades 9-12) gives teams of 10 or more high school students and their adult mentors the opportunity to work and create together to solve a common problem. Challenged to design and build a robot using a standard “kit of parts” and within a common set of rules to play a sophisticated field game − with limited time − brings out the best in students and adults alike. The robot “game” changes every season and is always exciting.
Program & Cost Details
Starting with a Kit of Parts, teams of high school students design, program, and build industrial-sized robots to play an action-packed game, released in January. They compete on a themed field as part of a three-team alliance in the spirit of Coopertition®.
In 360-degree learning guided by adult mentors, each FIRST Robotics Competition team also creates a team identity, raises funds to meet its goals, and advances appreciation for STEM in its community.
Cost per season: $6,000 - $25,000
$6,000 per team – Registration includes 2 District Events registration plus a basic kit of parts. Teams can choose to raise additional money and register for a 3rd Play District Event during one season at $1,000 per event
$1,000 – $3,000+ – Additional raw materials and parts to complete the robot build to expand beyond a very basic “kit bot”.
$1,000 – $2,000+ – Tools and equipment
$500 – $1,500 (optional) – Materials to build practice playing field components.
$500.00 – $2,000 (optional) – Team apparel, robot cart, meals, presentation materials, promotional items for team spirit, etc.
Other costs include travel if the event is out of town.
Additional Costs if team qualifies for World Championship
2025-2026 REBUILT™ Season
Each January marks the launch of a brand-new challenge for FIRST® Robotics Competition teams. Through hands-on learning guided by dedicated mentors, participants develop engineering and problem-solving skills while also strengthening teamwork, raising funds to support their season, and inspiring excitement for STEM in their communities.
Welcome to FIRST® AGE™ presented by Qualcomm, our 2025-2026 robotics season inspired by archaeology. In REBUILT™ presented by Haas, a new challenge releasing January 10, 2026, FIRST Robotics Competition teams will use engineering skills and re-imagine the past.
Event Schedule
We have all of our events set and ready to go! You'll find the full list of events below.
Please note that dedicated event pages, with details on sponsors, hotels, and important documents will be coming soon.
March 5th, 2026 - March 7th, 2026,
- Belton District Event - Cadence Bank Center
- 301 W Loop 121, Belton, TX 76513
March 7th, 2026 - March 9th, 2026,
- Space City at Friendswood #1 District Event - Clear Brook High School
- 4607 FM 2351, Friendswood , TX 77546
March 12th, 2026 - March 14th, 2026
- San Antonio District Event - Freeman Coliseum
- 3201 East Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78219
- McAllen District Event - McAllen Convention Center
- 700 Convention Center Blvd., McAllen, TX 78501
March 19th, 2026 - March 21st, 2026
- Ft. Worth District Event - Nolan Catholic High School
- 4501 Bridge St., Ft. Worth, TX 76103
- Houston District Event - MO Campbell Center
- 1865 Aldine Bender, FM 525, Houston, TX 77032
- Waco District Event - Extraco Events Center
- 4601 Bosque Blvd., Waco, TX 76710
March 27th, 2026 - March 29th, 2026
- Farmersville District Event - Farmersville Arena
- 499 South State Highway 78, Farmerville, TX 75442
- Manor District Event
- 14832 FM 973, Building E, Manor, TX 78653
April 2nd, 2026 - April 4th, 2026
- Amarillo District Event - Amarillo Civic Center
- 401 S Buchanan St., Amarillo, TX 79101
- Space City at Friendswood District Event #2 - Clear Brook High School
- 4607 FM 2351, Friendswood, TX 77546
April 9th, 2026 - April 11th, 2026
- Abilene District Event - Taylor County Coliseum
- 1700 TX-36, Abilene, TX 79602
April 15th, 2026 - April 18th, 2026
- FIRST in Texas District Championship/UIL State Championship - NRG Arena
- 1 NRG Pkwy, Houston, TX 77054
Want to Experience the Season as a Volunteer?
Be part of the excitement by supporting teams, events, and students across Texas. Even if you only have a few hours to give, your contribution makes a difference. With opportunities for a wide age range of volunteers (13+) and roles that span both technical and non-technical skills, there’s a place for everyone. From mentoring and judging to event support, you’ll work side by side with students and help inspire the next generation of innovators!