Cowtown Invitational Elevated: Now a FIRST Tech Challenge Premier Event
FIRST® Premier Events
Last season, the FIRST® Tech Challenge community was introduced to a brand-new level of competition: Premier Events. These capstone events are designed to showcase and celebrate the incredible talent, innovation, and teamwork of FIRST Tech Challenge teams.
Teams advance to Premier Events the same way they earn a spot at the FIRST Championship, through their performance at their Regional Championship. In addition, each Premier Event host has the unique opportunity to extend a limited number of direct invitations to teams outside of the standard advancement path, giving even more students the chance to shine on a larger stage.
A New Era for Cowtown Invitational
We are proud to announce that the beloved Cowtown Invitational, a summer off-season tournament entering its second season in North Texas, has been elevated to the status of an official FIRST Tech Challenge Premier Event!
The Cowtown Invitational is designed to bring the robotics community together in a uniquely Texan way. It is more than an off-season tournament. It is a chance for students, coaches, alumni, volunteers, sponsors, and visiting teams to connect. With a Country Western theme, the event turns robotics into an experience with cowboy hats, themed fields, social games, and plenty of Texas BBQ.
Cowtown is built on the Cowboy Code of Ethics and the spirit of Southern hospitality. Every team has a place at the table, every person’s effort is recognized, and no one is left behind. The event is designed to be competitive while also being welcoming. It lifts up participants and helps students dream bigger, reach further, and grow stronger. Cowtown is about more than matches. It creates an environment where everyone feels valued and connected.
Event Details
- Location: North Texas
- Date: June 2026 (final date and venue to be announced)
- Registration: More details will be shared later this season.
Why This Matters
Becoming a Premier Event solidifies Cowtown Invitational’s role as a destination competition for teams both in Texas and beyond. It’s not just about competing on the field, it’s about celebrating the hard work, creativity, and dedication that students bring to their robots, their communities, and their futures.
FIRST in Texas is excited to see the Cowtown Invitational grow and thrive, giving students another stage to showcase their skills and inspiring even more young people to pursue opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Stay Connected
More updates, including registration details and venue announcements, will be released later this season. Make sure to follow FIRST in Texas on social media and sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when details are available.
To learn more about Premier Events, visit: FTC Premier Events
