FRC Championship Load-In Details

As we prepare for an exciting 2025/2026 FRC season, we’ve received a number of enquiries about how we will handle load-in at the 2026 District Championship.  While the exact details are still being developed and will be communicated separately, we’d like to address one issue at this time – restrictions on the number of team members during load-in. 

The official FIRST Robotics Competition Game Manual limits teams to six people (Adults + Students) during load-in at District Championship events. The intent of this rule is to improve safety in and around the pits. At an event with nearly 90 teams, load-in, moving robots, toolboxes, road cases, and pit structures can quickly become a safety concern. This rule also helps limit crowding on the loading dock, ensuring that students and volunteers are not placed in unsafe situations around vehicles and trailers.  In prior years, FIRST in Texas followed this policy by applying this restriction to all areas of the venue. 

At the same time, we have received consistent feedback from teams over multiple seasons that this limitation creates logistical challenges during load-in and pit setup. Our goal is to balance these two priorities: supporting efficient load-in and pit setup so teams can spend more time on inspection and competition preparation, while continuing to prioritize the safety of students, volunteers, and event staff. 

As a result, for the 2026 season, at the FIRST in Texas FRC District Championship we will adopt a new approach to better support team needs while maintaining safe and manageable event operations at this large-scale event. 

During the official load-in window on Day 1 (approximately 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm), we will manage access to the venue using designated access areas. 

Load-In Areas and Access 

During the Day 1 load-in window, the venue will be divided into three areas: 

Red Area: Load-In and Pit Setup  

This area is designated for teams unloading robots and equipment, setting up pits, and beginning robot inspection. 

Rules for Red Area:  

• Each team is limited to ten (10) people total in this area during load-in  
• The ten people may include any combination of students and adults
• Entry is only through the left-side doors near the Maroon parking lot  
• All standard load-in safety requirements apply, including safety glasses and closed-toe shoes 
• Additional instructions will be provided on site to help keep pedestrian traffic clear of active unloading vehicles 

Grey Area: Event Operations 

This area is restricted to event setup volunteers only. Teams are not permitted in this area until after setup is complete, and a public announcement is made that the field is open for measurement and calibration. 

Green Area: General Access 

This area opens once public doors are open (at the same time as load-in, approximately 3pm). 

• Teams may have any number of people in this area 
• Entry is through the right-side doors near the blue parking lot   
• Safety glasses or other precautions are not required in this area 

After Load-In Is Complete 

Once load-in concludes at approximately 8:00 pm on Day 1: 

• The ten-person limit in the Red Area will be lifted 
• Safety precautions will remain in effect 
• All teams must enter and exit the venue through the right-side doors only (Blue parking lot) 
• Left-side doors near the Maroon parking lot will remain closed, except in the event of an emergency  

As we get closer to the event, further details and instructions will be made available to teams by email, and we will conduct an open Town Hall to discuss specifics and take questions. 

Thank you for your cooperation and flexibility as we work to ensure a safe, efficient, and positive District Championship experience for all teams.