Clock is Running!
- Jerry Krist
- Sep 17
- 3 min read
This is a crucial period for all FRC Team Lead Coaches/Mentors. Here is a list of key dates you should be aware of!
Drive Base Opt Out
Veteran teams that are ‘event ready’ (two Youth Protection Program screened mentors and no outstanding tasks) can opt out of the standard drive base for a $450 AndyMark voucher, available with other pre-Kickoff vouchers in November 2023. The drive base kit supports basic 2026 gameplay and can be assembled in six hours or less.
Note: The drive base ships by default with each Kickoff Kit. To receive vouchers instead, opt out by Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 12:00pm Eastern Time.
Black Tote Opt Out
Veteran teams can also opt out of the Black Tote for a $125 AndyMark voucher and a $125 REV Robotics voucher. All teams receive "Season Specifics" regardless of selections.
Note: The black tote ships by default with each Kickoff Kit. To receive vouchers instead, opt out by Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at 12:00pm Eastern Time.
For questions, contact customerservice@firstinspires.org.
Kit & Kickoff Registration Opens Thursday, September 25, 2025
Every FIRST Robotics Competition team must choose by November 18, 2025 (noon) Eastern Time:
Select a Local Kickoff location to pick up your Kickoff Kit.
OR provide a Kickoff Kit shipment address (extra fees apply). The address must be a FedEx-deliverable Street address (no PO Boxes or APO addresses). Shipments begin in December after registration fee payment, with no guaranteed delivery date.
We highly recommend that teams participate in a Local Kick Off event to view the game reveal alongside their friends from other Wisconsin teams. Teams can collect their Kit of Parts at these events, ensuring there is no delay or additional cost.
Selecting a Kickoff Event:
Lead mentor 1 or 2 logs into their FIRST® account at www.firstinspires.org
Click the blue “Event Options” button under the “Team Events” column
Select the “Kit & Kickoff” link
Enter Kit and Kickoff information
Click the blue “Submit” button
For questions, contact customerservice@firstinspires.org
.
1st Event Registration - Round 1 Preference Opens Thurs, September 25, 2025
All teams can select their preferred events for the 1st District Event of the 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition Season using a preferencing system. This system aims to make event slot distribution fairer and more convenient.
Teams have one week to submit their ranked event preferences, with the flexibility to rank as many or as few events as they wish. There is no timing advantage as long as preferences are submitted by the deadline. Preferences can be changed anytime before the deadline. Afterward, a lottery assigns teams to events or waitlists. This process applies to both first and second round selections.
Refer to the User Guide for more details, a step-by-step walkthrough, and the FAQ for any questions.
Here is a list of FIRST Wisconsin District Events for 2026
If you have any questions or concerns regarding event preferencing, please feel free to reach out to us; we are here to assist you.
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