FIRST Robotics Competition
CENTRAL VALLEY REGIONAL
Mar 13-14, 2020 | Fresno, CA
FRESNO CONVENTION CENTER | 848 M St.
YEARS IN CENTRAL VALLEY
ROBOTS
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
The 9th Annual Central Valley Regional
Dubbed a varsity Sport for the Mind,™ FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology.
Under strict rules, limited resources, and time limits, teams of high school students are challenged to raise funds, design a team “brand,” hone teamwork skills, and build and program a robot to go head to head against a field of competitors.
It’s as close to “real world” engineering as a student can get.
FREE to the Public!
FRI, 3/13/20: 8:30am – 6:15pm
SAT, 3/14/20: 8:30am – 6:00pm
The Central Valley Regional is a high-energy, high-tech spectator sporting event that teams professionals and young people together to solve an engineering design problem in an intense and competitive way.
The program is life-changing, career-molding and a lot of fun. We invite you to experience the excitement of this intense competition, tour the “pits” to visit with teams and robots, and cheer on your favorite team. Closed toe shoes required in the pits.
Each year this multinational competition reaches more than 96,250 students on over 3,850 teams in competitions held across the USA and in other parts of the world.
LOCATION:
Fresno Convention Center
848 M St., Fresno, CA
Teams at the Central Valley Regional will vie for regional awards and a spot at the FIRST Championship which will be help in April in Houston, Texas. The competition is part of FIRST, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.
Countdown to the Central Valley Regional
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THIS YEAR’S STAR WARS-INSPIRED CHALLENGE
INFINITE RECHARGE
In INFINITE RECHARGE, two alliances work to protect FIRST City from approaching asteroids caused by a distant space skirmish. Each alliance, along with their trusty droids, race to collect and score Power Cells in order to energize their Shield Generator for maximum protection. To activate sections of the Shield Generator, droids manipulate their Control Panels after scoring a specific number of Power Cells. Near the end of the match, droids race to their Rendezvous Point to get their Shield Generator operational in order to protect the city.
LIST OF TEAMS + RESULTS
Checkout who’s competing this year by clicking the button below. Find results from 2019 here.
PRESS
Media Coverage
MEDIA PASS
The Media is invited to capture the excitement of this intense competition. Please fill out the Contact Form at the bottom of the page to request a Media Pass.
MEDIA COVERAGE / LINKS
2019:
- 3/07/19 – ABC / Channel 30: Students from across California – and world – compete in robotics event in Fresno
- 3/08/19 – YourCentralValley.com: First Robotics Competition Central Valley Regional is this weekend, and it’s free
- 3/16/19 – Tehachapi News: THS robotics team picks up second Inspiration Award, qualifies for World Championships
2018:
- 4/12/18 – ABC / Channel 30: Central Valley students advance to world competition thanks to their robotic creation
Resources for Teams
Competition Schedule
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
| 6:00PM-8:00PM | 5 Team Reps to Load In and Set Up Pits |
Thursday, March 12, 2020
| 7:45AM | 5 Team Reps to Load In |
| 8:30AM | Pits, Machine Shop, Registration and Inspection Open |
| 9:00AM-11:00AM | Driver’s Meeting, Feidl Open for Measurement and Calibration |
| 11:00AM-12:00PM | Lunch |
| 12:00PM-6:30PM | Practice Matches |
| 8:00PM | Pits and Machine Shop Close |
Friday, March 13, 2020
| 8:00AM | Pits and Machine Shop Open |
| 8:30AM-9:00AM | Opening Ceremonies |
| 9:00AM-12:00PM | Qualification Matches |
| 12:00PM-1:00PM | Lunch |
| 1:00PM-5:45PM | Qualification Matches |
| 5:45PM-6:15PM | Awards Ceremony |
| ~6:30PM** | Pits and Machine Shop Close immediately following Awards Ceremony |
Saturday, March 14, 2020
| 8:00AM | Pits and Machine Shop Open |
| 8:30AM-9:00AM | Opening Ceremonies |
| 9:00AM-12:15PM | Qualification Matches |
| 12:15PM-12:30PM | Alliance Selections |
| 12:30PM-1:30PM | Lunch |
| 1:30PM-4:30PM | Playoff Matches |
| 4:30PM-6:00PM | Awards Ceremony |
| 6:30PM | Pits Close |
Activities Schedule
Thursday, March 12, 2020
| 1:00PM-4:00PM | Scholarship Row |
Friday, March 13, 2020
| 10:00AM-11:00AM | FIRST LEGO League Jr. and FIRST LEGO League Demonstration |
| 11:00AM-12:00PM | FIRST Tech Challenge Demonstration |
| 1:00PM-4:00PM | Scholarship Row |
Saturday, March 14, 2020
| 10:00AM-11:00AM | FIRST Tech Challenge Demonstration |
**Schedule subject to change. All times are estimated based on flow of rounds. See Pit Administration for updated times.
LOAD IN:
Load in days and times coming soon. This year, pit setup will be allowed during load in. As always, teams are limited to five (5) team members in proper safety attire (Safety glasses, closed toed shoes, hair secured, etc.).
The Fresno Convention Center is located at 848 M St in the city of Fresno, California.
PARKING:
The map below shows the many parking lots around the venue. View the full PDF to see cost information. Teams should make arrangements with their hotel to store any trailers for parking. There will not be any overnight trailer storage at the venue. View PDF with Pricing
SITE RESTRICTIONS:
Please read the following restrictions and adhere to them in order to promote an orderly, safe, pleasant, and exciting competition. As a group, we all should honor agreements with the venue and help promote the spirit of good partnership.
Please:
- Do not use skateboards or ‘hoverboards’. This is a safety concern.
- Do not use drones. This is a safety concern.
- Do not bring bottled gas tanks (e.g. helium). This is a safety concern.
- Do not use noisy devices, such as floor stompers, whistles and/or air horns.
- Do not arrange for Internet access or phone lines from venue service providers or attempt to use venue internet connections reserved for event purposes (e.g., FMS or streaming).
- Do not sell any products. This includes food, hats, shirts or any promotional products.
- Do not distribute any food products, such as candy, water, soft drinks or fruit.
- Do not sell raffle tickets.
- Do not use walkie-talkies.
- Do not invite or bring live bands to play in the audience. This dilutes the presentation on the playing field and is too loud and confusing for the audience.
- Do not play loud music in the Pit because it interferes with important announcements. If a team receives more than a warning or two, the power to the team Pit will be shut off and/or the music device confiscated.
- Do not form “tunnels” during the Awards Ceremony. This can cause discomfort to those traveling through them and creates safety issues.
- Do not save seats.
HOUSING:
The Central Valley Regional has partnered with the Fresno / Clovis Convention and Visitors Bureau to aggregate hotels for our teams and volunteers. Hotel rooms reserved through the website below help the regional. Please reserve below!
BOOK HERE!
When you stay with FIRST you and your team:
- Stay close to venue and other teams
- Receive guaranteed low-rates
- Rest easy at FIRST-reviewed hotels
- Enjoy convenient FIRST-contracted amenities at most hotels including complimentary parking, Wi-Fi, and breakfast
- Gain flexibility to make booking adjustments and pay later
- Get reservation protection and assistance before, during, and after your stay if any unexpected challenges occur
- Earn reward points at your preferred hotels
- And of course, support your region with earned rebates that go towards improving future FIRST Robotics Competition local events
Convention Center concessions and vendors coming soon!
Nearby Dining Options
FAQ
This page will be updated soon!
This page will be updated soon!
January 4, 2020
FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff and Game Reveal for INFINITE RECHARGE
Kickoff Locations in the Central Valley:
- Madera High School
Thank You To Our Partners
WAYS TO SPONSOR
SUPPORT THE CENTRAL VALLEY REGIONAL
To discuss sponsorship opportunities and benefits of sponsorship, please contact FIRST California Senior Regional Director, David Berggren, through the Contact Form at the bottom of this page.
For 30 years, FIRST® volunteers have fueled the mission by inspiring millions of young people to reach for the stars. You are part of a global support system we’ve built for students who need a spark of curiosity and encouragement to launch their dreams. Together, we’re inspiring the next generation of innovators, technology leaders, and change-makers here on Earth – and beyond.
Volunteer at the Competition!
Non-Technical and Technical Roles Available
EXAMPLES OF ROLES
APPLY TO VOLUNTEER
- Create an account in the FIRST Dashboard – click here to apply.
- Click the Volunteer Registration tab & choose ‘Volunteer at an Event’.
- Filter events by location/ program and select Central Valley Regional.
- Choose up to five roles and apply.
- Complete your required youth protection background screening (US & Canada).
You will receive an email from your local event coordinator if you are assigned to a volunteer role.
LET’S CONNECT!
CENTRAL VALLEY REGIONAL SOCIAL MEDIA