FIRST Robotics Competition
ORANGE COUNTY
California District Qualifying Event
April 2-4, 2026 | Mission Viejo, CA
CAPISTRANO VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
ROBOTS
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Countdown!
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The Ultimate Sport for the MindTM
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.
Join the Fun!
April 3-4, 2026
The California District Orange County Qualifying Event is a high-energy, high-tech spectator sporting event where teams, professionals and young people together solve an engineering design problem in an intense and competitive way. The program is life-changing, career-molding and a lot of fun.
Spectators welcome April 3-4, 2026! Catch the excitement of this intense competition, tour the pits to visit with teams and robots, and cheer on their favorite teams. Admission is free.
Teams will vie for awards and a spot at the FIRST California Northern or Southern State Championship. The competition is part of FIRST, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.
FIRST is Fueled By Volunteers
For 35+ 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.
A Volunteer Role for Everyone!
Non-Technical and Technical Roles Available
EXAMPLES OF ROLES:
Field Reset, Volunteer Check, Practice Field Attendant, Replacement Parts, Robot Inspector and more!
Get Live Scan Fingerprinted at Orange County
To volunteer in Califonia, this is a requirement.
Friday: 4/3/26 – 8am-10am
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Thank You to our Sponsors!
WAYS TO SPONSOR
SUPPORT THE ORANGE COUNTY QUALIFYING EVENT
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.
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.
Resources for Teams
Active Load In Times:
Thursday, 4/2, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Key points:
- Load in as early as possible
- Designate Load-in/Set-up and a separate Inspection crews
- Volunteers will be onsite to direct
- After unloading, vehicles need to leave the loading area
- Thursday – park anywhere
- Friday – No team or visitor parking on campus.
- Friday – $5 remote lot parking at Saddleback College. Working on a shuttle
- Saturday – park anywhere
Off-Site Parking Map and Shuttle Location
- Food Trucks – Dezzertaholic (coffee and dessert), Empanada Maker, Italian Cuisine Group
- No food or drink allowed in pits or in field building.
- Sealed water bottles OK.
- Many restaurants available close by. Outside food is allowed outside on campus. Pop-up tents are allowed.
ADA ACCESS:
Please contact David at dberggren@firstinspires.org prior to your arrival if you need any special assistance.
LET’S CONNECT!
FIRST CALIFORNIA SOCIAL MEDIA