Western Edge

May 29 - May 31, 2026 | Long Beach, CA

LONG BEACH CONVENTION CENTER

 

Welcome to Western Edge, an official FIRST® event featuring both FIRST® LEGO® League and FIRST® Tech Challenge teams. Over three exciting days, teams will experience full competition schedules, connect with peers from around the world, and celebrate innovation, teamwork, and gracious professionalism®.

 

Western Edge unites FIRST® LEGO® League Invitational teams and FIRST® Tech Challenge Premier teams in one place for learning, collaboration, and unforgettable FIRST moments.

YouTube Livestream - FLLYouTube Livestream - FTC

By Invitation

FIRST LEGO League Expore
40 teams are invited to the Western Edge FIRST LEGO League Invitational.

FIRST LEGO League Challenge
90 teams are invited to the Western Edge FIRST LEGO League Invitational.

FIRST Tech Challenge
80 teams are invited to the Western Edge FIRST Tech Challenge Premier.

Registration

Registration for the Western Edge:

FIRST Tech Challange – $2,000 USD
FIRST LEGO League Challenge – $2,000 USD
FIRST LEGO League Explore – $800 USD

The registration fee includes participant welcome packages for as many as 10 team members, 2 adult coaches for FIRST LEGO League. The registration fee does not include lodging and/or meals.

FIRST LEGO League participant welcome packages include:

  • Custom Western Edge Button for each team member and coach
  • Custom Western Edge participation medal
  • Friday night team party
  • LEGO glasses for I Spy Saturday
  • On the Spot Sunday – Come dressed to represent your region or team
  • Event Admission badges that will also provide discounts at Pike Place restaurants and the Long Beach Aquarium for team

FIRST Tech Challenge participant welcome packages include:

  • Info coming soon!

Event Details

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TEAM CHECK IN

Competition check-in and pit load-in will take place in front of the Halls B & C on Thursday beginning at 4:00 pm and closes at noon.  One registered adult coach / mentor is required to be present for competition check-in.

PIT AREA

The pit area is intended to be a place where teams can display their accomplishments and interact with other teams. Each pit will be provided for teams to store props and other materials used only in judging sessions.

    Teams will be given: 

    • A 10 x10 pit area to display anything  items
    • A 6 foot table (72-inch width, 30-inch depth, 29-inch height)

      Teams are encouraged to bring giveaway items to share with other teams. We recommend trading pins, buttons, or wristbands; while items that are intended to be thrown or bounced are not allowed in the pit area. No balloons please.

      Note that food and drink (other than water bottles) are not allowed in the pit area. Teams are not allowed to place chairs or store bags or other materials in the aisles or around the perimeter of the pit area. 

      DAILY SCHEDULE - COMING SOON

      Where It’s At

      LONG BEACH CONVENTION CENTER
      300 East Ocean Boulevard
      Long Beach, CA 90802

      Get Directions

      Accomodations

       

      • Special Room Rates: We have special Western Edge room rates for those who stay at either one of the hotels below.
      • Practice Tables at Partner Hotels
        • FIRST LEGO League Challenge: practice tables available on Saturday night to work on your On the Spot game.
        • FIRST Tech Challenge: Info coming soon.

      HYATT REGENCY LONG BEACH

      200 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802

      (562) 491-1234

      WESTIN LONG BEACH

      333 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802

      (562) 436-3000

      MARRIOTT LONG BEACH DOWNTOWN

      111 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90802

      (562) 437-5900

      Coming From Out of Town?

      Airports in region:

      • Los Angeles Airport (LAX)  21 miles to Long Beach
      • Long Beach (LGB) 10 miles to Long Beach
      • John Wayne (SNA) 30 miles to Long Beach
      • Burbank (BUR)  35 miles to Long Beach
      • Ontario (ONT) 54 miles to Long Beach
      • San Diego (SAN) 114 miles to Long Beach

      Shuttles from airports to hotels:

      • SuperShuttle 
      • FlyAway
      • Blackline
      • Primetime

      Train Station:

      • Los Angeles Union Station – Metro Line to Long Beach – 90 mins

      Social or Sightseeing Activities:

      • Swan Boats – at Hyatt Regency
      • Shore Line Village and  Pelican Pier Pavilion Arcade – .5 miles
      • Aquarium of the Pacific – .5 miles
      • The Pike Outlets- .5 miles
      • Beaches .5 miles
      • Queen Mary  – 1 miles
      • Catalina Express – 1.7 miles
      • Disneyland – 20 miles
      • Knotts Berry Farm – 20 miles

      • Dodger Stadium – 30 miles
      • Angeles Stadium – 30 miles
      • Universal Studios – 33 miles
      • LA Zoo – 35 miles
      • Santa Monica Pier – 35 miles
      • Magic Mountain – 60 miles
      • LEGOLAND California – 85 miles
      • San Diego Zoo – 114 miles
      • SeaWorld – 114 miles
      • And many more in all directions

      Volunteer at Western Edge

      There’s a role for everyone!

      No technical experience? No problem. Many roles require zero experience.

      Apply to Volunteer - FLL
      Apply to Volunteer - FTC

      Volunteer Benefits

      Volunteering with FIRST is an amazing opportunity to be energized, feel fulfilled, and have FUN. When you say, “I want to volunteer!”, you’re helping our non-profit organization fuel its mission of changing the world – one student at a time.

      • Receive a FIRST volunteer t-shirt.
      • Have access to hotel room discounts for the event.
      • Receive meals during their volunteer shift.
      • Inspire kids from around the world.
      • And have fun giving back in a super-charged, energetic environment.

      Get in Touch

      Reach out to the Western Edge planning committee with any questions.

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