Western Edge
May 29 - May 31, 2026 | Long Beach, CALONG 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.
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
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
Accomodations
We have special Western Edge room rates for those who stay at either one of these hotels.
FIRST LEGO League Challenge:
At these hotels, there will be practice tables on Saturday night to work on your On the Spot game.
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.
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.
FIRST LEGO League Awards
Champions Award
1 winner and 3 finalists
This award celebrates a team that embodies the FIRST®LEGO® League Challenge experience by fully embracing the Core Values while achieving excellence and innovation in Robot Performance, Robot Design, and the Innovation.
Core Values Award
1 winner and 3 finalists
This team displays extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit, knows they can accomplish more together than they could as individuals, and shows each other and other teams respect at all times.
Innovation Project Award
1 winner and 3 finalists
This team utilizes diverse resources for their Innovation Project to help them gain a comprehensive understanding of their problem; has a creative, well-researched solution; and effectively communicates their findings to judges and the community.
Robot Design Award
1 winner and 3 finalists
This team uses outstanding programming principles and solid engineering practices to develop a robot that is mechanically sound, durable, efficient, and highly capable of performing challenge missions.
Robot Performance Award
1 winner and 3 finalists
(2nd, 3rd, 4th place)
This award celebrates a team that scores the most points during the Robot Game. Teams have a chance to compete in at least three 2.5-minute matches, and their highest score counts.
Coach/Mentor Award
3 winners
Coaches and mentors inspire their teams to do their best, both as individuals and together. Without them, there would be no FIRST LEGO League Challenge. This award goes to the coach or mentor whose leadership and guidance is clearly evident and best exemplifies the FIRST Core Values.
Engineering Excellence Award
3 winners
This award celebrates a team with an efficiently designed robot, an innovative project solution that effectively addresses the season challenge, and Core Values evident in all they do.
Breakthrough Award
3 winners
This award celebrates a team that made significant progress in their confidence and capability in both the Robot Game and Innovation Project and are a shining example of excellent Core Values. They demonstrate that they understand that what they discover is more important than what they win.
Rising All Star Award
3 winners
This award celebrates a team that the judges notice and expect great things from in the future.
Motivate Award
3 winners
This award celebrates a team that embraces the culture of FIRST LEGO League through team building, team spirit, and displayed enthusiasm.
Peer Award
2 winners
This award celebrates a team that shares ideas, knowledge and exemplifies Gracious Professionalism with other teams. This award is voted on by all teams attending the event.
Pit Decoration
2 winners
Get in Touch
Reach out to the Western Edge planning committee with any questions.