Western Edge
May 28 - 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 from around the world. 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
EVENT SCHEDULE
CHECK-IN, LOAD-IN & INSPECTION
Team check-in & pit load-in will take place in front of Halls B & C.
Check-In and Load-In Times:
- FTC: 4:00 pm on Thursday and closes at noon on Friday.
- FLL: 5:00 pm on Thursday and closes at noon on Friday.
One registered adult coach/mentor is required to be present for competition check-in. For FTC, a printed team roster from the mentor’s FIRST dashboard is required.
Robot Inspection Time (FTC only):
- FTC: 4:00 pm – 8:00pm on Thursday
PIT AREA
The pit is your team’s home base. It’s a space to showcase your hard work, connect with other teams, and meet with judges. Here’s what you need to know to keep things running smoothly for everyone:
What the Pit is For:
- Storing props and materials used in judging sessions
- Repairing and working on your robot
- Connecting with other teams and judges
- Showing off what your team has accomplished!
Giveaways & Trading: We love team spirit! We recommend trading pins, buttons, or wristbands. Items that are intended to be thrown or bounced are not allowed in the pit area. No balloons please.
A Few Simple Rules:
- Keep aisles and the perimeter clear. No chairs, bags, or materials outside your designated space.
- No food in the pits please.
- If your team has an E Z Up style frame in their pits, it cannot have a covering/canopy on top.
- No cooking equipment — that means coffee makers, hot water pots, and similar appliances.
- Teammates not actively working should cheer from the stands and keep the pit area focused and functional.
FLL Pits:
- A 10 x10 pit area
- A 6 foot table (72-inch width, 30-inch depth, 29-inch height
FTC Pits:
- A 10 x10 pit area and one power outlet
- A 6 foot table (72-inch width, 30-inch depth, 29-inch height)
- The power outlet could be 10 ft away, teams need to bring extension cord and additional plugs
Where It’s At
LONG BEACH CONVENTION CENTER
300 East Ocean Boulevard
Long Beach, CA 90802
- Convention Center Parking Available
- Cashless Venue
Partner Hotels
Special Room Rates: We have special Western Edge room rates for those who stay at either one of the hotels below. Rates will be realeased March 1, 2026.
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: Practice table info coming soon
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.
Volunteering in California
To volunteer in California, all volunteers are required to be in compliance with California law AB 506. This applies to all United States volunteers who volunteer in California. You will not be assigned until you become compliant.
Get in Touch
Reach out to the Western Edge planning committee with any questions.