Western Edge

May 28 - 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 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.

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

Waitlist Closed.

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.

Participant welcome packages include:

  • Custom Western Edge Button for each team member and coach
  • Custom Western Edge participation medal (FLL only)
  • Event Admission badges that will also provide discounts at Pike Place restaurants and the Long Beach Aquarium for team
  • Materials for activities throughout the weekend

Activities

  • Friday Region/Team Theme Dress Day : Come dressed to represent your region or team
  • Friday Night Dance Party: FLL – 5:30-7pm, FTC – 8pm – 9:30pm
  • Saturday: Western Edge Sunglasses for “I Spy Saturday”
  • Sunday: Rock Paper Scissor Challenge Day

Event Details

EVENT SCHEDULE

FLL + FTC SCHEDULE
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CHECK-IN, LOAD-IN

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 8am 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

     

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    FTC TEAM RESOURCES

    FTC Overview / Guide
    FTC Team Roster

    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 (FTC only). 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:

    • Pits are unavailable if closed. Teams may not access their pit area outside the designated hours. 
    • Keep aisles and the perimeter clear. No chairs, bags, or materials outside your designated space. Teams should set up their allowed equipment fully within their assigned pit space. 
    • Structures must be safe. Teams may not build any structure that supports the weight of people or stores items overhead. Structures may not block or inhibit fire sprinkler systems or otherwise be unsafe. 
    • E Z Up style frames in their pits are allowed without a canopy.
    • Secure team identification assets. Team signs, flags, and displays must be securely mounted to the pit structure.
    • No food in the pits or cooking equipment

    FLL 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
    • No overnight 3D printing or other automated manufacturing in the pit

    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
    • No sparks or flames. Tools that throw sparks or produce open flames are prohibited. 
    • Nothing too big. Floor standing power tools are prohibited. 
    • No brazing or welding. Brazing/welding is prohibited. 
    • Small, bench-top machinery, with appropriate guards, is permitted in team pits. ‘Small’ machinery is machinery that can be easily lifted by one person and 
    • No overnight 3D printing or other automated manufacturing in the pit
    • Solder with specific tools only. Soldering may be done using an electric iron/gun only.

    Where It’s At

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

    Get Directions
    • Convention Center Parking Available
    • Cashless Venue

    Partner Hotels

    Special Room Rates: We have special Western Edge room rates for four great hotels within a short walking distance.  Hotel info will be inside the registration portal.

      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: FTC practice fields will be in all 4 partner hotels. 

      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.

      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.

        Review CA Volunteer Requirements

        Get in Touch

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

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