Request Event Equipment to host an FRC Off-Season Event

FIRST Wisconsin is excited to support local organizations interested in hosting FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Off-Season Events across the state from June through October.

Whether you’ve hosted before or are exploring the idea for the first time—we’re here to help!

Off-season events are more than competitions—they’re opportunities for students to:

• Build confidence and skills

• Try new strategies and ideas

• Stay engaged beyond the official season

• Strengthen connections across teams and communities

By hosting an event, you’re helping expand access and build a stronger FIRST community across Wisconsin.

If you’re interested in hosting an off-season event, start by reviewing the process and be ready to submit your request when the form opens on April 22nd at 12:00pm CT.

You can Preview the Request Form via PDF here.

How does a team host an off-season event?

Hosting an event involves both FIRST Headquarters requirements and local coordination of Event Equipment with FIRST Wisconsin.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Step 1: Review FIRST Requirements

  • Start by reviewing the official off-season guidance to understand expectations for safety, logistics, and planning.

  
  

• Step 2: Submit Your Event to FIRST

  • All host organizations must submit the Off-Season Event Notice form to FIRST Headquarters.

  
  

• Step 3: Reserve Event Equipment with FIRST Wisconsin

  • While that process is underway, submit your request to reserve equipment and host an event and begin planning locally.

    
    

  • This step allows FIRST Wisconsin to:

    • Place a temporary hold on your preferred dates

    • Understand your event needs

    • Determine how we can best support you

What support does FIRST Wisconsin provide?

FIRST Wisconsin has built a full event infrastructure to support local off-season events.

This includes:

• Official field perimeter and game-specific elements

• Used carpet and game pieces

• Robot inspection, pit admin, judging, and safety equipment

• Audio/visual setup and livestream capabilities

All field and event equipment is transported and supervised by FIRST Wisconsin staff and FIRST Headquarter approved key volunteers, helping ensure a consistent and high-quality event experience.  

When can we request events for the 2026 off-season?

• April 22, 2026 at 12:00pm CT – 2026 Off-Season Event Request Form opens for events taking place after June 15th

  • Note: Any events taking place before June 15th, 2026 reserved FIRST Wisconsin Field Equipment before November 1st, 2025.

• May 5, 2026 at 12:00pm CT – Priority response deadline for events requested between April 22nd - May 5th at 11:59am CT.

• May 6th, 2026 - August 1st, 2026 – Response to event requests will come from FIRST Wisconsin within 5 business days.

• June 12th - November 1st, 2026 – Off-season event hosting window

• August 1st, 2026 - 2026 Off-Season Event Request Form closes

• November 2nd, 2026 – 2027 Off-Season Event Request Form opens

Events are supported on a first-come, first-served basis, so early submission is strongly encouraged.

What does it cost to host an off-season event?

FIRST Wisconsin offers a full-service event model to help make hosting as streamlined as possible to use event equipment.

Base Event Equipment Costs:

• 1.5 Day Event: $2,000

• 2.5 Day Event: $3,000

• Mileage: $4.75 per mile (round trip from West Allis, WI)

These costs cover access to the full FIRST Wisconsin event infrastructure, including the field, game elements, A/V, and key event equipment needed to run a successful competition. 

Additional Event Budget Considerations:

• Lodging for any FIRST Wisconsin staff or FIRST Headquarters approved volunteers supporting your event

• Venue-related costs (if applicable)

• Volunteer t-shirts and food

• Purchase of local flooring protection for use at future events in the area

  
  

What happens after you submit?

Submitting a request:

• Places a temporary hold on your preferred dates

• Starts the planning conversation with FIRST Wisconsin

• Does not guarantee access to field or equipment

A final agreement will be required to confirm your event and secure FIRST Wisconsin Event Equipment.

When can we request events for the 2027 off-season?

• November 2nd, 2026 – 2027 Off-Season Event Request Form Opens

• May 19th, 2027 – Earliest date an event can take place in 2027

• May 19th, 2027 - October 31st, 2027 – Off-season event hosting window

• August 1st, 2027 - 2027 Off-Season Event Request Form closes

• November 1st, 2027 - 2028 Off-Season Event Request Form opens

List of Resources

• Learn How to Request Equipment for an Off-Season Event

• Preview the Request Form (PDF Preview)

• Submit Your Request via Google Forms Starting Wednesday, April 22 at 12:00pm CT

We look forward to working with the community to host local events this off-season!

All the Best,

Renee