FIRST^® LEGO^® League Explore
2026 FIRST^® Championship Update

Hi ,

Coming to you from FIRST^® LEGO^® League Headquarters in Manchester, NH, USA.

Welcome World Festival Teams:

This is the fourth email blast for the FIRST^® LEGO^® League Explore World Festival at the FIRST^® Championship in Houston, Texas, USA.

From April 29 - May 2, 2026, teams from around the world will be together in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Many activities are in the works to encourage teams to visit and support the other FIRST programs – we will share information about these activities with you in the coming weeks. 

We’ll be sharing important event information in these email blasts. Please read ALL the provided information as it may pertain to your team and/or travel arrangements.

What’s New?

📓Reviewing
Reviewing will take place on Friday, May 1, between 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. C.T. in the team’s pits.

Reviewing sessions will be approximately 15 minutes each. Teams will receive their reviewing time at the Coaches’ Meeting on Thursday afternoon.

Be sure to review the FIRST LEGO League Explore addendum for more event information.

📓Download the App!
The 2026 FIRST Championship mobile app makes it easy to access all FIRST Championship information such as teams, maps, exhibitor information, and detailed schedules. 

Download the FIRST  Championship App.

Important Reminders

📓 Event Preparation Checklist
Wondering if your team has completed all the necessary administrative items to attend the 2026 FIRST Championship event? Please refer to the steps checklist below.

✅ Payment.

✅ Steps 1-4 of the Hotel and Badging process: FIRST Championship Housing.

✅ Completed FIRST Consent and Release Form for all participating team members and coaches/mentors.

✅ U.S./Canada teams must present a printed roster from their FIRST account at check-in on site that shows all participants have completed the FIRST Consent and Release Form.

✅ Teams outside the U.S./Canada must complete the electronic FIRST Consent and Release Form using the instructions found in your team's original welcome email.

✅ Make sure to also download the Event Guides and Event App as you plan your trip!

📓 Event Guide and Schedule
Teams are expected to arrive and set up their pits on Thursday, April 30, with an optional early bird check-in on Wednesday, April 29, at 11:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. CT.

Be sure to review the FIRST LEGO League Explore addendum for a detailed schedule, which will be updated regularly leading up to the event.

The FIRST Championship Event Guide is your downloadable, printable guide to our event at the George R. Brown Convention Center, including notable happenings, safety information and event logistics.

📓 Team Pit Space
Your team will be assigned to an 8-foot x 8-foot (2.4 meters x 2.4 meters) space which will be your home at the World Festival.

Each space will have one standard-sized table and two chairs. Short pipes and drapes will frame the space on three sides, but any decorations you bring must be supported with a structure you bring or create.

You may decorate it in a way to showcase your country, state, and/or your unique and fun team identity. We encourage you to be creative, but please consider the following limitations and restrictions:

🔨 Decorate within your pit space. Also, consider 10 feet (3 meters) as a height limit as well. For safety reasons, your decorations must remain within this space. 10-foot x 10-foot tents are not allowed due to the size of the pit spaces.

🔨 You will have access to one (1), 120-volt electrical outlet. We encourage you to bring an extension cord and a power strip for you to plug in multiple devices simultaneously.

🔨 Please do NOT bring or use helium balloons or open flames. No team should cook or prepare food in the pit area.

📓Action May Be Required – Traveling Abroad?
To request the VISA Invitation letter, please use the Visa Letter Form.

This is for anyone who plans on attending any of the FIRST Championship with your team.

This invitation letter acts as a supporting document for your appointment at your local U.S. Embassy. FIRST does not assist with the VISA application process and cannot provide guidance for which VISA schedule one qualifies for; kindly check in with your local Embassy.

You can also view the Department of State VISA categories to determine your eligibility on your own.

We’re looking forward to seeing you soon in Houston! Stay tuned for our next email on Wednesday, April 15, which will contain more important information about the event. 

Countdown to FIRST Championship — 21 days!