Hi ,

In this week's blast:

⚙️ New Team Blast Schedule
⚙️ Events Begin this Week
⚙️ Event Surveys
⚙️ Extended Team and Pit Admin Support Hours
⚙️ FIRST^® Robotics Competition Blog Updates
⚙️ Drive Coach Best Practices
⚙️ Other FIRST^® Updates

Program Updates, Deadlines, & Reminders

New Team Blast schedule: Team Blasts will transition to Tuesdays during the competition season starting Tuesday, March 10.

If your team qualifies and registers for the 2026 FIRST^® Championship presented by BAE Systems, be on the lookout for Championship Blasts on Thursdays.

Events Begin Next Week: Read the FIRST^® Robotics Competition Blog to learn how your team can get ready for the 2026 REBUILT™ presented by Haas season.

Event Surveys: After your team attends an event, we’ll send you a short survey to learn about your experience. The link to the survey is sent to teams the Monday after the event and remains open for one week.

Team feedback is important as it is used to improve FIRST Robotics Competition. We thank you in advance for your participation!

Extended Team and Pit Admin Support Hours: Team Support will be available on Saturdays and Sundays during competition event weeks from 12:00 - 5:00 p.m. ET.

For assistance, please call 1-800-871-8326, visit our live chat, or email customerservice@firstinspires.org.

FIRST Robotics Competition Blog Updates:
✏️ Week 0 & Reminders for Week 1
✏️ 2026 Digital Animation Award Winners

Resource of the Week: As we get closer to events beginning, we want to remind teams to review our Drive Coach Best Practices. This guide is intended to focus on how to be an exemplary Drive Coach, and the content is applicable to both student and adult Drive Coaches.

This guide can also be used by other Drive Team members, or even other members of the team, to know what to expect from their Drive Coach.

Upcoming Important Dates:

 🗓️️ Wednesday, March 4 – Week 1 Events

Other FIRST Updates:

A new season is on the horizon:
Get ready for the 2026-2027 FIRST season theme that will be inspired by nature and powered by innovation. Here’s your first look.