In this week's blast:

⚙️ Event Registration, First Preference
⚙️ Late Registration for First Events
⚙️ Drive Base & Black Tote Opt-Out
⚙️ Kit & Kickoff Registration
⚙️ Resource of the Week: Guided Experience
⚙️ Other FIRST Updates

Program Updates, Deadlines, & Reminders

Closing Today! Event Registration, First Preference: 
Round 1 of event preferencing closes today at 12:00 p.m. ET. For more information review our Event Preferencing Overview for the user guide, which includes step-by-step instructions, and a FAQ.  

Late Registration for First Events:
Event Ready teams that missed the first round of event preferencing will be able to pick their event in our late registration period. Teams must be “event ready” (no FIRST Youth Protection Program-related outstanding tasks on their FIRST Dashboard).

Drive Base & Black Tote Opt-Out new process:
As a reminder, in order to opt-out of the Drive Base or Black Tote, your team must select the appropriate registration option via the FIRST Storefront and purchase your team registration prior to the payment due date, November 17, 2026.

After this date, opt-out vouchers will not be available, and teams can only select the full registration option. See more details and a support article with instructions. Teams that check out cannot change their Kit Opt-Out selection.

Kit & Kickoff Registration now open:
The Kit and Kickoff registration is open through November 17, at 12:00 noon ET. We highly recommend teams pickup their Kickoff Kit at a local Kickoff in order to receive it on Kickoff Day.

If you register for a Kickoff, and the kickoff shipment hasn’t been released, you will be able to select the Kickoff shipping location as the “ship-to address” when checking out in the FIRST Storefront. Note: teams that select a kickoff in a state with sales tax are responsible for any sales tax incurred.

After saving your Kickoff selection, please allow up to 20 minutes for the free Kickoff shipping option to appear in the FIRST Storefront. For more information, please visit this support article.

If a team opts to have their Kickoff Kit direct shipped, it will ship after Kickoff and only once a team has purchased their registration and the additional shipping fees. There is no guaranteed delivery date, but it will be after Kickoff. Teams that check out cannot change their Kickoff selection.

Resource of the Week: As we get closer and closer to Kickoff, make sure your team has all the necessary skills. The FIRST Robotics Competition Guided Experience is a fun, flexible training designed for mentors and youth team members (13+) to build essential skills for a successful season.

With 12 interactive modules, hands-on activities, and downloadable resources, teams can choose a full training path or mix-and-match lessons to fit their needs. Perfect for pre-season prep, build season support, and onboarding new members.

Upcoming Important Dates:

🗓️️Thursday, October 1 – Round 1 Event Preferencing Closes
🗓️️Friday, October 2 – First Event Late Registration Opens
🗓️️Thursday, October 15 – Round 2 Event Preferencing Opens

Other FIRST Updates: 

U.S. Team Funding Available from Boeing:
Longtime FIRST Strategic Partner, Boeing will support employee-mentored teams during the 2026–2027 season. Team grant funding is now available for FIRST Robotics Competition teams that are mentored by a Boeing employee or retiree and registered for the 2026-2027 season.

Eligible FIRST teams may apply for funding now through October 16, 2026, or until funds are exhausted. Additional eligibility requirements and the application are available at the Boeing Team Grant Application portal.