51Ʒ��

The 51Ʒ�� Kickoff competitions are held at the Connie & Jim John Recreation Center at 51Ʒ��. 

Please note: These events are not an FIM event and FIM is not organizing, sponsoring or running the event. 

Teams will play the 2026 season game using the 2026 season rules. These are two separate events held in one weekend. Teams may compete in one or both 51Ʒ�� Kickoff events, which is particularly beneficial for teams from out-of-state. Each team will be assigned a 10’ x 10' pit with access to electricity. Each team will be assigned 2 tables that they can use for team food/beverages.

The campus tour begins at 4:30 PM both days. Teams who participate in the campus tour at 4:30 PM will then be permitted to load their team items into their pit at 5:00 PM Standard load-in for teams that do not register to tour begins at 6:00 PM the night before their event or 6:30 AM the day of their event. Teams should register by 5:00 PM on Wednesday, September 9th.

Tours are limited, so please register soon Please complete only one registration per team.

The link for the early load-in tours will be provided in an email to registered teams.

Event Schedule:

Saturday, September 12th and Sunday, September 13th

6:30 AM – Pits Open 7:30 AM – Driver’s Meeting 
8:00 AM – Opening Ceremonies 
8:15 AM – Noon – Qualification Matches 
Noon – 1:00 PM – Lunch Break 
1:00 – 3:30 PM – Qualification Matches 
3:30 PM – Alliance Selections 
4:00 – 6:30 PM – Playoff Matches and closing awards ceremonies 
7:00 PM– Event Ends and Venue Closes

Overview: Each event can welcome 40 teams Teams may register for both events (a great opportunity for out-of-state teams to compete multiple times in one travel period) Registration and Payment The registration fee for each event is $300 per team, per event The registration fees are non-refundable (teams should avoid registering early and then canceling at a later date) Registration is first come, first served

We encourage in and out of state teams to take advantage of the opportunity to compete in two separate events in one weekend

Payment can be made: Send a check made payable to 51Ʒ�� Robotics Note the Team # and the event(s) in the memo, 
ex: Team 1234 - 51Ʒ�� Kickoff 1, 51Ʒ�� Kickoff 2, or 51Ʒ�� Kickoff 1 &2

Mail to: 51Ʒ��, Attn: Kim Shumaker 
1700 University Ave, Flint, MI 48504

Pay by credit card: link for payment will be included in the email to registered teams

Meal vouchers can be purchased in advance for lunch for $12/person using the link in an email to registered teams. ONLY order the vouchers using the robotics portal. DO NOT order using another portal: admissions, welcome center, etc. The robotics center does not receive those vouchers nor the payments. Unused meal vouchers are not refundable but can be used at future competitions at 51Ʒ��. If you are unsure how many you need, please keep in mind that you can pay at the register for a higher fee.

Hotels: Preferred hotels with team discounts will be included in the email sent to registered teams.

Questions? Please email us at roboticscenter@kettering.edu