RUN FOR THE ROBOTS
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2026 Team Schedule
All times are in Eastern Standard Timezone (EST)
Thursday
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4:00 PM to 8:30 PM -- Pits open & Team Load-In
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5:00 PM to 8:00 PM -- Team Inspections & Judging
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8:30 PM -- Pits close
Friday
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7:30 AM to 7:00 PM -- Pits open
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8:30 AM -- Driver's Meeting
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9:00 AM -- Opening Ceremonies followed by Matches
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12:30 PM to 1:30 PM -- Lunch
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1:30 PM to 6:00 PM -- Matches
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6:30 PM to 8:00 PM -- Team Social (off-site)
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7:00 PM -- Pits close
Saturday
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7:30 AM to 6:00 PM -- Pits open
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8:30 AM to 12:00 PM -- Qualification Matches
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12:00 PM -- Alliance Selection
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12:30 PM to 1:30 PM -- Lunch
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1:30 PM to 3:30 PM -- Division Playoffs and Division Awards
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4:00 PM to 5:30 PM -- Event Finals followed by Event Awards
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6:00 PM -- Pits close
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Friday: Celebrate Your Heritage or Hometown -- Wear something that represents where you're from.
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Saturday: Derby Hat and Bow Tie Day -- Join the fun and show off your Kentucky Derby style!
Theme Day Outfits
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Team Information
Everything teams need to prepare for Run for the Robots can be found here. Use this page as your hub for event logistics, schedules, documents, and quick links before and during the event.
Guidebook
The Team Guidebook is a comprehensive resource designed to help teams prepare for and navigate the event. It includes important information about schedules, venue logistics, judging, parking, dining options, and other details to support a smooth and successful experience.
Many of the topics included in the guidebook are also available individually throughout the Team Information section of this website. The guidebook simply compiles these details into a single document for easy reference.
Please note that the guidebook will continue to be updated as additional information becomes available. Teams are encouraged to check back periodically for the most current version.
Team Town Hall Recording
Competition Manual Supplement
All competition rules, procedures, and event-specific exceptions are contained in the Competition Manual Supplement. Teams should review this document carefully prior to the event.
Event Logistics
Student Ambassadors
Student Ambassadors serve as representatives of KY FIRST, helping welcome and engage special guests while sharing their experiences in robotics. The primary commitment is Friday from 2:00–4:00 PM (report at 1:15 PM), with possible additional opportunities during the event.
Volunteer Parking & Check-In
Location: Alltech Arena, Kentucky Horse Park
Address: 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511
Parking Instructions
As you enter the Kentucky Horse Park, you will pass a parking attendant booth.
Volunteers should park in the main lot outside the front of Alltech Arena. Please drive all the way to the front of the building.
Important:
You must present a printed copy of your Run for the Robots volunteer parking pass (sent via email). This will be exchanged for a physical parking permit valid for all event days.
Parking passes are provided by KY FIRST Robotics specifically for event volunteers. We know some volunteers may also be attending with teams, and we kindly ask that these passes be used only for volunteer purposes. Your cooperation helps us continue offering this support.
After Entering the Horse Park
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Follow signage or volunteer directions to Alltech Arena
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Park in the designated lot (the same lot used by all attendees)
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Proceed to the arena for volunteer check-in
Arrival & Check-In
Enter through the main entrance of Alltech Arena. Once inside, proceed to the left and continue to the last door of the North Hall (follow the magenta arrows on map)
This is the Volunteer Hospitality Room, where you will check in, pick up your lanyard and shirt, receive instructions for your assigned role, and have access to refreshments throughout the event.
Signage will be posted to guide you, and this space is reserved for volunteers.
Volunteer Hospitality
Two volunteer lounges are available throughout the event.
The main lounge in the North Hall (check-in location) provides meals, snacks, drinks, and volunteer items. A smaller hospitality room on the arena floor offers quick access to snacks and a short break for volunteers working in that area. Lounges are reserved for volunteers, select guests, and student ambassadors. Please keep personal items with you. Meals are provided on your scheduled volunteer days.
Please email info@kyfirstrobotics.org with any dietary needs.
Volunteer Orientation Webinar
Missed the Volunteer Town Hall? Watch the recording here to review event flow, meet fellow volunteers, and learn more about what to expect during Run for the Robots.
Watch Live - Run for the Robots
Watch matches live from both divisions throughout the weekend at Run for the Robots at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
Secretariat Division
View teams in this division
Day 1 Livestream - May 29th, 2026
Day 2 Livestream - May 30th, 2026
Thank you to the organizations helping make Run for the Robots possible.
Presenting Sponsor
Event Sponsors
Become a Sponsor
Run for the Robots brings together top robotics teams from around the world to compete in Kentucky. Sponsorship opportunities help support the event while connecting your organization with future engineers and innovators.
For more information, please contact:
Venue Maps
Concourse level - Venue Entry on left
Arena Level - Competition Fields & Pit Area
Man O' War Pit Map
Secretariat Pit Map
Parking & Load-In
Parking
The Kentucky Horse Park charges $10 per vehicle, per day to enter the park. Once inside the park, vehicles may drive anywhere within the grounds, including to Alltech Arena.
Ample parking is available in the main lot located in front of the venue. Please refer to the attached map for parking locations.
Teams arriving with trailers, buses, or other large vehicles should park in the rear portion of the lot, leaving the spaces closest to the arena entrance available for teams, volunteers, and guests.
All attendees should enter the arena through the front entrance each day. Please note that team load-in procedures are different and are provided below.
Load-in & Load-Out
Teams will load in and out at the arena level through the South Hall entrance. Teams may choose to avoid the designated unload line entirely by parking in the main parking lot and walking equipment directly to the South Hall entrance.
Teams who prefer curbside unloading should follow volunteer directions and the load-in traffic pattern shown on the map below. Vehicles may pull up to the curb outside the South Hall entrance for active unloading only. While the driver remains with the vehicle, team members and volunteers may unload carts, tools, and equipment and begin transporting items into the pit area. Once unloading is complete, drivers must immediately move vehicles to general parking before returning to assist their team.
With approximately 70 teams arriving within a limited timeframe, teams are strongly encouraged to prepare an efficient load-in plan in advance. Limiting unnecessary trips and consolidating items onto carts will help keep traffic moving smoothly for all participants. Please follow all venue signage and volunteer instructions throughout the load-in process.
Food & Lodging
Food Options
Pre-Order lunch or snack baskets delivered directly to your pit
Providing FIRST teams with personalized Lunch and Snack Baskets for maximum convenience, delivered right to your pit area.
Personalized Basket Options
Snack Basket for 10 – $150 plus $15 for each additional order
Lunch Basket #1 for 10 – $175 plus $17.50 for each additional order
Lunch Basket #2 for 10 – $200 plus $20 for each additional order
Alltech Arena Concessions
The Fresh Market
The Fresh Market offers a variety of fresh salads, wraps, and homemade sandwich spreads, making it an ideal stop for guests who prefer lighter or healthier meal choices.
Hours of Operation:
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
High Horizon Cafe
For those with heartier appetites, the High Horizon Cafe features satisfying selections such as nachos, burgers, chili cheese dogs, pulled pork nachos and sandwiches, ensuring a filling dining experience.
Hours of Operation:
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
*breakfast served from 8 AM - 11 AM
Pack your Own
Teams are welcome to bring their own lunches and snacks. While food delivery services are not recommended for the Kentucky Horse Park or Alltech Arena, team members may choose to pick up food from nearby restaurants and bring it back to the venue.
Dining Areas
Teams are encouraged to utilize the following designated eating areas:
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North Hall and South Hall
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Concourse and Stands (there will be a dining area in the concourse)
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Outdoor Spaces
Small personal snacks are permitted in individual pit areas at your own risk. However, outside food should not be set up or consumed in shared or common pit spaces.
Lodging Accommodations
Kentucky Horse Park Campground
The Park boasts a 260-site campground attracting over 40,000 campers annually. The campground’s pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, and easy bike access to Legacy Trail make it one of Kentucky’s finest resort campgrounds.
Courtesy Blocks
We have also secured a limited number of courtesy room blocks at select hotels for your convenience. These rates are available for a limited time and may expire, so we encourage booking early if you plan to use them.
Use of these hotels is completely optional, and teams are welcome to stay wherever best fits their needs.
Courtesy block at Super8 by Wyndham, Georgetown - call 502-863-4888 and mention "Run for the Robots" for a discounted rate.
Hotels
Please explore the links below for additional hotel accommodations in the Lexington and Georgetown areas.
Pit Information
This section includes information about pit setup, what to bring, and tips to help your team prepare for the event.
Pit Setup
• Pits are 10' x 10' and one 6' table is provided.
• Canopy frames are allowed, but canopy tops are not permitted.
• Lights, signs, and team branding are encouraged.
• Large, visible team numbers are strongly recommended.
• Food may be kept in your team’s individual pit, but not in shared pit areas.
What to Bring
• Extension cords and power strips (power will be available near pit).
• Safety goggles for team members and visitors.
• No-spill water bottles.
• Snacks for your team between meals.
• Team apparel, gear, and spirit wear.
Theme Days
Friday – Celebrate Your Heritage or Hometown
Wear something that represents where you're from.
Saturday – Derby Hat & Bow Tie Day
Join the fun and show off your Kentucky Derby style.