States & Worlds Travel Information
Season Schedule
We have two District Competitions for 2024: Milford on March 1-2 and Skyline on March 16-17.
Based on performance we may qualify for the FIRST in Michigan District Championship (States) and FIRST Championship (Worlds). Travel logistics for both events require advance planning. The time between states and worlds is only 10 days, which is not enough time to gain commitments from traveling students, receive payment, and purchase tickets.
We have qualified for worlds the last 2 seasons.
States
Dates: April 4-6
Location: Ryder Center at Saginaw Valley State University
Student Contribution: $100
Hotel: Comfort Inn, Birch Run – 11911 Dixie Hwy, Birch Run
We are staying at the same hotel as last year. Breakfast is provided. The hotel has a swimming pool.
Pit Crew and Drive Team will leave either the evening of Wednesday, April 3 or the morning of Thursday, April 4.
Other team members will leave after school on Thursday, April 4.
Parents must provide separate transportation at alternate times.
Hotel block can accommodate students (4 to a room with 2 queen beds) and mentors/chaperones (2 to a room with 2 queen beds). Parents who wish to stay can make their own reservations.
The States Signup form will be available soon.
Worlds
Worlds is an incredible experience for all members, with a chance to meet the best teams in the world, bond with our team, and explore other aspects of the robotics community.
Dates: April 17-20
Location: George R. Brown Convention Center in Downtown Houston
Student Contribution: $1100 ($600 deposit)
Hotel: TBD by FIRST
Flights: Likely to be very early April 17 and returning on Sunday, April 21
Ground Transportation: Rental Minivans driven by mentors/chaperones
Parents will be responsible for driving their child to Detroit Airport and picking them up on return.
With student contributions and team funds, all necessary expenses are covered – Flights, Hotels, Rental Cars, meals from lunch on Wednesday through return on Sunday. Students will only need their own funds for FIRST merchandise/souvenirs, and additional drinks/snacks sold at the venue.
Worlds Logistics
There is space for 30 students to attend. Priority will be given to drive team, pit crew, seniority, etc. Signup date will not be a factor.
Student Commitment Date: February 8 by 6p
Student Contribution: $1100 ($600 deposit)
Deposit Due: February 12
Taking deposits and booking flights early will allow us to obtain the best possible prices and (hopefully) get our large travel party on the same flights to Houston.
Deposits will only be collected from the 30 students attending. Checks will be cashed. If the team does not qualify for worlds, deposits will be refunded. Individual students will not receive refunds if they change their minds. Tickets are not transferrable and another student won’t be able to attend in their place.
Do you need financial assistance: Email Mrs Schaffer to ask about scholarship options.