We are proud to announce the return of the BUC DAYS Robotics Rodeo in Corpus Christi, Texas on May 4 – 5, 2024. This event, brought to you by CITGO, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, VALERO and the Buccaneers Commission, will be a full day robotics competition with amazing views of the Gulf of Mexico as part of the annual BUC DAYS celebration started back in 1938.

This year, we will be inviting 50 teams for the FIRST Tech Challenge using the CENTERSTAGE game challenge on May 4th. We will be inviting 32 teams for the FIRST LEGO League – Challenge for the MASTERPIECE game on May 5th. You can register your interest below but it does not guarantee your attendance. We will send out formal invitations at the end of March that will confirm your attendance.

We will be awarding $13,500 in cash prizes for the winners from various generous sponsors. All prizes will be in the form of checks issued to the team organization or lead coach to support their team.

Special team planning information is provided here:

• There is no charge to attend this invitational. Teams are responsible for their own travel and lodging expenses. BUC DAYS will be providing lunch during event. Teams are encouraged to bring their own snacks and beverages.
• This event is open to all teams across the world with priority given to teams in Corpus Christi and then Texas.
• Preference will be given in this order: Teams from Corpus Christi, then from Texas, and then all other teams that are participating in the current season.
• This is part of a community festival that attracts more than 120,000 people.

Teams needing hotels are encouraged to reach out to us via email as we will be securing group rates at local hotels for those attending.

Agenda: (subject to modification as required – Updated Mar 28)

May 4th – FIRST Tech Challenge

9:00am – 10:00am – Load-in and Registration
9:00AM – 10:15AM – Inspection
10:30AM – Drivers Safety Meeting
11:00 AM – Matches Start
12:00pm – 12:30pm Lunch (Provided by Buc Days)
12:30pm – FTC Matches Continue
5:30pm – Awards Ceremony
6:00pm – Load-Out (End of Event)

May 5th – FIRST LEGO League – Challenge

9:00am – 10:00am – Load-in and Registration
10:00am – 12:00 – Team Activities (FLL)
12:00pm – 12:30pm Lunch (Provided by Buc Days)
12:30pm – FLL Game Play
3:00pm – Awards Ceremony
5:00pm – Load-Out (End of Event)

Special Event Rules:  FLL/FTC Teams may be comprised of existing and potential members of your team. FLL/FTC Team members must be listed on a roster that indicates their age and any school affiliation. Any team on a roster (participating) must be of proper program age for Texas team. Any participant or attending adult must have a completed FIRST in Texas Consent and Release Form on file from 2023 – 2024.

You registering below by securing a ticket DOES NOT secure your slot at the event. It does secure you position in line and formal invitations will be sent at the end of March, 2024.

Awards:

FIRST Tech Challenge Awards: (Awards Below are for FIRST Tech Challenge Only)

Best Costume Award – 1st Place: The theme for the event is “Pirates / Buccaneers”. Come celebrate a PowerPlay pirate event by dressing up your team mates and even your robot. Let’s keep it all age appropriate and ensure any costumes do not create safety concerns for our participants and even our robots. $750.00

Best Costume Award – 2nd Place: $250.00

Gracious Professional Award:  We will have judges onsite walking around taking to teams about their robot, journey in FIRST and watching all the participants. Keep your GP front and center for a chance to win this very special award. $750.00 (x3)

Team Spirit Award: Come make it loud and Texas proud! The team that shows the most spirit and demonstrates the most spirit will win this award! $750.00 (2)

Winning Robot Captain:  This award is given to the team that wins the tournament (Winning Alliance Captain) $1,500

Winning Robot Alliance Member:  This award is given to the 1st and 2nd Alliance pick of the Winning Alliance. $750.00 (x2)

Finalist Robot Captain:  This award is given to the team that is the finalist captain at the tournament (Finalist Alliance Captain) $1,250

Finalist Robot Alliance Member: This award is given to the 1st and 2nd Alliance pick of the Finalist Alliance. $500.00 (x2)

FIRST LEGO League – Challenge Awards:  (Awards below are for FLL-C Only)

Winning Robot Performance: This award is given to the best performing robotics team. $1000.00

Finalist Robot Performance 1: This award is given to the second highest robot performing robotics team: $750.00

Finalist Robot Performance 2: This award is given to the third highest robot performing robotics team: $500.00

Team Spirit Award: Come make it loud and Texas proud! The team that shows the most spirit and demonstrates the most spirit will win this award! $500.00

Best Costume Award: The theme for the event is “Pirates / Buccaneers”. Come celebrate a PowerPlay pirate event by dressing up your team mates and even your robot. Let’s keep it all age appropriate and ensure any costumes do not create safety concerns for our participants and even our robots. $250.00

Core Values Award: Teams will be presented with a Core Value activity and the judges will decide. It is important to not just know the FIRST Core Values, but how to use it in daily life! $250.00 (x2)

Safety:  Teams are expected and required to adhere to all normal FIRST in Texas safety regulations during this event. (FTC) No open toe/heel shoes, no crocs, secure any long hair or jewelry, and wear safety glasses while competing and in the pits. Hand power tools are permitted. Teams are expected to have a team safety plan and immediately report any unsafe or suspicious behavior immediately. This event is open to the general public in Corpus Christi.

Load-In Instructions: Teams will enter the grounds off Chaparral St. using the entrance notated by the navy blue dotted line (Hirsch St.). They’ll dropoff/unload at the star and use the elevator to the right of the stairs to get up to the exhibit hall.

Once the team gets to level one, they’ll enter the exhibit hall and check-in at the tables located in the yellow competition area.

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