FIRST® in Texas is excited to announce its partnership with the Buccaneer Commission to offer a FIRST® Tech Challenge off season event on May 3, 2025, at the America Bank Center in Corpus Christi. Cash prizes will be awarded directly to the winning teams.

• FREE ENTRY for all teams! 

• A treasure of $20,000 in PRIZE MONEY will be awarded across the three programs! 

• Special HOTEL RATES— No sleepin’ with the sharks! 

• Experience Buc Days and all it has to offer (when you’re not busy winning the treasure) i.e. rodeo events, carnival rides and games, vendors and petting zoo! 

If ye want to be part of this grand adventure or have any questions, send a message to [email protected]. 

Application/Registration:

All teams are welcome to apply for this event! Priortiy will be given to teams from the Gulf Coast League and South Area of the state. Once we have confirmed that all teams that meet this criteria have been invited to the event we will open up additional slots to any remaining teams from outside of this area. Invitations will be sent to teams who are accepted for this event and a public announcement will be made once we have extended all invites.

Teams can apply for this event at: https://forms.office.com/r/hmjBcYYtkp

Application deadline is April 2nd. Invitations will be sent out in early April.

Schedule

Judging:

We will be doing a modified version of judging at this event. Rather than the standard FIRST Tech Challenge judging process and awards, we will be deciding judged awards through a combination of pit interviews and observation. We have custom awards for this event which can be found in the Award Section.

Awards:

Jolly Roger Spirit Award:

Ahoy, mateys! The Jolly Roger Spirit Award honors the most spirited and enthusiastic crew in the competition! This award goes to the team that brings the true heart of a pirate adventure to Buc Days, showing off their team pride with pirate or ocean-themed outfits, high-energy cheers, and an unwavering commitment to celebrating every match—win or lose.

Whether they’re rallying their own crew, lifting up their competitors, or turning the event into a full-blown high-seas spectacle, these teams make the competition more exciting and memorable for all. So hoist your flags, don your best pirate gear, and let your voices be heard—because true buccaneers never sail silently!

🏆 Criteria for the Jolly Roger Spirit Award:
☠️ Teams dressed in pirate or ocean-themed outfits
⚓ Loud and positive cheering throughout the event
🌊 Enthusiastic celebration of all matches—both their own and others
🏴‍☠️ Encouraging co-opertition and camaraderie among crews

Reward:

• 1st Place Award: $300
• 2^nd Place Aware: $200

Robot Game Awards:

This award is given to the winning and finalist alliances in the robot game.

• Winning Robot Game Captain: $1250
• Wining Robot Game 1^st Pick: $1250
• Finalist Robot Game Captain: $750
• Finalist Robot Games 1st Pick: $750

Middle School All Star:

The Middle School All-Star Award recognizes an outstanding middle school team that excels in all aspects of the competition. This award is given to a team that demonstrates high performance in robot matches, strong recognition in judged awards, and overall excellence throughout the event.

This team stands out for their technical skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship, proving that they are among the best middle school competitors. Whether through strategic gameplay, innovative engineering, or a well-rounded approach to the competition, this team has shown they are a true all-star.

Award Criteria:

• Strong robot performance in matches
• Recognition in judged awards
• Excellent teamwork, innovation, and sportsmanship
• A well-rounded impact both on and off the field

This award highlights a team that is not only successful in competition but also represents the best qualities of a top-performing robotics team.

Reward:

• 1st Place Award: $600
• 2^nd Place Award: $400

Excellence in Robot Design:

The Excellence in Robot Design Award recognizes a team that has built a robot with an impressive balance of creativity, functionality, and engineering excellence. This award celebrates a team that incorporates innovative design elements, well-thought-out mechanics, and a robot that not only looks great but performs efficiently on the field.

Judges will be looking for unique and effective design choices, strong craftsmanship, and a well-organized approach to building a competitive robot. Whether through clever mechanisms, robust construction, or smart use of materials, this team has created a standout machine that is both cool and capable.

Award Criteria:

• Innovative and well-thought-out design elements
• A balance of creativity and functionality
• Strong engineering principles and craftsmanship
• Effective performance and reliability on the field

This award highlights a team that proves great design isn’t just about looks—it’s about building something that works beautifully and performs at its best.

Reward:

• 1st Place Award: $500
• 2^nd Place Aware: $250

Hotels/Accommodations:

More details to be released in early April.