Celebrate FTC Kickoff with a Splash!

Ready to dive in? The 2024-2025 FIRST Tech Challenge season kickoff of INTO THE DEEP℠

 presented by RTX is Saturday, September 7. Teams from across Wisconsin will gather in Milwaukee, Madison, and Manitowoc to celebrate the start of another exhilarating season of creativity, collaboration, and competition.

What to Expect at Kickoff Events

The Kickoff marks the moment when teams across the globe get their first look at this season’s challenge. They’ll receive details about the game, field elements, and the official rulebook. For many teams, this day is filled with brainstorming sessions, strategies, and building excitement as they begin their FTC journey.

At the Wisconsin Kickoff events, teams can also expect:

• Field Element Demos: Teams will get a chance to see the field elements up close and personal, helping them visualize what their robots will need to accomplish.

• Equipment Door Prizes from Studica: For all teams attending Kickoff in-person, a Studica table with equipment for teams will be at each of the three Kickoff Events. A few lucky teams get to take home the equipment via a door prize for attending the event!

• Networking Opportunities: Teams can connect with others, share ideas, and collaborate with mentors who have experience across all aspects of FTC.

Why Kickoff Matters

Kickoff events are about more than just learning about this season’s game challenge—they represent the heart of what FIRST is all about. These events create a space where teams can experience the FIRST Core Values in action:

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Kickoff brings together diverse teams, offering a chance for members to share ideas and strategies in a supportive environment.

• Real-World Relevance: The FTC challenge is always designed to reflect real-world engineering problems, encouraging teams to think like engineers and innovators.

• Mentorship and Support: Teams will get a chance to engage with veteran teams and mentors who have navigated past seasons, ready to share their wisdom.

Locations & How to RSVP

Madison: As Wisconsin's newest Kickoff event at the Meadowridge Madison Public Library, the event is expected to draw a large crowd of new to the program students and mentors! Special thanks to FIRST Tech Challenge Team 10100, Phoenix Force, and our community partner, Door of Hope, for hosting the event in collaboration with FIRST Wisconsin.

• RSVP HERE

Milwaukee: Hosted by the dedicated team at the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) STEM Center, this Kickoff promises to be a hub of innovation with plenty of opportunities for teams to exchange ideas and learn from one another.

• RSVP HERE

Manitowoc: Teams in the northeastern part of the state will gather in Manitowoc at the Lakeshore Robotics Education Center to get their first look at this season's game and enjoy the unique camaraderie that FTC is known for.

• Learn more HERE

Whether you’re a rookie team ready to jump in for the first time, or a seasoned veteran looking to refine your approach, the Wisconsin FTC Kickoff events are the perfect way to launch into the season with energy and inspiration.

Be sure to mark your calendar for September 7th and join us in Milwaukee, Madison, or Manitowoc as we start this year’s FIRST Tech Challenge season with a splash!

Visit the Game & Season page for more details. And while you wait, download INTO THE DEEP and FIRST DIVE presented by Qualcomm logos, virtual backgrounds, posters, and more. 

Renee Becker-Blau