Registration & Event Fees in Detail

The FIRST Dashboard and the registration timeline#

All registration happens through the FIRST Dashboard at firstinspires.org. The general rhythm of the season is:

• Spring/early summer: the registration system opens for the upcoming season
• Mid-November: season team registration payment is typically due
• Late January: additional event fees are normally due
• January (Kickoff): the game is revealed and the build season begins

Missing a deadline can mean losing your spot at a popular, capacity-limited event, so put these dates on a shared team calendar and confirm the exact dates for the current season on the Dashboard.

What season registration includes#

Your $6,500 season registration (2026-2027) buys:

• Your team number (new teams only; it is yours forever)
• The Kit of Parts: the physical Kickoff Kit, the Virtual Kit (vouchers, software, and supplier products available by download or custom order), and FIRST Choice credits you spend in an online store of donated components
• Participation in one event (Regional Model) or two events (District Model)
• Award eligibility, scholarship connections, and roster/registration management tools

The Kickoff Kit ships to your local Kickoff event. If you choose MySite home delivery, you may pay extra shipping.

Rookie vs veteran teams#

The base season registration fee is the same for rookie and veteran teams. The practical difference is in the Kit of Parts: rookies receive additional reusable starter items (such as control-system components) that veterans already own and reuse year to year, so a rookie's first year gets more hardware value out of the same fee. Always confirm the current details on the FIRST cost-and-registration page.

Additional events add up fast#

• Regional Model: each additional Regional event is $3,200.
• District Model: two District events are included in season registration; the District Championship and any extra district events are priced by your district organization (contact them directly, because amounts vary by region).

Why fees are higher than the FIRST base number#

In some regions, the total you pay is well above the FIRST base fee. For example, region-run Regionals may add local event-production costs on top of the FIRST registration (some regions publish all-in figures well over $10,000). Always confirm the all-in number with your regional or district organization before you finalize your budget.

Action step#

Log into the FIRST Dashboard, find your region's event list, and write down: (1) season registration cost, (2) cost of each additional event you want to attend, and (3) the exact payment due dates. That single sheet anchors your whole fundraising plan.