Iowa Regional FIRST Robotics Competition
MARCH 27-29, 2025
Free and Open to the Public in the McLeod Center and the Dome
Participate in the Iowa Regional
The University of Northern Iowa is proud to host the Iowa Regional FIRST® Robotics Competition. Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology, the FIRST Robotics Competition will bring together more than 50 teams from the Midwest and beyond to compete in the University of Northern Iowa McLeod Center. Each high school team will design, build, and program their robot to play this year’s game. During each match, witness two brand-new alliances of 3 robots each face off against each other. Come join us as we celebrate a decade of Iowa Regional FIRST Robotics Competition events for Iowa teams!
Here is how YOU can get involved:
Families, Alumni, & the Public
- Cheer on teams during exciting matches in McLeod!
- Meet teams in their pits and learn more about preparing for the game in the Dome!
- Root for your local team!
- Support STEM in Iowa!
- Be inspired by the innovation of our youth!
- Get in the spirit - Costumes are welcome! This year's theme is all about the ocean depths!
Saturday is the perfect day for family participation in the Iowa Regional. Concessions will be open from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. Park in the West Dome or South Art parking lots. Parking is $TBD/car. Admission is Free. If you can't make it Saturday, the event is open on Thursday from 8:30 a.m. through 6 p.m. and on Friday from 8 a.m. through 5:45 p.m.
Saturday Schedule of Public Events
- 8:30AM-9:00AM Opening Ceremonies
- 9:00AM-12:15PM Qualification Matches
- 12:15PM-12:30PM Alliance Selections
- 12:30PM-1:30PM Lunch (matches stop)
- 1:30PM-4:30PM Playoff Matches
- 4:30PM-6:00PM Awards Ceremony
Learn About the Game
UNI Talent Scholarships
The UNI FIRST Robotics Competition Iowa Talent Scholarships are awarded to members of the team that earns the Impact Award at the Iowa Regional. The Impact Award is FIRST's highest recognition of a team's commitment to FIRST Core Values, Gracious Professionalism, and coopertition. These values match those of the University of Northern Iowa and are why we have selected the Impact Award team as our scholarship recipients.
The UNI FIRST Robotics Competition Iowa Talent Scholarship is a $500 (one-time) scholarship to the University of Northern Iowa. This scholarship will be granted to eligible freshman through senior active team members who meet UNI admission requirements, are admitted to UNI as new high school graduates, and who enroll as full-time UNI students. The UNI Physics Department will double the FRC Talent Scholarship to awardees who declare a Physics Major! Instructions for application and additional Financial Aid information will be sent to the lead coaches of eligible teams following the regional.
UNI Undergraduates Achieve Beyond in STEM
UNI Faculty, Staff and Students
- Serve as a Volunteer
- Encourage participation by your class or student group
- Bring your own family to the event
Volunteer
The Iowa Regional is seeking volunteers to assist with field reset, safety goggle monitoring, crowd control, and other activities. Volunteers should be available at least one full day or two half days between Wednesday and Saturday. Apply to volunteer by signing up with FIRST VIMS. Select Iowa and the Cedar Falls Event - Iowa Regional. In the notes field, please identify that you are a UNI faculty, staff, student or alumni. Questions? Contact: IowaFRCVolunteers@gmail.com
UNI Groups Event Tour
Organize a formal or informal UNI student tour - Faculty and UNI Student Groups, bring your whole class/group or send your students/members individually to the Iowa Regional. The Iowa Regional is open to the public, so your students can visit at any time. However, you can increase the value of their experience by scheduling an Ambassador's Tour of the event for your class. If you schedule an Ambassador's tour, FIRST Robotics Competition Team Member Ambassadors will meet with small groups of your students and take them on a tour of the pits, explain the game, and watch a match with them. This is a great way for UNI students in education and STEM majors to experience the Iowa Regional.
To schedule an Ambassador Tour please contact us at least 4 weeks in advance.
