Competitors, spectators, referees, judges, and volunteers packed into the Von Braun Center (VBC) last week for the Rocket City Regional FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) Event.

The four-day event ran from April 3-6 and was hosted by For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Robotics. While dubbed a “regional” event, 47 teams from across the United States and from five different countries were represented.

Michele Keepers, a parent volunteer for FIRST, explained that this event draws big crowds as it is held during the last week to qualify for the international championship, which will take place later this month in Houston.

Like other events sponsored by FIRST, the competition was marked by high energy and a sense of camaraderie. Participants were decked out in everything from cowboy hats to evening gowns, mismatched knee socks to bejeweled protective glasses.

Nate Sowers, a member of Flagship Robotics Team 3140 from Knoxville, Tennessee, sported an eye-catching amount of swag. Nate estimated that he has 200 buttons on the hoodie that he wears to competitions. Swapping buttons is a friendly way for competitors from rival teams to get to know each other.

The competition is as serious as it is convivial. Many of the young competitors are making future plans based on the experiences they have had participating in FIRST Robotics.

Canon Jackson, a senior at Athens Renaissance School, helped to found Renaissance Robotics Team 538 three years ago. Jackson, who will begin studies in mechanical engineering at the University of Alabama in Huntsville this coming fall, spoke with the Huntsville Business Journal about how his involvement in FIRST Robotics has impacted his hopes for his college years.

“It has greatly influenced my future plans,” said Jackson. “I now want to be a part of the Space Hardware Club at UAH.”

Sisters Willa and Emma Toney are Jackson’s teammates on Team 538. Willa, a freshman, was encouraged by her older sister to join the team. Willa explained that she has found a great deal of enjoyment on the business and safety side of the team.

Non-technical roles for students involved in FIRST Robotics include marketing, grant writing, leadership, and mentoring opportunities.

The Renaissance Robotics team mentors the elementary-age students who participate in the FIRST LEGO League that meets at their school. Renaissance students have the opportunity to participate in the full progression of FIRST programs, from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Back in the competition ring, contestants participated in this year’s music-themed contest. Students aimed to get their robots to toss plastic “notes” into prop subwoofers and amps. Robots raced across the court at surprising speeds.

Emcees narrated each 2 minute, 15 second round. Each match was displayed on jumbotrons and broadcast to other rooms of the VBC. The crowd was as amped as at any sporting event.

Anna Strutzenberg, Program Delivery Partner for FIRST, took a moment away from her duties as a referee to discuss the FIRST World Championship, which will take place on April 17-20 in Houston. Strutzenberg anticipates that as many as 50,000 people will attend the event.

“Houston, Texas is actually one of the only venues large enough for us to hold our world championship,” explained Strutzenberg.

Strutzenberg said that attendance at the Houston event is critical to bring exposure to the Alabama FIRST region, which is smaller than some regions — but growing.

Students and parents who are interested in becoming a part of a FIRST team are invited to visit the FIRST website.