Albany Qualifier
Albany Civic Center
100 W Oglethorpe Blvd, Albany, GA 31701
Thursday, March 28th – Saturday, March 30th, 2024
GeorgiaFIRST Robotics is honored to partner with Procter & Gamble to host our Peachtree District Qualifier in Albany, Georgia. This longstanding location is made possible by dedicated partners, sponsors and volunteers who give their time, talent and resources to FIRST. We invite you to join us Friday, March 29th and Saturday, March 30th as FIRST Robotics Competition teams from the Peachtree District enter the field to test their engineering marvels. Who will walk away with the top awards at the Peachtree District Qualifier in Albany? Join us to see!
This event is free and open to the public.
Please note this venue has a clear bag policy for event spectators.
To view the Clear Bag policy, please go here.
The clear bag policy will be enforced at the Front entrance into the venue, mainly for spectators.
Teams should enter in the venue through the Team load-in entrance each day of the event (this is where most teams enter each year anyway).
The clear bag policy will not be enforced at this Team entrance.
They are able to have water (only water) in the pit and the stands, however, no outside food or drinks, and no coolers.
Event Schedule*
(Day 0) 3-28-24 - Thursday
5:00PM-10:00PM - Load-In, Pits Open, Inspection
7:00PM – 7:30PM - Calibration & Measurements on Field
7:30PM – 9:00PM - Test Matches for Day 0 Load In Teams
9:00PM – 9:30PM - Calibration & Measurements on Field
9:45PM - Load In Closes
10:00 PM - Pits and Venue Close
(Day 1) 3-29-24 - Friday
8:00AM – 10:15AM - Pits Open, Inspection
8:00AM – 9:00AM - Load In
8:30AM – 9:00AM - Calibration & Measurements on Field
9:00AM – 9:30AM - Driver’s Meeting (on field) and Safety Meeting (TBD)
9:30AM – 10:00AM - Test Matches for Day 1 Load In Teams
10:30AM-11:00AM - Opening Ceremony
11:00AM-1:00PM - Qualification Matches
1:00PM-2:00PM - Lunch
2:00PM-7:00PM - Qualification Matches
8:00PM - Pits Close
(Day 2) 3-30-24 - Saturday
8:00AM - Pits Open
9:00AM-9:30AM - Opening Ceremony
9:30AM-12:30PM - Qualification Matches
12:30AM-1:00PM - Alliance Selection
1:00PM-2:00PM - Lunch
2:00PM-5:00PM - Playoffs Matches & Awards Ceremony
2:30PM - **Practice Field Closes
5:30PM - Pits Close
Activities Schedule
(Day 1) 3-29-24 - Friday
10:00AM-3:00PM - Sponsor Row Opens
2:00PM-3:30PM - VIP Event and Tours
7:30PM- 9:00PM - Team Social
(Day 2) 3-30-24 - Saturday
8:30AM-1:00PM - Sponsor Row Open
*Schedule subject to change. All times are estimated based on flow of rounds. See Pit Administration Table for updated times. Machine Shop is open during pit hours, with the exception of Day 2 (closes at 2:00pm).
**Practice Field is open during pit hours, with the exception of Day 2 (closes at 2:30pm)
Words of Wisdom from Ref Crew and Inspectors
Recycle For Good Program (coming soon)
Teams Competing at This Event
Streaming Info
Stream 1 – Main stream: https://www.twitch.tv/gafirst1
Stream 2 – Static overhead camera stream: https://www.twitch.tv/gafirst2
Parking Information
Parking at this venue is free to all participants, guests and spectators. Please follow signs in parking lot that will direct you to designated areas (trailer and bus parking).
Printable Map Here
Load In/Out Instructions for Teams
Load In: Link can be found here.
Load Out: Load-out will not begin until 2:00pm on Saturday, no exceptions. You must have all of your equipment, including your bagged robot staged in the designated load-out area just inside the entrance door before your vehicle/bus/trailer can be positioned to load. We will have load-out volunteers in place to assist you with this and to answer any questions you may have.
When does your team plan to load-In? Please take this short survey so that we can best prepare for your arrival.
Concessions and Food Options
The Albany Civic Center will offer concessions for sale on Friday and Saturday of the event.
There are several restaurants (fast food and sit down) options in Albany. For a complete listing of dining options, please visit, Visit Albany.
You are NOT permitted to bring outside food and drink into this venue. Only water is permitted in the pit area, and in the stands. No coolers.
Concession Menu (coming soon)
Team Social!
Get ready for some fun and camaraderie at the Albany Qualifier Event
Team Social, hosted by 4C Academy! This event promises an evening filled with delicious food, music, games, and great company.
Event Details (download PDF of Event Flier here)
Date: Friday, March 29, 2024
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Location: 4C Academy, 1615 Newton Road, Albany, GA 31701
Cost: $10 per person
Menu Options: Take your pick from mouthwatering hamburgers, hot dogs, or veggie burgers, served with chips, a cookie, and a refreshing drink. You will choose your main (burger, hotdog or veggie burger) on your registration form.
Registration Deadline
Don't miss out! Secure your spot by REGISTERING (link) and PAYING (link) before Monday, March 25th. Payment can be secured via our PayPal account on the GeorgiaFIRST website at https://gafirst.org/donate. Select the purpose of the donation (FRC 2024: Albany Team Social) on the second to last page on the checkout screen.
If another method of payment is needed, please send an email to chaynes@gafirst.org with details.
*** Please note that you are able to attend the Team Social without placing an order for food ***
(All paid food orders will be issued wristbands before the event)
Hotel Options
Hotel arrangements can be made by searching sites such as: Expedia, Hotel.com, Kayak and the hotels direct booking sites.
What to Bring to the Event
Your robot, drive station and robot cart.
Your Printed team roster from FIRST. Bring a hardcopy, printed from the Coach/Mentor team Dashboard. (You will need to print a new team roster for each event you attend).
Your Printed PCH Consent & Release Form Roster. Coach/Mentor 1 & 2 have the link to this site. Reach out to gafirst@gafirst.org if you need it again.
For anyone who has NOT completed the FIRST or PCH Consent and Release Form digitally they will need paper copies.
FIRST: Your printed Roster will show members that have electronically registered for your team online in their Dashboard and completed the Consent & Release Form (green check mark on Roster).
FIRST: If you have members who did not complete FIRST Consent & Release form online as part of registration, (or have red “X”es on the Roster), bring printed forms (available here) for each non-registered member for FIRST. Write their names at the bottom of your printed Roster.
PCH District Consent & Release: If printed roster doesn’t show member, they can try and register digitally here, or fill out the paper form here. Bring printed forms for each non-registered member for PCH District. Write their names at the bottom of your printed Roster.
Items to set up your pit and support your robot during the competition. Pits are 10′ x 10′ x 10.’
Safety glasses for everyone on your team. GeorgiaFIRST / South Carolina FIRST will not be able to provide for teams.
"When engaged in FIRST activities, FIRST participants must wear shoes that completely cover the entire foot. Shoes must be substantial and have closed toes and heels to protect against foot injuries, regardless of work location. Flip-flops, sandals, mules, Crocs (even in “sport mode”), lightweight slippers, etc. are not acceptable when working on or near the robot.”
*Make sure your visitors know this. You can read more about this in the FTC/FRC Safety Manual, Section 4.4 Foot ProtectionExtension cords and power strips for your pit.
Your Team Fact Sheet to give to the Game Announcer.
Team spirit and gracious professionalism.
A ‘verbal thank-you’ for the volunteers when you see them at the events. They are working long hours to make this event happen.
ADDITIONAL FORMS
VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE
If you are volunteering at the event, be sure to check the Volunteer Schedule for times and locations. Volunteer Schedule for Albany 2024 (coming soon)
Thank you to the Sponsors of this Event
