2023 Midwest Regional Updates

Thanks for joining us at the 2023 FIRST Robotics Competition at UIC's Credit Union 1 Arena (525 S Racine Avenue, Chicago). If you can't find what you are looking for on this page, please contact Jen or Polly at the Information table located near the arena's main entrance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is there a charge for admission? No - the event is free and open to the public.
• Is there wifi available? No - there is no public or guest wifi. Please do not activate hotspots as they could interfere with the competition.
• Where can I work or make a private phone call? We do not have a room for private calls or Zoom meetings. There is a Starbucks located 1/2 mile away at 1430 W. Taylor.
• Is there a Quiet Room? A quiet room will be available on Friday and Saturday, pending volunteer availability. Please contact Polly or Jen at the information table for more information.
  • The Quiet Room is not intended for team discussions, work calls, or other activity. It is a place to rest and take a break from the arena. Thank you for your cooperation.
• Can we sit in the balcony? The balcony will be open on Friday and Saturday after opening ceremonies, pending volunteer availability.
  • The only sections open for seating in the balcony: 207, 208, 210, 211.
  • Do not remove or walk around caution tape. It's there for a reason. :)
  • Please be careful to not disturb A/V equipment installed in these areas.
  • No food or drinks (including water) are permitted in the balcony.
• Can I bring food into the venue? No - Per venue policy, outside food and beverage are not allowed.
• Can I bring a water bottle or other drinks? You may bring an empty water bottle to fill inside the arena. Please do not bring any other drinks.
• What should I wear? If you plan to visit the pits, please wear closed-toe shoes. We also recommend bringing your own safety glasses, as we have limited loaner sets.
• Can I take pictures? Yes - photography and videos are strongly encouraged!
• Can we use 3D printers? 3D printers can be operated only when the pits are open (no overnight runs).
• What if our team does not want a pit table? Please move unused pit tables to the machine shop area for storage.
• Where can I pick up team lunches? Lunches will be distributed near Gate 2. From the main entrance, facing the volunteer tables, head to the right on the main concourse.
• Where is critical safety equipment (fire extinguishers, AEDs, etc) located? Maps with information about safety equipment are posted on the walls outside restrooms on the main concourse.
• Is there a location for religious practice (e.g. meditation, prayer)? Yes, please check with the Volunteer Coordinators at the Information table.
• I took some great photos, can I share them? Yes, please upload them here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/<wbr></wbr>WrSNULGBRqgKrzAP8
• Do you have event shirts or other merchandise for sale? No, we do not have souvenirs for sale this year (2023).

Popular Links

• Event Schedule
• Live Streams:
  • Main stream (with scoring etc.): https://www.twitch.tv/firstinspires7 
  • Wide view: https://www.twitch.tv/firstinspires8 
• Teams Competing
• Full Team List with Schools & Sponsors (pdf)
• Current Standings
• Qualification Match Schedule & Results
• Pit Map
• 2023 FIRST Robotics Competition CHARGED UP official game announcement (video)
• Women in STEM panel - RSVP
• Team Social Registration
• Incident reporting form in the FIRST Reporting Portal
• Sign up to volunteer!

Social Media

• Official accounts: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
• Hashtags: #frcmwr #firstinspires #omgrobots

Team Email Archive & Information

• No paint, glitter, etc. is allowed in the venue!
• 3D printers can be operated only when the pits are open (no overnight runs).
• If you do not want a table in your pit, please move it to the machine shop area for storage.
• Lunches will be distributed near Gate 2. From the main entrance, facing the volunteer tables, head to the right on the main concourse.
• Team Social wristbands will be delivered to your pit on Friday afternoon.
• Parking for small-medium vehicles is located in the small surface lot directly south of the venue. This parking lot might not be able to accommodate buses so plan accordingly.
• Midwest Regional - Team Blast #1
• Food Policy & Team Social - Team Blast #2
• Final Reminders - Team Blast #3
  • Load-In Process

Getting Here

• Where can I park? UIC charges a nominal fee for parking. Cars should park in the multi-level parking structure (Lot 7) adjacent to the venue (just east of the arena on Harrison). Additional parking for larger vehicles is available in Parking Lot 1-A across the street from the venue (south across Harrison).
• Can I get to the event using public transit? Yes - we recommend the following routes and stops:
  • CTA Blue Line - Racine Station (1.5 blocks)
  • CTA Route 7 - Harrison - Harrison & Throop (1 block)
  • CTA Route 60 - Blue Island & 26th - Racine & Harrison (across the street)