Prospective and Assigned Volunteer Information

• For a reminder on the days and roles you are scheduled, please see your original notification email OR log into your FIRST Inspires profile. If you have trouble finding the information, don't hesitate to contact the volunteer coordinators.
  • Notification emails are sent from "[email protected]" under the subject "FIRST Notification of Event Volunteer Assignment Status."
• The event is held at Credit Union 1 Arena (formerly the UIC Pavilion) on the UIC campus at 525 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60607.
• Volunteers should enter through Door 2 of the venue. The entrance is located on Harrison St, east of the main entrance and adjacent to the alley between the arena and the parking garage.

• Metal detectors will be in use at the venue. Please plan accordingly.
• Please remember to sign in each day for your assignment.
  • Morning check-in will be near the volunteer entrance at Door 2.
  • If you arrive after Opening Ceremonies (8:30 AM CST or later), check-in is at the information tables near the main entrance.
• All volunteers must complete a FIRST Consent & Release form.
  • You can confirm this is complete in your FIRST Inspires profile; click your name in the upper-right corner of the browser window, click "Acknowledgement Forms," and then review any pending tasks.
• Volunteers in some key roles must complete a Conflict of Interest and Disclosure Statement.
  • Affected roles are listed on the form.
  • If possible, please complete this form in advance and bring it with you.
  • Blank forms will be available at volunteer check-in.

• UIC Campus Visitor Map

• About FIRST Values: Gracious Professionalism and Coopertition

• Midwest Regional Event Schedule (to be updated for 2024)

• Midwest Regional Event Updates and Frequently Asked Questions (to be updated for 2024)

• FIRST Robotics Competition Volunteer Role Descriptions

In the past, parking has been provided at no cost to volunteers, and we expect this practice to continue. The Midwest Regional Planning Committee is in the process of confirming details with venue management.

• Volunteers will receive an event t-shirt and volunteer credentials when checking in.
  • If you have already volunteered at an FRC regional event this season, please bring/wear the shirt you received at your first event.
  • Since shirts are ordered before the volunteer list is finalized, supplies in your size may be limited. Thank you for understanding.
  • Event shirts and credentials should be worn during your volunteer shift.
• Face masks are optional for event staff, students, volunteers, and attendees.
  • Masks are not provided for event volunteers. 
• Wear closed-toed, comfortable shoes. Footwear should be substantial (no slippers, heels, or crocs).
• Safety glasses for field and pit volunteers.
  • Due to supply limitations, please bring your own safety glasses.
• Field reset volunteers may want to bring light work gloves.

• Meals are provided in the Volunteer Lounge for the day(s) you are scheduled to volunteer.
• Continental breakfast is typically served on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday beginning at 7:00 am CST.
  • When the pits open, some volunteers must be in place; plan your morning accordingly.
• Please bring a reusable water bottle; we will have water stations again this year.
• Venue rules prohibit bringing outside food and beverages.
• If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact the Volunteer Coordinators.

General event schedule:

• Setup & Team Load-In: Wednesday, March 27, 2024
• Practice day: Thursday, March 28, 2024
• Competition days: Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30, 2024

• We need volunteers for event setup day on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. Tentative times for Wednesday volunteers are as follows:
  • Field setup: 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm CST
  • Team load-in: 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm CST