We are excited to welcome you to the Raritan Valley Robot Rumble occurring as part of Raritan Valley Science & Technology Showcase.  Given this event will take place in a shopping mall, it will work a little differently than a traditional off-season event.  The main goal of the host committee (FRC Teams 41,  56, 75, 102, 1257, 3637, and 9116) is to foster interest in STEM while educating the public about all the great things happening in the area.  In addition to the Robot Rumble, we will also be hosting a FLL Workshop  (if you know a team that would like to participate, they can sign up now), FTC practice, a community STEM fair dubbed “Investigation Alley” with robotics and other organizations, hands-on educational activities, and sensory-friendly activities.  We encourage you to visit and participate in other parts of the larger Raritan Valley Science & Technology Showcase.    

Anticipated Agenda

Day 0 - Friday, September 29 

Field Setup

Friday 3:00-8:00pm - Load-in for teams.  Field NOT available for use.

Day 1  - Saturday, September 30

7:30 am - Pits Open

8:00 am - Field Opens for measurements

8:40 am - Safety Briefing

8:50 am - Event Orientation

9:00 am  - 11:00am - Practice Matches

10am - Mall Opens to Public

11 am - 12 Noon - Lunch Break

12pm - 7pm - Qualification Matches

Pits will close 30 minutes after the last match

Day 2- Sunday, October 1

9am Pits Open

9am-10am - Team and Robot Photos

10am - 11am - Mentor Matches

11am - Alliance Selection / Lunch Break

11am - Mall Opens to the public

12pm - 4:45 pm Playoff Matches

4:45pm - Matches end and awards

5pm on - Event breakdown, field teardown

Field Modifications

The field will be built in an area of the mall called “Center Court.”  Due to space constraints of the mall, the field is being slightly altered to fit the space.  The 6’ will be taken from the length of the field, so it will measure 47’ x 27 (normal is 53’ x 27’).  Although we do not expect the gameplay to be significantly altered, we are aware the shortened field may affect robot performance and encourage teams to make adjustments accordingly.​

New for 2023 - Mentor Matches

Ever wonder what happens when the tables are turned?  We have some time built into the schedule on Sunday morning for mentors/teachers to take the robot controls and compete in the actual game against other teams.  Participation is optional, but it should be very entertaining!   Don’t worry, there will be a break after the mentor matches for robot repairs before regular matches resume. 

Spectator Information

The viewing area is standing room only (no bleachers) on the upper levels of the mall.  Teams should try to keep spectators for each match to a minimum and give the public a chance to experience the thrill of an FRC event.  We will provide a video stream to both the pit area and a separate team-only recreation area.  Team members are free to explore the other activities happening in the mall throughout the day.  Teams are encouraged to have their members assist with other areas of the event. This is a great opportunity to share the cool things your team does through FIRST with the broader community. See the section below about outreach opportunities for your team during the event.  Although we are not placing limits on team size, larger teams may want to consider bringing different students both days.

Hotel Information

A hotel room block is available for booking now at the Homewood Suites by Hilton Bridgewater/Branchburg at 968 Route 202 South Branchburg, New Jersey for the nights of 9/29 and 9/30.  The hotel is 4.9 miles (8 min) from the venue and includes hot breakfast daily.  Use this link to book online with a credit card hold, or call the property at (908) 253-9400 and ask for the "Science Technology Showcase" block.  Be sure to bring relevant tax-exempt paperwork to present at check-in if applicable.  We have three room types available, a King Studio Suite ($149/night +tax) that includes a king bed and a queen sofa bed, a King 1 Bedroom Suite that is a little roomier and includes a king bed and a queen sofa in a separate room ($159/night +tax), and a 2 Queen Bed Suite that also includes a queen sofa bed for 3 beds total ($189/night +tax).  The room block will be released for general sale on 8/27/2023.  Reserved rooms may be canceled up to 48 hrs before check-in.

Registration and Payment

This is a 2-Day Event, entry fee includes participation for both days

Registration is $300 for this 2-day event.

Credit Card payment is preferred by following this PayPal link or QR Code.

All checks are payable to:

The Organization for Robotics of Bound Brook (O.R.B.B.)

Attn: Matthew Hueston

P.O. Box 790

Bound Brook, NJ  08805

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Upon form submission, an invoice will be automatically generated and emailed to the address provided.  You may use this invoice to request a check of your organization if required.

Outreach

We want to give every team the opportunity to showcase their great work.  Below are some ways you can do that and help with the overall event.  Opportunities will be distributed based on interest level for each sub-event.

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Event Ambassadors - Escort VIPs and the public around the event explaining FLL, FRC, and the mission of FIRST, as well as encouraging them to check out the STEM and other event activities.

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Host an Outreach Event - The Exploration Station will allow you to host STEM related activities targeted at elementary school students.  The host committee will provide all of the supplies and your team will provide volunteers for the event.  At least one mentor must be present. 

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Investigation Alley Table - Located in the central corridor of the second floor of the mall, we will furnish a 72" x 30" table for your use.  Your team may conduct quick activities, educate the public, and distribute buttons and other free promotional items.  Participating teams will be eligible for the "People's Choice Award."  There is no AC power in this location.

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Please indicate your volunteer preferences on the registration form.  If you would like to host an event, please make sure you have enough members to host, staff your pit, and compete with your robot at the same time.

Contact Information

General Event Questions: rarvalsts@gmail.com

Payment Questions: Matthew Hueston

​Event Venue

Bridgewater Commons

400 Commons Way

Bridgewater, NJ 08807