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Important Announcement to AZFirst Community

Dear Arizona FRC Teams,

 

As many of you know, several technology companies have faced revenue challenges in recent years, resulting in reductions in spending and workforce. Consequently, it has become increasingly difficult to secure funding from many organizations over the past two years. Additionally, the costs associated with hosting events have nearly doubled since covid. This year, AZFirst is asking for your understanding and support as we regroup and rebuild our donor and funding base, with the goal of returning to normal by 2027 as the technology industry begins to recover and grow once again.

 

After thoughtful consideration and a close look at the current competition landscape, we’ve decided to move the Steve Sanghi State Championship event and transition it into an invitational. We’re still finalizing details, but we’ll be moving to Cactus High School in May 2026 as the kickoff to ARL. This will allow seniors to participate, and this new structure will be based on a combination of rankings and invitation to attend the event.

 

The Arizona Robotics League (ARL) continues to grow and now provides more opportunities and stronger support for teams statewide than a single championship event could. AZFirst and the Steve Sanghi Family Foundation remain proud supporters of this work – and of the incredible community of volunteers and mentors who make it all possible. Teams should watch the ARL Discord and their team emails for potential updates on ARL eligibility.

 

Looking ahead, we’ll also be making a change to the 2026 FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) season: Arizona will move to one regional event this year and we’re working on securing an additional event space in the Phoenix area for 2027 for the second event. Like many other regions, AZFirst has faced challenges in securing affordable venues and services.

 

What this means for your team:

 

  • State Championship in Fall 2025 will instead be held as the Steve Sanghi Invitational in May 2026 at Cactus High School in Glendale to kick off the ARL season.

 

  • One 2026 Regional Event: Northern Arizona University, March 11–15, 2026 (Week 2)

 

  • Please see additional details in this email about how we’re supporting teams during this challenge.

 

  • Nearby event options:

 

  • Pikes Peak (CO Springs): Week 1

  • Oklahoma (Enid): Week 1

  • Idaho: Week 4

  • Green Country (Tulsa): Week 5

  • Denver: Week 6

  • Las Vegas: Week 6

  • Utah: Week 7

 

 

We understand these changes may create challenges for some teams, and we want to hear from you. FIRST Senior Mentor Susan Garduno will be reaching out to learn more about your team’s situation.

 

Declaring your team’s intent to return:

If you haven’t already declared your intent to return, here’s how:

  1. Log in to your FIRST Dashboard at firstinspires.org.

  2. Go to the “My Teams” tab and open your team profile.

  3. Update acknowledgment forms and Youth Protection info, if needed.

  4. Confirm your intent by checking the appropriate box.

 

What we’re doing to help:

  • Working to secure Hardship Grants for teams

  • Coordinating with local hotels for discounted rates

  • Hosting a Fundraising Brainstorm Session in October (details coming soon)

 

We know this is a big shift, and we truly appreciate your flexibility and resilience. We’re already in discussions with venues for next season and plan to return to our two-event model in 2027.

 

Our mission hasn’t changed – we’re still committed to creating a competitive, fair, and exciting FRC experience for every team.

 

For ARL specific questions, please contact:

Adam Shroyer – ashroyer@498robotics.org

 

For all other questions or concerns:

Annalisa Regalado – annalisa.regalado@microchip.com  Adriana Lopez – Adriana.lopez@microchip.com  Susan Garduno – sgarduno@firstinspires.org  Rich Simoncic – rich.simoncic@microchip.com 

 

Thank you for everything you do to keep FIRST Robotics strong in Arizona. We’re excited about what’s ahead and can’t wait to see you all in the 2026 season!

 

Thank you,

-Rich Simoncic AZFirst Board President

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