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Saginaw Valley State University

March 24, 2025

The 'bots are back!

SVSU to host FIRST Robotics State Championship; millions in economic impact expected

Smiling young woman holding robotic controls

The ’bots are coming back to Saginaw Valley State University! SVSU will host the FIRST® in Michigan state championship, beginning Thursday, April 3 and running through Saturday, April 5. The competition is expected to bring 160 FIRST® Robotics teams representing high schools throughout the state. In addition to the 5,000 students, SVSU expects an additional 4,000 visitors.
This is the seventh year SVSU has hosted the state championship, which is an economic boon for businesses throughout the community. Past competitions generated more than $4 million in direct spending.
FIRST in Michigan seeks to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators. Their mission is to establish a sustainable robotics competition team at every high school in the state. Teams compete in qualifying district events, with winners being determined by a point system. The 160 top-ranked teams advance to the state championship. Winners at the state level will advance to the FIRST championship in Houston. 
SVSU faculty, staff and students volunteer their time to support local schools and education programs and on campus during the FIRST in Michigan state tournament. 

The 2025 FIRST Robotics season, FIRST® DIVESM presented by Qualcomm, has encouraged teams to explore life beneath the ocean surface. In competition, the teams guide their robots through the game REEFSCAPESM presented by Haas, applying their engineering skills to strengthen one of the ocean’s most diverse habitats.

The anticipated daily schedule is as follows:

  • Thursday, April 3: Drop-and-go load-in will begin at 8 a.m. Practice matches begin at 11 a.m. Opening ceremonies will take place at 4 p.m. Qualification matches run from 4:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, April 4: Pits open at 8 a.m. at the opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. Matches are scheduled from 9:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m., with a lunch break from 12:30-2 p.m. Teams that qualify for the playoffs will form alliances Friday evening to prepare to compete on Saturday.
  • Saturday, April 5: Pits open at 8 a.m. Opening ceremonies will be held at 9 a.m. Intradivisional playoff matches are scheduled from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Interdivisional playoffs begin at 2:30 p.m. The awards presentations will follow, starting sometime after 4 p.m.