FIRST Robotics Competition Showdown August 5-6, 2009 at NI Week; Austin Convention Center; 500 E. Cesar Chavez St.; Austin, TX, 78701; map BEST Robotics Mentor/Teacher Training Workshop August, 2009 (specific date TBD) Freescale Semiconductor; Parmer Campus; Building C Conference Center Specifically for adult mentors and teachers, this briefing introduces contest roles and includes hands-on workshops. If you're interested in mentoring Chaps Robotics, contact the team coach in advance for details. Capitol BEST Kickoff Saturday, September 12, 2009, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM For details, visit www.capitol-best.org Capitol BEST Test Drive Roger Beasley Volvo; 7501 I-35 South; Georgetown, TX, 78626; map Three weeks into build season, this is the first chance teams have to practice on an actual playing field. Capitol BEST Mall Day @ Maker Faire Saturday, October 17, 2009; 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM Travis County Exposition Center; 7511 Decker Lane; Austin, TX, 78724; map With a week before the regional competition, teams get time on an actual playing field, the change to compete head to head with others, and a great opportunity to check out the competition in advance. Maker Faire also offers lots of other interesting attractions. Machine Check-In for Capitol BEST Friday, October 23, 2009, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Westlake High School; 4100 Westbank Drive; Austin, TX, 78746; map All teams competing in Capitol BEST must check in their robots during this time period, the night before the competition, at which time the machines will be inspected for weight, size, and appropriate materials. Design notebooks are also due at this time. After check-in, no further robot modifications are allowed. Capitol BEST Contest Day Saturday, October 24, 2009; 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Westlake High School; 4100 Westbank Drive; Austin, TX, 78746; map This is the real thing! Come watch the teams as they compete head-to-head, receive awards, and have fun. Awards are given for the competition, design notebooks, spirit, dress, and for the best overall teams. Those taking top honors advance to Texas BEST. Texas BEST Regional Competition Details to be announced. Teams who qualified by competing in local BEST Robotics through Texas meet and compete for state honors. FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff Saturday, January 9, 2010 Details TBD All FRC teams learn the details of the game designed for this year's competition and receive their kit of parts. This event starts the clock ticking for the six week countdown to when the robot has to be crated and shipped for competition. This event is also broadcast on NASA TV.