Gulf Coast Robotics Challenge

General Info

Gulf Coast Robotics Challenge: VEX IQ Edition
Saturday, February 20, 2027 | Gulf Shores High School | 21656 Coastal Gateway Blvd, Gulf Shores, AL 36542

Finish your qualifying season on the Alabama Gulf Coast. The Gulf Coast Robotics Challenge brings elementary and middle school VEX IQ teams to Gulf Shores High School for a full day of Level Up built around two things: Teamwork and Skills. The Alabama Regional Championships are less than three weeks later in Hanceville (Middle School March 10–11, Elementary March 12–13), so this is your last chance to test your robot and raise your Skills score before the championships.

What to expect

• Teamwork Challenge qualification matches and finals
• Robot Skills runs for both Driver and Autonomous Coding
• No judging and no engineering notebook. The whole day is about what your robot and your drivers can do on the field.
• Teamwork Champion and Robot Skills Champion awards

Agenda

• 7:00 am: Doors open
• 7:30 am: Inspection opens
• 9:00 am: Qualification matches begin
• 11:30 am–12:00 pm: Lunch
• 1:00 pm: Finals
• 2:30 pm: Awards ceremony

Teams are done by mid-afternoon, which leaves plenty of time for the drive home or a beach evening.

Why Gulf Shores in February
The weather is mild, hotel rates are off-season, and the beach is minutes from the venue. Bring the families and make a weekend of it. Lodging is available in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Foley.

Registration details

• Open to elementary and middle school teams (blended event)
• Only 24 teams, with a maximum of 4 per organization
• Priority registration opens November 3, 2026 at 12:00 pm EST
• Standard registration opens December 26, 2026 at 12:00 pm EST
• Registration closes February 6, 2027 at 12:00 pm EST
• Fee: $75 per team, with payment due February 14, 2027
• If the event is canceled for weather, coaches will be notified within 24 hours.

Volunteers wanted! Parents, mentors, and community members are welcome to referee, scorekeep, or help run the event. Contact [email protected]

With only 24 spots, register early. We hope to see you on the Gulf Coast!

Grade Level: All

Skills Challenge Offered: Yes

Judging Format: No Judging