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Bots On Bama's Boardwalk

Elementary School VEX IQ Signature Event

Date
14-Dec-2026 - 16-Dec-2026 Add to Calendar
Event Code
RE-VIQRC-26-4854
Program
VEX IQ Robotics Competition
Event Type
Open Tournament
Event Format
In-Person
Field Control System
N/A
Capacity
64
Spots Open
64
Event Region
Alabama
Max Registrations per Organization
6
Priority Registration Opens
14-Sep-2026 08:00 EDT
Standard Registration Opens
28-Sep-2026 08:00 EDT
Registration Deadline
13-Nov-2026 08:00 EST
Payment Deadline
11/14/2026
Price
$295.00
This event is closed to registration because:
  • Registration opens at a future date.

General Info

Welcome to the 2026 Bots on Bama's Boardwalk Signature Event!

Where Championship Robotics Meets Alabama's Gulf Coast

Compete for a 2027 VEX Robotics World Championship qualification while enjoying white sand beaches, championship-level competition, and Southern hospitality at one of the premier VEX IQ Signature Events of the season.

Join us for the inaugural Bots on Bama's Boardwalk Signature Event, hosted at the beautiful The Lodge at Gulf State Park - A Hilton Hotel in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and Gulf State Park, this unique destination combines world-class robotics competition with one of America's most beautiful beach locations, creating an unforgettable experience for students, coaches, families, and spectators.

Hosted by the Knuckle Sandwich Robotics, Bots on Bama's Boardwalk is designed to attract many of the highest-performing VEX IQ Robotics Competition - Level Up teams from across the United States and beyond.

Our goal is to provide a Championship-caliber experience from the moment teams arrive until the final awards ceremony. Competitors will enjoy professionally managed tournament operations, championship-style competition fields, dedicated Skills Challenge fields, organized pit areas, high-quality judging, experienced referees, and an outstanding volunteer staff committed to making this one of the premier events of the season.

 


Grade Level: Elementary

Skills Challenge Offered: Yes

Judging Format: Remote Engineering Notebooks

Event Dates & Locations

Date: 14-Dec-2026 - 16-Dec-2026

Venue/Location:
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel
21196 East Beach Boulevard
Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542
United States

Contact the Event Partner

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Agenda

December 14th

1:30 Team Check In and Inspection

3:30 Opening Ceremony & Drivers Meeting

4:00-6:00 Skills and Qualifications

December 15th

8:00-12:00 Skills and Qualifications

12:00 Lunch 

1:00 -4:00 Skills and Qualifications

December 16th

8:00-10:00 Skills and Qualifications

10:15 Finals

11:00 Awards

 

Volunteer

If you are interested in joining the volunteer team please email [email protected]

Emergency/Bad Weather Policy

Teams will be notified through registered emails at least 48 hours prior to the event if there is a weather concern for the event.

Refund and Payment Policies

If the Event Partner cancels the event:  Your registration fee will be refunded minus any fees

If a Coach/Mentor completes registration for the event then chooses to withdraw or not attend: Refunds will not be given

Registration fees are due within two weeks of registration or by November 14th, 2026, whichever comes first.  Any teams that fail to pay registration within these guidelines will be moved to the waitlist and the spot will be opened up to other teams.  

 

Date: 14-Dec-2026 - 16-Dec-2026
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel
21196 East Beach Boulevard
Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542
United States

Travel Info

Hotel Rates

The competition will be hosted at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel. For your convenience, outstanding group rates are being offered at  this location, starting at $109 per night for a Gulf State Park View room or $139 per night for an Ocean View room.  Rates listed are before taxes and fees.   Book online through the below link for these great rates!

Available Rooms - The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel

If you do not see what you want online ask by phone, or if you would prefer to call in, call Hilton Central Reservations Department at 800-618-4350.  Guests wishing to book by phone should mention our group code 96B when calling.  Reservations should be booked prior to Friday, November 13, 2026.

Airports

The competition will be hosted at The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The following airports serve the area.

Pensacola International Airport (PNS), Pensacola, Florida  - Approximately 35 to 40 miles from the venue, about a 50 to 60 minute drive. 

Mobile Regional Airport (MOB), Mobile, Alabama - Approximately 60 miles from the venue, about a 1 hour 20 min drive. 

Jack Edwards National Airport (JKA), Gulf Shores, Alabama - Approximately 5 miles from the venue, about a 10 minute drive. This is the closest airport but serves a limited amount of seasonal direct flights through Allegiants airlines.

Driving

21196 East Beach Blvd Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542 USA

$15/Night Self Parking

$22/Night Valet Parkting

Webcast

Teamwork Challenges will be livestreamed.  Links will be provided prior to event.

Judging Format

Digital Engineering Notebook Submissions / In Person Team Interviews: Team interviews will be conducted in-person at the event. Engineering notebooks will be submitted digitally for evaluation via a link found within the "My Account" panel of the team contact. Submission deadline for digital notebooks will be Noon CST Tuesday 12/1/2026.