District Event

Join us March 22nd & 23rd at Grand Valley State University for the 2024 FIRST Robotics Competition, Crescendo! Below, you will find our event details. We will continue to update this page as more information becomes available and with any changes we make to the event.

We do post many event updates/resources in the West Michigan FIRST Facebook Group.  Feel free to join the group to connect with our planning team and teams in the area.

Venue Address

Grand Valley State University – Field House Arena
1 Campus Drive
Allendale, MI 49401

Event Map

Parking is located in Lots B, C, F, G.  Overflow and Bus parking will be adjacent to the field house in lot B2.  The Field House Arena is also the main gym.  Signs will be out but the best entrances for the building are on the North Side of the Gym.

To unload, please follow the flow coming in from the west end of the building.  Volunteers will help direct the teams into the building and to the pits.  Once you unload, please park your trailer in the parking lot to the north of the field house. 

Campus Map: Click Here

Event Schedule

Inside the Field House

Pits will be 10’ wide by 10’ deep. One outlet per team will be provided. Batteries may be charged in pits and left charging overnight. Our 2023 Pit Layout is below for reference. Our 2024 Map will post as we get closer to the event.

Venue Guidelines

Event Power

  • Power will be provided by GVSU.
  • Do not daisy chain power strips in the pits.  
  • Please bring power strips that have breakers, if possible.
  • Please bring an extension cord to go from the distribution unit to your pit.
  • No crock pots or other electric cookers allowed.  If found, facilities will unplug them and confiscate them.

General Note:

  • Pits will open at 5:00 PM, Thursday, March 21st.  We will allow early entry if the weather warrants versus forcing teams to wait outside.
  • Field House opens 8:00 AM Friday March 22nd and Saturday March 23rd.  Field House will be accessible only by volunteers until 8 AM, at which point doors will be opened to 
  • Do not park on the grassy areas, regardless of whether or not there are already vehicles on those grassy areas.

Safety Reminders

  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Please tell your visitors that they must wear closed-toe and closed-back shoes and safety glasses when in the pits. 
  • Safety glasses at the safety glasses stations will not be provided this year.  Teams must have their own available.

Event Food

Since we are in the campus arena, Fire Code does not allow us to have items plugged in in the hallways, no crock pots allowed.  We are also not able to have tables in the hallways due to the code but will do our best to set aside an area for teams to congregate inside for lunch.  Tailgating is allowed in the parking lot. 

Returning this year is an area set aside in the North East corner for teams for team lunch distribution.  No chairs will be available but teams can distribute their food and then either go outside of sit in the bleachers.  Team Must clean up afterwards. Please help us keep all areas clean.

GVSU is a cashless campus. Food will need to be purchased with a credit/debit card. There are “cash machines” on site where you can exchange cash for a card that can be used for making purchases on campus.

On Campus Food Options

  • We will have a Concession Stand opened in the field house for teams.
  • Within Walking Distance of the Event
    • Robert Kleiner Commons (Item 33 on the Map) – Counter Style
    • The Commons (Item 7 on the Map) – Counter Style
  • On Campus food that will Deliver:
    • Papa John’s Pizza (Item 88 on the Map)
    • Phone: 616.331.7272

Off Campus Options

  • Jimmy John’s Subs (Will Deliver) – 616.892.2000
  • Peppino’s Pizzeria (Will Deliver) – 616.895.1615
  • Mancino’s Pizza (May not Deliver) – 616.895.4343
  • Peppino’s Pizza Express (May not Deliver) – 616.895.4038
  • Jet’s Pizza (Will Deliver) – 616.895.0895
  • Little Caesars Pizza (Does not Deliver) – 616.895.2270
  • Family Fare of Allendale (Does not Deliver) – Family Fare has a Deli that will make Sub Trays – 616.895.6665 

Visiting Allendale Information

  • The closest hotel in the area is the Sleep Inn & Suites:   Website
  • Grandville and Holland have hotel options and are not far.  They can be more cost effective than hotels downtown Grand Rapids. 
  • Here are links to hotels, restaurants, and other businesses close to the University: