FIRST Robotics State Finals at Saginaw Valley State University
Thursday, April 16 - Saturday, April 18, 2026
We at Saginaw Valley State University salute all the FIRST Robotics programs throughout Michigan. We have appreciated the opportunity to host the finals since 2017. We are excited to host the 2026 event again in April on our welcoming suburban campus in Michigan's Great Lakes Bay Region. Below is information to help you enjoy your time visiting the number-two-ranked university campus in Michigan.
News & Updates
- NEW! - All concessions are now cashless
- Venue Rules
- Includes hours for team meal locations
- Pits: Pits are 9' wide x 10' deep and include a 110v outlet.
- Food/Catering: https://svsu.catertrax.com (click FIRST logo)
Select from Subway, Papa Johns, Panda Express, Einstein Bros Bagels (various options include buffet, Pasta Feast, Nacho Taco Bar, etc.)- Food trucks that are scheduled to be on site include (but subject to change): Bad Wolf, Franks and Bones, Proper Taco, Kona, Toms, Kettle
- STUDENTS - Our always-popular FREE State Finals T-shirt will again be offered as a thank-you for completing a simple registration form. Check out this year's design.
- Campus tours will again be available. Pre-register today.
- Campus Food Locations Hours (Hours may change leading up to event):
- Marketplace Buffet:
Th 7:30a-9p • F 7:30a-8p • S 11a-8p - Fieldhouse concessions (1st floor):
Th / F 8a-6p • S 8a-2p - South concessions (2nd floor):
Th / F / Sat, 10a-6p - Cardinal Cafe with Subway & Panda Express (near Zahnow Library):
Th 10:30a-7:30p • F 10:30a-3p • S 11:30a-2:30p - Starbucks (Science East):
Th 7:30a-7:30p • F 7:30a-4p • S 7:30a-3p - POD Express (Ryder Center):
Th 8a-7p • F 8a-6p • S 8a-4p
- Marketplace Buffet:
- Hotels: The local convention and visitor's bureau has provided a listing of hotels around the Great Lakes Bay region offering special rates:
- America's Best Value Inn & Suites - Birch Run - 989-624-4440
- AmericInn by Wyndham - Bay City - 989-671-0071
- AmericInn by Wyndham - Birch Run/Frankenmuth - 989-624-9395
- Bay Valley Resort - Bay City - 989-686-3500
- Baymont Inn & Suites - Midland - 989-631-0070
- Country Inn & Suites by Carlson - Birch Run - 989-624-8000
- Fairfield Inn & Suites - Midland - 989-631-7100
- Hampton Inn - Midland - 989-837-4000
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Frankenmuth - 989-652-8100
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites - Saginaw - 9890792-7500
- Red Roof Inn - Saginaw/Frankenmuth - 989-754-8926
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott - Midland - 989-837-2700
- Things To Do: Learn more about events, activities and interesting spots around the Great Lakes Bay region of Bay City, Midland, Saginaw, Frankenmuth and Birch Run at gogreat.com.
- Learn more about SVSU's FIRST Robotics scholarship
FIRST Robotics Maps
Download Load-in / Load-out Map
Tornado Protocol - Ryder Center
Catch the Shuttle - A complimentary shuttle service will be running a continuous loop across campus to help visitors get from point A to B without delay. Avoid the hassle by parking in Lots G3, J or J1 and take the shuttle. See the FIRST Robotics Map for more detail.
Address
Ryder Center
7400 Bay Road
University Center, MI 48604
With modern facilities, exceptional dining options, and vast recreational opportunities, it is no surprise that when compared to other public universities, SVSU is ranked #1 IN THE NATION for the best college dorms among public universities and #2 IN MICHIGAN for the best college campus!
Schedule Campus Tour Explore Academic Programs SVSU's FIRST Robotics scholarship
SVSU will provide reasonable accommodations for those persons with disabilities. Individuals who wish accommodations should contact The Conference Center at SVSU at 989-964-4348 at least three days prior to the need. SVSU does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical impairment, disability or veteran status in the provision of education, employment and other services.