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 World 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.
- Venue
- The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel
- Address
- 21196 East Beach Boulevard, Gulf Shores, Alabama 36542, United States
- Dates
- December 16 – 18, 2026
- Grade Level
- Elementary
- Skills Challenge
- Yes
- Judging Format
- Remote Engineering Notebooks
Registration & Logistics
- Event Type
- Open Tournament
- Event Format
- In-Person
- Field Control
- N/A
- Capacity
- 64
- Spots Open
- 64
- Event Region
- Alabama
- Max Registrations per Org
- 6
- Priority Registration Opens
- 14-Sep-2026 08:00 EDT
- Standard Registration Opens
- 28-Sep-2026 08:00 EDT
- Registration Deadline
- 13-Nov-2026 12:00 EST
- Payment Deadline
- 11/14/2026
- Price
- $295.00
Agenda
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1:30 Team Check In and Inspection | ||
| 3:30 Opening Ceremony & Drivers Meeting | ||
| 4:00-6:00 Skills and Qualifications |
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00-12:00Skills and Qualifications | ||
| 12:00 Lunch | ||
| 1:00 -4:00 Skills and Qualifications |
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00-10:00 Skills and Qualifications | ||
| 10:15 Finals | ||
| 11:00 Awards |
Stream
Teamwork Challenges will be livestreamed. Links will be provided prior to event.
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
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.
Volunteer
If you are interested in joining the volunteer team please email Mwilliams@ksbots.org
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.
- Excellence Award (VIQRC)
- Teamwork Champion Award (VIQRC)
- Robot Skills Champion (VIQRC)
- Teamwork 2nd Place Award (VIQRC)
- Amaze Award (VIQRC)
- Build Award (VIQRC)
- Create Award (VIQRC)
- Design Award (VIQRC)
- Energy Award (VIQRC)
- Innovate Award (VIQRC)
- Inspire Award (VIQRC)
- Judges Award (VIQRC)
- Sportsmanship Award (VIQRC)
- Think Award (VIQRC)