Maryland FIRST
About the Chesapeake Regional
The Chesapeake Regional is an annual FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) event hosted by Maryland FIRST. It is one of the signature robotics events in the mid-Atlantic, drawing teams from Maryland and neighboring states to compete in a three-day tournament format. Each season begins with a kickoff event where the year's game challenge is revealed, followed by a build period before teams converge at the regional.
The event features qualification matches, alliance selection, and playoff rounds. Beyond the on-field action, teams are recognized through a range of awards celebrating engineering excellence, creativity, community outreach, and sportsmanship.
Venue
XFINITY Center (formerly Comcast Center)
University of Maryland, College Park
The venue offers ample seating, pit areas for teams, and convenient access to parking, hotels, and dining options in the College Park area.
The Chesapeake Regional brings together dozens of FIRST Robotics Competition teams for an intense and inspiring multiday event. Students put weeks of design and construction to the test as their robots compete in qualification matches, working toward a spot in the playoff rounds. Beyond the competition itself, the regional serves as a celebration of STEM learning, where teams also earn recognition through various awards that highlight engineering, teamwork, and community impact. Volunteers and mentors play an essential role in making the event run smoothly, from refereeing matches to guiding rookie teams through their first competition experience.
As part of Maryland FIRST's broader mission, the Chesapeake Regional is more than a tournament—it is a showcase of the skills and values that robotics programs instill in young people. Participants leave with not only a better understanding of science and technology but also with lasting connections to peers and professionals from across the region. The event exemplifies the spirit of FIRST, emphasizing gracious professionalism and cooperation alongside technical achievement. For spectators and newcomers alike, it offers a powerful glimpse into what youth robotics can accomplish when schools, families, and communities come together to support hands-on education.
Past Results
Results from previous Chesapeake Regional competitions are available below. These archives capture winning alliances, award recipients, and standout performances from each season.
| Year | Event | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Chesapeake Regional | Full results and award listings available |
| 2014 | Chesapeake Regional | Full results and award listings available |
| 2013 | Chesapeake Regional | Includes kickoff event details |
| 2012 | Chesapeake Regional | 10th Anniversary celebration; awards and kickoff workshops |
Training Days & Team Resources
Training Days
Maryland FIRST has offered training days for FRC teams in past seasons, covering topics such as robot design, programming, and competition strategy. Training day records exist for 2009 through 2015, providing workshops and hands-on sessions to help teams prepare for the regional.
Team Resources
Teams participating in the Chesapeake Regional can access a range of resources including build-season guidance, volunteer position descriptions, and visitor information covering food, hotels, parking, and loading at the XFINITY Center venue.
Visitors & Volunteers
The Chesapeake Regional welcomes spectators, families, and volunteers. A FIRST Stop sponsors area provides information for attendees. Volunteer positions are available across multiple roles — from field reset and queuing to judging and scorekeeping. Those interested in volunteering can find opportunities through Maryland FIRST's event calendar and volunteer sign-up channels.
Visitor resources include details on daily schedules, nearby hotels, food options at and around the venue, and parking and loading instructions for teams bringing equipment to the XFINITY Center.