4 Ways You Can Celebrate The Kickoff of DECODE presented by RTX

Kickoff is coming! We can’t wait to celebrate the FIRST^® Tech Challenge 2025-2026 season Kickoff, and watch teams dig into DECODE™ presented by RTX. On Saturday, September 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET, we hope you join the celebration and game reveal.

Here are four ways you can celebrate the excitement of the new season with your team and FIRST Tech Challenge community:

1. Find a local kickoff event

• • Search for a kickoff event near you!
  • Meet up with local teams in your area in-person ahead of your DECODE season!
  • Lots of kickoff events have workshops and trainings to help you prepare for your season. 
  • Attending a kickoff event in person can introduce you to the regional partner and local volunteers. 

• • Watch the FIRST Tech Challenge YouTube channel on September 6 at 12:00 p.m. ET for the live celebration broadcast featuring special messages from your FIRST faves, the game reveal of DECODE™, a detailed field walkthrough and information on the new Starterbots!
  • Gather your team to celebrate the start of the season
  • Create and share archaeology-themed treats, snacks, and drinks
  • Make a Kahoot to test your team knowledge of the V0 Competition Manual
  • Dig out your best archaeology costumes
    

• • Check out DECODE™ and FIRST^® AGE™ logo files and style guides to design your season t-shirts
  • Download Instagram, Facebook, and other social graphics to customize your team posts this season
    
  • Looking for more team members? Check out digital and printable recruitment posters
    

4. Share your excitement on social media

• • Check out our social media toolkit and join the conversation with #DECODE and #FIRSTAGE

• • Make sure to tag FIRST Tech Challenge on Facebook with @FTCTeams and on Instagram @first_official_

Can’t attend kickoff in person? The kickoff broadcast is hosted by the FIRST^® Tech Challenge 2025 Dean’s List Award Winners, and will feature:

• A shoutout from FIRST^® CEO, Chris Moore
• Special messages from RTX and Qualcomm
• The role of Gracious Professionalism in our sport by Collin and Rachel
• Celebration of our FIRST Championship and Premier Event Winners
• DECODE Game Animation
• Field Walkthrough with Erin
• Getting your season started with Starterbots with Danny
• FTC SIM
• And much more!

Sign up for a tune-in reminder so you don’t miss a minute of the action!

After the broadcast, season resources will be available here!