Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you may need to know. Still don't know? contact us.

I missed an email. Where can I read it?

Coaches can view previously sent emails here.

Food

Will you be selling snacks, drinks, and or lunch throughout the day?

No. Due to our event permits, we are unable to sell food on the premises. We encourage you to bring your own snacks, drinks, and lunch.

Is there food available for sale in the building or nearby?

Please note that the food establishments in the Bronco Student Center (BSC) are closed on weekends and will remain closed for the duration of the event. There are a few nearby food establishments on and off campus that may help serve your needs:

• On Campus
  • Starbucks at the Library (full Starbucks food and drink menu - food options may be limited depending on stock) - 2 minute walk
  • The Den by Denny’s (counter-service restaurant with breakfast, burgers, and more) - 8 minute walk
  • Los Olivos Dining Commons (student dining hall with buffet stations; this will likely take more time than you have in the middle of the competition day) - 12 minute walk
• Off Campus
  • Innovation Brew Works (personal pizzas, salads, and sandwiches) - 12 minute walk/4 minute drive
  • Carl's Jr. - 15 minute walk/5 minute drive
  • PokeCeviche - 15 minute walk/5 minute drive
  • Jinza Teriyaki - 15 minute walk/5 minute drive
  • Koji Ramen - 15 minute walk/5 minute drive
  • Cal Poly Pomona Farm Store* (fresh produce, market, and sandwiches) - 20 minute walk/6 minute drive

We apologize that food is not more immediately available. We have been working closely with our campus partners to create as many options as possible.

Can I bring food from home? Can I cook on campus? Can I sell it?

You are welcome to bring food from home for yourself or your team. You may also bring in food from an outside vendor (takeout food) for yourself or your team. Due to permits and regulations, you are not permitted to cook food on campus. There will, however, be microwaves available downstairs in the Bronco Student Center which you are free to use. Due to permits and regulations, you are not permitted to sell anything, food included, on campus.

Will there be somewhere to sit and eat as a team?

Yes! There is ample indoor and outdoor seating at the Bronco Student Center. There are shaded outdoor tables on both levels of the building, a lounge area with booths and tables, and another area with tables and chairs. We ask that you respect the space and clean up after yourselves. Maintenance staff is limited on the weekends and this is a student-funded building.

Are volunteers provided with food?

Yes. Volunteers will be provided a light breakfast and lunch. Only registered volunteers with assigned positions will be provided with food.

What do I bring?

Do I need Consent and Release forms? Do I need to fill these out online?

The Los Angeles region uses the old paper version of the Consent and Release forms. Rather than filling out the information using the online system, please have each parent fill out the form for their student. The form can be found here. We highly recommend that the coach collects this paperwork prior to the competition to ensure that you have it! Students without a completed form are not allowed to participate.

What do I need for the robot game?

You will need your programmed Mindstorms robot (EV3, NXT, or RCX). The robot should be charged, have the programs already downloaded, and have Bluetooth disabled. You should also bring a charger and any attachments you may need.

Are we required to bring spare parts?

Spare parts are not required but will help you in the event that something breaks or the team would like to modify functionality. Be sure to keep your parts in labeled bins so that they do not get mixed up with other teams.

What do I need for judging?

The judging in the Los Angeles region is a combined 20-minute session covering all three judged areas of FIRST LEGO League. Please make sure you have the following:

• Printed out copies of your programs (a sample of 2-3 is fine, or you can print out all of them). Please provide printed copies to the judges rather than on your laptop or tablet. Be sure to label the programs with your team number as judges may wish to hold on to them and return them at the end of the day.
• 4 completed copies of the Los Angeles Region Team Information sheet. Please note: the Los Angeles region uses a different version of the team information sheet. The one you should bring can be found here.
• OPTIONAL: Core Values poster. A Core Values poster is optional in our region. Core Values is five (5) minutes of the judging of which there is an optional two (2) to three (3) minute presentation.
• OPTIONAL: Robot Design summary. A Robot Design poster is optional in our region. Robot Design is five (5) minutes of the judging of which there is an optional two (2) to three (3) minute presentation. Please note that there is no FLL table in the judging room.

Do I need to bring lunch and snacks?

Due to venue limitations, food will not be for sale at the venue. We recommend that you bring lunch or have a plan for purchasing during the event. We will send out more information about food in another email shortly.

Anything else I should bring?

• If possible, you should bring a laptop or tablet with the appropriate Mindstorms programming software installed. You may need to modify your programs during the course of the competition. Make sure you have a download cable as Bluetooth is prohibited at competitions.
• Spare batteries (rechargeable or single use) are highly recommended.
• A power strip will be shared among every 2-3 teams. If you might need more than one to two outlets at a time, we recommend that you bring an extra power strip. Extension cords will not be required if working immediately in the pit area.

Parking

Load In/Drop Off

There is no parking lot immediately at the entrance to the building. If you are able to park and walk from the lots, that would be ideal. However, if you need to drop off people or equipment, you can drive closer to the entrance and drop off. Please do not leave your equipment or your card unattended. That means that if you are dropping off, you should have another person in your vehicle who stays with the equipment. Please see the map below for details.