From FIRST to Future: Exploring Houston’s STEAM Education and Career Pathways
April 4, 2025
Today, we are announcing that the George R. Brown Convention Center (GRB) in Houston will remain the venue for FIRST® Championship through 2034. We previously announced our commitment to Houston through 2027, and after an extensive exploration and evaluation process, we’ve decided to extend our partnership with the city for an additional seven seasons.
This decision follows a rigorous, multi-year review by our sourcing, events, programs, and executive leadership teams, with input from the FIRST Board of Directors. We evaluated a wide range of venues across the United States, using criteria that included safety, capacity (size, configuration, hotel availability, and calendar availability), and cost to attendees. The number of cities capable of hosting an event of our size and complexity is in the single digits, and most book events a decade or more in advance. When we factor in hotel proximity, neighborhood safety, and convenient air travel for our global community, the list narrows even further. After evaluating every option, the conclusion was clear: Houston remains the best host city for FIRST Championship.
Another major factor in our decision to extend through 2034 is Houston's commitment to expanding the George R. Brown Convention Center in the coming years. This expansion will provide significantly more space for FIRST Championship to grow. The additional capacity will allow us to enhance the competition experience, better accommodate our growing community, and create new opportunities for teams to showcase their innovations on an even larger stage.
The city of Houston has been an invaluable partner, and we’re proud to continue that relationship. This collaboration translates into a better experience for our community: smoother operations, easier navigation for returning teams and families, and a shared commitment to making each FIRST Championship better than the last.
In the weeks and months ahead, we’ll share more information about FIRST Championship 2026 and beyond. If you have questions, please visit the FIRST Championship FAQ and general FIRST Championship page.
We look forward to hosting many of you in Houston for FIRST Championship this spring and in the years to come.