FIRST Robotics at McMaster

Parking payment for First Robotics is via app or link and not inside the gymnasium. Scroll down the page for more details.

Parking is in lots G + H + the Underground Stadium. Scan the QR code shown in each lot to pay $4/day for parking or download the Honk Mobile app.

Locate a campus map (Opens in new window)

About FIRST at Mac

McMaster University will be hosting a FIRST Robotics Canada ONT District Competition, one of Canada’s premier science, technology and engineering competitions for high school-aged students, from March 28 to March 30, 2024.

The competition will pit the best young minds in a qualifying match to design and build robots to solve a problem. The theme: CRESCENDO — a celebration of the roles STEM skills play in the arts and design and build a world of endless possibilities. The future is yours to create.

The district competition is one of several in a series of successive events FIRST Robotics runs in Ontario. Teams must compete in at least two district events where they accumulate points, working toward competing at the Provincial Championship and possibly representing Ontario in a FIRST World Championship Event in Houston, Texas.

Below, you’ll find information on the venue and parking, team resources, an Indigenous travel subsidy and entrance scholarships, and contact information.

More information

1,000+ students, parents, volunteers and sponsors

expected on campus for the competition
35 teams

from across Ontario competing at Mac
Top 80 teams in Ontario

will be invited to compete at the Provincial Championship

Get a glimpse of the action

Check out photos and a recap video from 2023 FIRST at McMaster.

Dean Heather Sheardown speaking to the FIRST crowd

Venue and parking information

Welcome to campus!

Venue

The event will held at the David Braley Athletic Centre on campus. The main competition will be held in the Burridge Gym.

Navigate to the David Braley Athletic Centre

Visit a Google map with markers to help you navigate

Parking location and cost

McMaster University Parking Services is pleased to offer our FIRST Robotics Canada guests a significantly discounted rate for parking during the three days of the FIRST Robotics Ontario District McMaster Event taking place from Thursday, March 28 to Saturday, March 30.

Visitor passes will be on sale from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. for $4 (one-day pass). Review ‘visitor parking instructions’ below for details on payment. Payment is NOT made inside the building. It must be done digitally.

Visitor parking instructions

Visitor parking is available in Lots G, H and Underground Stadium.

When you come to campus, proceed towards the lot in which you want to park. Electronic signage installed outside the entrance to the lots will indicate the availability of spaces for visitors in the lot.
If the LED indicator for visitors reads ‘OPEN’ you may proceed to the entry gate. If the LED indicator for visitors reads ‘FULL’ you must find an alternate lot.
The arms should be up at each lot. Park and locate a QR code on signs within the lot. Use that QR code to process payment: $4/day or use these links to pay:

Zone 4906 McMaster University– Stadium Underground Parking
Zone 4907 McMaster University – Lot G
Zone 4908 McMaster University – Lot H

FIRST Robotics team working around their robot

Team resources

A guide containing all the information you’ll need to prepare for your FIRST at Mac experience. Learn about McMaster and the surrounding area and get familiar with the venue layout before you arrive. For mentors and teachers, get the most up-to-date details on loading, parking and other event logistics.

Safety

Please review the safety document below with your team members prior to the event. Refer to it for instructions on how to act during an emergency.

Review FIRST at McMaster safety protocols

Robot loading information

The robots will be loaded on the east side of the David Braley Athletic Centre on Friday from 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Load-in will based on a assigned schedule given to teams. Only five team members are allowed to help unload and one must be an adult. There must be a driver in the vehicle at all times during unloading. Each team will have 15 minutes to complete loading in. Teams are expected to show up at least 20 minutes before, and up to 40 minutes before their alloted load-in timeslot.

Upon arrival, before the scheduled load in time, teams should report to parking lot D which can be found on this map. From parking lot D, teams will be guided to the loading area by FIRST volunteers.

After teams have loaded in, the cars can be parked in parking lot I.

Review this document for info on size restrictions and routes for large trucks driving through campus

Food on and nearby campus

Please note: There are no pre-orders for lunch on campus.

On campus

Bymac (David Braley Athletic Centre, first floor)

Booster Juice
Tim Horton’s
Grab n’ Go sandwiches and snacks
Friday 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., Sunday 7:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Centro (Commons Building, second floor)

Mediterranean Delights
Gourmet Burgers
Centre Stage Grill
Home-Made Pizza
Bamboo Asian Fusion
Salad Bar and Sushi
Deli
Pasta & Noodles
Friday 7 a.m. – 11 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Phoenix Bar & Grill (make a reservation)
McMaster University, Refectory Building, 1280 Main Street West Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8
Phone: (905) 525-9140 phoenixmcmaster.com
Friday 11 a.m. – 12 a.m.

Nearby shops

Pinks Burgers

1335 Main St West Hamilton, ON L8S 1C6 Phone: (905) 317-4657 pinksburgers.com
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 3 a.m., Sunday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Subway

1018 King Street West Hamilton, ON L8S 1L4 Phone: (905) 308-9378 subway.com
Friday 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Pita Pit

1056 King Street West Hamilton, ON L8S 1L7 Phone: (905) 529-7482 pitapit.com
Friday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.

Burrito Bandidos

1028 King St West Hamilton, ON L8S 1L5 Phone: (905) 972-9999 burritobandidos.com
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 12 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Lava Pizza & Wings

876 King St West Hamilton, ON L8S 4S6 Phone: (905) 525-6606 lavapizza.ca
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. – 4 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Nearby restaurants

There are many restaurants near McMaster that will accommodate for larger groups, please phone ahead to make a reservation. For a complete list of restaurants in Hamilton, check out Tourism Hamilton’s Where to Eat.

View a map with all of these locations marked

Hardware stores

University Home Hardware

101 Osler Dr., Unit 96A, University Plaza, Dundas, ON
Phone: (905) 628 – 4508
Friday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Active Green + Ross Tire & Automotive Centre

1289 Main St W, Hamilton, ON
Phone: 905-523-4323
Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday CLOSED

Subsidy and scholarships

Information on travel bursaries and scholarship opportunities for eligible teams and individuals.

Indigenous travel subsidy

Does your team have at least three Indigenous team members and is located at least 350 kilometres away from Hamilton? You could qualify for up to $10,000 in funding towards your travel expenses!

Apply for the FIRST Robotics McMaster University District Competition Indigenous Travel Bursary.

FIRST @ Mac Indigenous Travel Subsidy – 2024

The event will take place on campus from March 28 – March 30, 2024. If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at firstrobotics@mcmaster.ca.

Scholarships

McMaster University offers 10 McMaster FIRST Engineering Scholarships, each valued at $15,000 CAD to Grade 12 students planning to attend McMaster for any of the programs in the Faculty of Engineering (Bachelor of Technology, Computer Sciences, Engineering, Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences).

Eligible Programs: Bachelor of Technology; Computer Science; Engineering; Integrated Biomedical Engineering & Health Sciences

Value: $15,000 (10 available)

Due Date: February 21, 2024

Minimum Eligibility: Academic performance – Admissions average of 90% or higher. Demonstrated leadership experience and attributes, involvement in extra-curricular and/or volunteer activities in the named organization. Letters of reference verifying participation in named organization.

Learn more about how to apply for an undergraduate entrance scholarship