Ruckus will be returning to the Nazareth University Golisano Training Center for a third year and we are looking forward to sharing it with you all. Please be sure to check through the Location & Parking section and others for updated information. We are looking forward to another fun event and the 21st Year on October 25th, 2025.

The Rah Cha Cha Ruckus is an annual off-season FIRST Robotics Competition event held in Rochester, NY.  With a focus on fun and a Halloween theme, the Ruckus is an exciting event for FIRST teams and community spectators alike.

Please read on for more about what the event has to offer, and look for more specific details in our About Ruckus section. We hope that you will consider joining us for this year's event!

For Teams...

The Ruckus is geared to meet the needs of teams looking for a fun, relaxed competition environment. Our aim is to provide an exciting off-season event experience that is well managed and ideal for spectators and team participants to get an introductory FIRST competition experience.  Teams attending Ruckus can look forward to...

• A one-day offseason competition generally following the same format and rules as last year's FIRST competition.
• As a fall-season event, teams can train new drivers and give new team members a chance to see a competition without waiting until March!
• A large scale venue giving teams full regional sizes pits and a safe competition environment.
• Newly forming rookie teams compete free and can borrow a veteran team's robot!
• A wide-array of unique awards, recognizing both the competition winners and celebrating various other team attributes!

Teams should visit the About Ruckus section for essential event details including the event schedule, rules modifications, event location details, and more! We hope you will consider registering to attend the competition and join us in October for a day of fun competition!

For the Public...

Science and technology enthusiasts, educators, and families alike can find an intriguing and exciting experience at the Ruckus! Come for an hour or two, or be our guest all day! Here's some key things to look forward to when visiting the event...

• The event is free and open to the public. No tickets are required!
• See high school students operating their 120+ lb. robots on a large, indoor playing field competing for points in a 3 vs. 3 game!
• Walk through the "pit" area where you can see the robots up close and meet the students and mentors that created them.
• Family-friendly environment and competition - ideal for families who have been involved in FIRST Lego League (FLL)!

Our About Ruckus page has information on the FIRST Robotics Competition, including a video introduction to the game you will see the students playing this year. We hope you'll take a look at the schedule of the day's events and consider joining us!