LEGO League Championship Brings Robotics Excitement to Alachua

ALACHUA – The City of Alachua played host to a high-energy celebration of creativity, teamwork and problem-solving last weekend as the FIRST LEGO League North Florida Regional Championship brought more than 700 participants to the Hal Brady Recreation Complex and Legacy Multipurpose Center.

The multi-day competition transformed the recreation facilities into a hub of activity, with teams of children and young teens collaborating on robotics challenges and project presentations while families, coaches and volunteers filled the venue with encouragement and excitement. Organizers described the atmosphere as vibrant and upbeat, with participants fully engaged throughout the event.

City of Alachua Recreation & Culture staff members, along with volunteers from the SwampBots robotics community, played a central role in the championship’s success. Their coordinated efforts ensured smooth transitions between events, maintained competition schedules and provided support to teams navigating the demanding regional contest.

The championship weekend began Friday evening with a welcome social event in downtown Alachua, giving teams a chance to unwind before the competition began in earnest. Participants gathered along Main Street at The Vault Ice Cream Shop, where each competitor received a complimentary treat. The informal gathering allowed students, mentors and families from different communities to connect and share in the excitement of the weekend ahead.

Adding to the festive tone, participants took part in snow play activities during the social hours at Skinner Field – Allen Hitchcock Baseball Field. The unexpected winter-themed fun created a memorable experience for visiting teams and offered a lighthearted kickoff to the regional championship.

Teams traveled from across Central and North Central Florida to compete, reflecting the growing popularity of youth robotics programs throughout the region. The FIRST LEGO League challenges students to design, build and program robots using LEGO technology while also completing research projects that emphasize innovation, teamwork and real-world problem solving.

Throughout the weekend, competition spaces buzzed with activity as teams tested robots, adjusted strategies and cheered for one another’s successes. Parents and spectators observed from the sidelines as students demonstrated not only technical skills but also collaboration and sportsmanship — hallmarks of the program’s educational mission.

City officials and organizers noted that hosting a regional championship of this scale underscores Alachua’s capacity to accommodate large youth-focused events and reinforces the city’s commitment to recreation, education and community engagement.

By the end of the weekend, participants left with more than trophies and scores. Many departed with new friendships, renewed enthusiasm for science and technology, and memories of a community that welcomed them with creativity and hospitality.

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