
MERRIMACK, NH — The Merrimack High School FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team, Chop Shop 166, will be hosting FIRST’s ‘Week Zero’ event at Merrimack High School on February 15, 2025. The event will bring in 32 different teams from all across New England. This is the first time any team will get to compete on the 2025 “REEFSCAPE” field.
“It is an incredible honor to be selected to host FIRST’s Week Zero event,” said Matthew Gage, Lead Mentor of Chop Shop 166. “We cannot wait for all the teams to come to Merrimack and to begin the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition season!”
According to FIRST, “The 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition Kickoff for ‘REEFSCAPE,’ was broadcast on the FIRST Robotics Competition YouTube channel and was viewed by thousands of students, mentors, and FIRST supporters from 30 countries around the world. An estimated 92,525 students on more than 3,700 teams are expected to participate in this year’s program.” You can see a brief description of the 2025 game in this video.
“We would like to invite everyone to come and see FIRST’s Week Zero event,” added Gage. “Week Zero will be a great opportunity for everyone to learn about the FIRST robotics program and see all of the opportunities for students within FIRST.”
Opening Ceremonies begin at 8:30 a.m. and qualification matches will begin at 9 a.m. Playoff matches will begin at 1:30 p.m. and Closing Ceremonies and awards presentations will begin approximately 4pm.
FIRST® is a robotics community that prepares young people for the future through a suite of inclusive, team-based robotics programs for ages 4-18 (PreK-12) that can be facilitated in school or in structured afterschool programs. Boosted by a global support system of volunteers, educators, and sponsors that include over 200 of the Fortune 500 companies, teams operate under a signature set of FIRST Core Values to conduct research, fundraise, design, build, and showcase their achievements during annual challenges. An international not-for-profit organization founded by accomplished inventor Dean Kamen in 1989, FIRST has a proven impact on STEM learning, interest, and skill-building well beyond high school. Participants and alumni of FIRSTprograms gain access to education and career discovery opportunities, connections to exclusive scholarships and employers, and a place in the FIRST community for life. Learn more at firstinspires.org.
To donate or to become a sponsor of the Merrimack FIRST Robotics Team Chop Shop 166, visit https://www.chopshop166.com/sponsorships.
About Merrimack High School Robotics Club
Chop Shop 166 is a FIRST Robotics Competition Team from Merrimack, New Hampshire. First formed in 1995, Chop Shop 166 is now in their 31st season with FIRST. More information can be found at https://www.chopshop166.com/home