June 24-25th 2023

Sparky's Circus

Sparky's Circus

Welcome to our two-day summer botfest on June 24-25, Sparky's Circus!

Competitor registration for this event has closed.

See the list of signed-up competitors here.

Registration will be open until Saturday, June 10 at 11:59 pm EDT. There is a $25 per bot registration deposit, which will be refunded after the event, as long as you check in at the event with your bot.

We will know the schedule of the two days closer to the event.

3lb registration limits

We will have the same restriction on multiple 3lb bots from the same builder as in May. That is, if we hit 160 registered 3lb bots, we will remove multiple bots from the same builder until either we get under 160 registered 3lb bots, or all bots are from unique builders.

We will start with bots volunteered by their builders, then remove bots that have already qualified in November, then remove randomly if necessary.

We will also have a hard limit of 160 3lb bots from unique builders. Once we get close to that number, any 3lb bots that get signed up will go to our waitlist, and will be added if there is room.

Weapon restrictions

Fireworks and rocket motors will not be allowed at this event.

We do not yet know if flamethrowers will be allowed at this event. If you'd like to bring a bot with a flamethrower, the registration form will put you on our waitlist.

We will reserve 10 spots in registration for flamethrower bots. Once we hear whether we can run flamethrowers, we will either register the waitlisted flamebots, or release the spots to other bots.

3lb Rookie Freestyle Tournament

On Sunday June 25, we are holding our first-ever 3lb Rookie Freestyle Tournament! This tournament will be for any 3lb bots from the Rival group eliminated in their Last Chance fights on Saturday. If you have a new, untested bot, or if you want to bring multiple 3lb bots, you can sign up a bot during registration to fight only in the Rookie Freestyle Tournament.

The winner of the tournament will get a special trophy!

We will announce the exact format of the tournament closer to the event. 

Deposit changes

Our policy on deposits and refunds has been updated.

• If you withdraw a bot before registration closes on June 10 at 11:59 pm EDT, you will get your full $25 deposit back.
• If you withdraw a bot after registration closes, but before June 19 at 11:59 pm EDT, you will only get $10 of your $25 deposit back.
• If you withdraw a bot between June 20 and the start of the event on June 24 at 9:00 am EDT, you will not get your deposit back.
• If you do not show up at the event without contacting us, you will not get your deposit back we will give you a warning.
  • If, within the next 6 months, you again do not show up at an event without contacting us, you will not get your deposit back and you will not be allowed to fight at any NHRL events for the next 6 months.

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What to expect at NHRL

Whether you attend NHRL as a competitor or as a spectator, it's an unforgettable experience! Here's what to expect.

We have eight cages where robot fights happen, in two different areas!

One area is the Steel Arena, which contains Cages 1 and 4, for 12lb and 30lb bots, and Cages 2 and 3, for 3lb bots.

Another area is the Titanium Stage, which contains Cages 5, 6, 7, and 8 both for 3lb bots.

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We have a bunch of other great things that all our spectators can check out.

• Our Bot Museum, with notable bots you may have seen on TV.
• An outdoor patio, with plenty of food trucks with delicious offerings.
• The Brett Experience, where you can try your hand at driving Brett the Brick.
• The Sparky Store, where you can buy souvenirs like t-shirts and stickers.
• A sign-making station, where you can support your favorite competitors.

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Spectator tickets run as low as $15. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian 18 or over. Children 4 and under get in free.

If you're a competitor, you're in for a treat! We welcome competitors of all backgrounds and skill levels. Here's what you can expect...

• An enormous pit area on the second floor.
• A large workshop filled with all sorts of tools to help fix your bot.
• An amazing, supportive, and helpful community.
• No registration fees! (There is a $25 per-bot deposit that's refunded after you attend the event.)
• The best competition in the world!

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Watching NHRL Online

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All NHRL events are livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Spectating at NHRL

Come see some robot carnage up-close and personal! Click here to buy tickets for any of our upcoming events!

All NHRL events are open to public spectators. Adults and children over the age of 4 can purchase an all-day access pass for $10. This will give access to all of the spectating areas around all the fighting cages, as well as the spectator lounges, Bot Museum, and other fun combat robotics attractions. Spectators under the age of 4 are admitted for free. Any spectator under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a guardian over the age of 18.

Also, look for our VIP tickets, where you can relax in our lounge, experience our fights close-up, and go on a behind-the-scenes tour!

Read more about our spectator experience.

Competing at NHRL

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Want to come fight at NHRL?

NHRL is open to competitors of any experience level. Before building/bringing a bot to NHRL, make sure to review our bot design rules!

There is a $25 deposit for each bot you register. As long as you check in for the event, you'll get your deposit back a few business days later. Signups close 2 weeks before the event.

Read more about competing at NHRL here.