Template:Event Championships
What's new for 2022?
We have been hard at work on upgrading the facility since the end of the 2021 season in December, and we are super excited for everyone to see these new changes! Check out some progress pictures below.
What's new for competitors:
- Expanded pits areas, with more tables, more space between tables, and a dedicated viewing area to sit and relax as you watch the stream.
- 2 new cages, including a 30lb cage!
What's new for spectators:
- More than 5,000 square feet of new activities, lounge areas, and exciting attractions, including our Bot Museum.
- More seating around the cages, and the cages have been moved even closer to the bleachers for a better viewing experience.
- "Walk up" cages, where you can spectate as close as you want standing around the cage.
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We've expanded the spectator areas by over 5,000 square feet!
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More space for more bleachers and more fun activities!
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A second 30lb combat cage!
Watching NHRL Online
All NHRL events are livestreamed on our YouTube channel.
We also upload individual fight clips to our second channel.
Don't want to wait for the event to see some robot action? Check out the highlight reel from the 2021 finals!
Spectating at NHRL
Come see some robot carnage up-close and personal. Tickets will be available soon!
All NHRL events are open to the public for spectating. 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.
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The view of the 30lb combat cage from the bleachers.
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The old lounge at NHRL. We are currently working on renovating this space to give spectators more places to sit and relax during the event.
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The view of the 3lb cage from the bleachers.
Spectator FAQ
What should I bring with me to NHRL?
Spectators are encouraged to bring a pillow, sweater, or other soft object to sit on in the bleachers while watching fights. Seat cushions will also be available for purchase at the event. We also encourage bringing hearing protection, especially for younger spectators. Free earplugs will also be provided at the event.
How do I buy a ticket?
Tickets are available day-of at the door. We also sometimes run special promotions on ticket sales or sell them as part of a bundle through websites like Groupon. Any such deals or offers will be linked here when available.
Is there food at NHRL? Can I bring my own food/drink?
There are a number of refreshments served at NHRL, in addition to free water and food trucks from local businesses. Outside food and drink are not permitted. This does not include baby food, food related to medical needs, or water. Keep in mind your admission is all-day, so you are welcome to leave and get lunch, and come back. South Norwalk has a ton of great places to eat, which you can read more about on the Travel Info page.
How do I get to NHRL?
NHRL is within walking distance of the South Norwalk train station, serviced by the MTA New Haven Line, MTA Danbury Branch, and the CTRail Shore Line East. It is also possible to drive to NHRL, and parking on site is included with your spectator pass. For more information on getting to NHRL, please see the Travel Info page.
Besides food, is there anything else to buy at NHRL?
Yes! NHRL has an official merch store, where you can buy t-shirts, stickers, magnets, and more. You are also able to purchase competitor merchandise here, to support your favorite bot.
Are alcohol or drugs permitted at NHRL?
No, NHRL does not permit the consumption of alcohol or drugs. NHRL is also a smoke-free building, but there are ashtrays located outside the building for your convenience.
What can I do besides watching robots fight at NHRL?
In addition to robot fighting, there will be opportunities to relax in our brand-new spectator area, watch behind the scenes as competitors repair/test their robots, and try driving our house bot, Brett.
What does the schedule for the day look like?
The doors open to spectators on Saturday at 10 a.m., just as the first fights of the day are starting. Food trucks will arrive be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Fights will continue nonstop until we reach the final 8 bots in each weight class (usually around 6:30 p.m.), at which point we will take a 30 minute break to allow competitors time to eat dinner and for our staff to do cage repairs. After this break, fights will resume until we have made it through all the fights in all weight classes. Fights usually conclude between 10 and 11 p.m., and the facility closes 30 minutes after the last fight of the day.
Do you offer behind the scenes tours, meet-and-greets with competitors, etc?
Currently we do not offer such things, but we hope to in the future. That being said, many competitors make a point of hanging out in the spectator areas after their fights, so just keep an eye out for those wearing NHRL competitor badges!
What is your current COVID-19 Policy?
Norwalk recently lifted its mask mandate, and the CDC has identified the COVID-19 community level in all of CT, as well as many surrounding communities, as "low", so masks will not be required at our events, unless Norwalk changes its masking policy. We will continue to follow the guidance of state and local agencies and will advise if our policy changes. Norwalk is a mask-supportive community, and we believe in the effectiveness of high-quality masks as a means of stopping the spread of COVID-19 and support individuals who choose to mask at any time for any reason.
What if I have another question?
Feel free to contact us at robot@nhrl.io, and we will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Competing at NHRL
Our December Championships are invite-only. In order to compete, you must qualify at an event earlier in the year by being one of the top 4 bots in your bracket not already qualified.
Unfortunately, 12lb Sportsman bots do not qualify to fight in the December championships.
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The 3lb cage in action.
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The Green Room, an exclusive lounge for competitors to wait in before their fights.
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The shop, where you can get help with repairs and welding.
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The pits, for competitors to work at between fights and hang out with other builders.
