Template:Event Championships
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 six 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 and 6, both for 3lb bots.
Each area generally gets its own stream on event day, with dedicated announcers.
If you're a spectator with VIP tickets, you can get a special, close-up view of both areas. You can also relax in our dedicated VIP lounge, with drinks and some soft sofas. And, you can go on an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of NHRL!
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.
Spectator tickets run as low as $10. 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!
Watching NHRL Online
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.
Food Trucks
Here are the food trucks confirmed for the May 6th 2023 event.
| Name | Kind of food | Time |
|---|---|---|
| The Chamo | Venezuelan | 12 pm - about 7 pm |
| Crazy Taco-Mex | Mexican | 12 pm - about 7 pm |
| CT Cocktail Car | Adult beverages | 12 pm - about 7 pm |
| Daniel's Food Truck | Guatemalan-American | 12 pm - about 7 pm |
| Eco Evolution | Breakfast & Coffee | 7 am - about 7 pm |
| Greek Style Grill | Greek | 12 pm - about 7 pm |
| Ringside Grill | American/Italian comfort food | 12 pm - about 7 pm |
| SpaceCat Brewing Company Tales | Adult beverages | 12 pm - about 7 pm |
| Waffle Cabin | Waffles | 1 pm - about 5 pm |
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?
Click here to buy tickets for any of our upcoming events!
Tickets are also 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?
NHRL hosts a number of food trucks from local businesses serving a wide range of food. We also provide free water for all spectators. 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?
Alcohol is permitted at NHRL for spectators aged 21 and up. Only builders with bots not active in the competition, not planning to fight grudge matches, and are aged 21 and up may drink.
Any inebriated people who are causing a disturbance, be they spectators or builders out of the competition, will be asked to leave the premises. Please drink responsibly!
NHRL does not permit the consumption of any other recreational drugs.
NHRL is 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?
Yes, if you get VIP tickets to our Titanium Lounge, you can go on a behind-the-scenes tour with one of our announcers. Also, 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 hello@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.
We will announce plans for grudge fights at this event soon!
