Store
Official Diamond in the Desert Event Store
Official DITD Customizable Jersey. Available in multiple colors and styles. Adult and Youth sizes available. All Jersey Pre-orders can be picked up at the event check-in booth.
December 28-31, 2025
Mesa, Arizona
Mesa Convention Center
263 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201
About the Event
Diamond in the Desert is Arizona's premier VEX Robotics Signature Event, bringing together talented students from across the WORLD to compete, innovate, and showcase their robotics skills. Our event celebrates STEM education and provides an exciting platform for middle school and high school teams to demonstrate their engineering prowess, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Join us for an unforgettable experience that combines competition, learning, and community!
We Are the REC Foundation
Learn about VEX Robotics and the REC Foundation
The VEX Worlds Experience 2025
Watch highlights from VEX Worlds 2025
Registration
Volunteer
Register on our volunteer platform to help at the event. This includes onsite Judging.Event Day Volunteer Sign-Up
Hotels
Delta Hotel Mesa
The on-site and official Hotel of the Diamond in the Desert.
Use code 'DID' when calling.
$175 per night
Hotel: Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa
Book HereMesa Convention Center Address
263 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Location & Appeal
Adjacent to the Mesa Convention Center, this stylish hotel offers seamless access to local attractions—Mesa Amphitheater, Mesa Arts Center, spring-training stadiums, museums, shops, and more.
Comfort & Amenities
- Updated, pet-friendly rooms & suites with smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, daily bottled water, air conditioning, refrigerator, safe, workspace, and modern décor
- AZ Brew Coffee Bar (Starbucks, pastries, lunch, dinner, cocktails)
- Grab-and-go market for snacks
- Outdoor heated pool & whirlpool (6 AM–10 PM, free towels)
- 24-hour fitness center
- Restaurant & bar/lounge (à la carte, buffet, local specialties)
- Free self-parking, meeting/event spaces, business center, laundry, concierge, 24-hour front desk
This combination of thoughtful amenities and location makes it perfect for business travel, events, and family stays.
Getting Here:
Airports &
Transit
Getting to the Mesa Convention Center from the Airports
Mesa Convention Center Address
263 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201
From Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
- Drive or Taxi/Uber/Lyft: Around 20–30 minutes to the hotel and convention center.
- Shuttle: Shared-ride shuttles start at approximately $29–$37 one way.
- Note: No direct public transit routes from AZA to the Mesa Convention Center.
From Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- PHX Sky Train to Valley Metro Rail: Board the free PHX Sky Train from your terminal to the Valley Metro light rail station (44th Street Station).
- Switch to the Valley Metro A Line heading east toward Mesa.
- Disembark Options Near the Convention Center:
- Center/Main St Station: 1–2 block walk—most convenient.
- Alma School/Main St (~12 min walk) or several bus stops 5–10 min walk away.
- Rail Frequency & Hours: Light rail runs every 12–20 minutes, operates ~18–22 hours/day—very reliable.
Agenda
VEXIQ Blended Super-Regional
Monday, December 29
- 7:00 AM: Doors Open & Inspection Opens
- 8:00 AM: Inspection Paused for Opening Ceremony
- 8:05 AM: Opening Ceremony
- 9:05 AM – 9:30 AM Driver's Meeting
- 9:35AM – 9:55 AM: Inspection Resumes and Skills Open
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Qualifying Matches and Skills
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM:Lunch
- 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Qualifying Matches and Skills
(Skills Closes when final Qualifying Match is Played) - 5:30 PM: Finals and Award Ceremony
V5RC - Middle School
Sunday, December 28
- 2:00 PM: Doors Open
- 2:30 PM: Team Registration and Inspection Opens
- 3:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Skills Open
- 7:00 PM: Venue Closes
Monday, December 29
- 7:30 AM: Doors Open & Inspection Opens
- 8:30 AM: Inspection Closes
- 8:30 AM: Opening Ceremony
- 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Qualification Matches and Skills
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM – 6:45 PM: Qualifying matches and Skills
- 7:00 PM: Venue Closes
Tuesday, December 30
- 7:30 AM: Doors Open
- 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM: Qualification Matches and Skills Resume
- 10:00 AM: Alliance Selection
- 10:45 AM: Elimination Tournament and awards Ceremony
- 7:00 PM: Zoo Lights
V5RC - High School
Tuesday, December 30
- 10:00 AM: Team Registration and Inspection Opens
- 10:30 AM: Skills Open
- 1:30 PM: Opening Ceremony
- 2:30 PM – 6:30 PM: Qualification Matches and Skills
- 7:00 PM: Venue Closes
- 7:00 PM: Zoo Lights
Wednesday, December 31
- 7:30 AM: Doors Open
- 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Qualifying Matches and Skills Resumes
- 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
- 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Qualification matches and Skills
- 3:30 PM: Alliance Selection
- 4:15 PM: Elimination Tournament and awards ceremony
- 7:00 PM: 🎉 New Years Eve Party 🎉
Sponsors
Entertainment
New Years Eve Bash at Golfland Sunsplash
Celebrate the New Year with a splash at Golfland Sunsplash!
Dis
Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Zoo Lights at the Phoenix Zoo
Experience the magic of the holiday season at the Phoenix Zoo.
Enjoy dazzling light displays and festive activities.
Phoenix Zoo, 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Explore Mesa & Surrounding Areas
Additional Attractions
- Usery Mountain Regional Park - hiking trails and scenic views
- Salt River tubing and recreation
- Downtown Mesa dining and shopping district
- Superstition Mountains and Lost Dutchman State Park
- Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden (30 minutes)
- Scottsdale Fashion Square and Old Town Scottsdale (25 minutes)
Dining Recommendations (Within 1 Mile of Delta Hotel)
- Diamond's Sports Grill - casual sports bar with American fare
- Cayomango Steak, Seafood & Grill - upscale steakhouse with a diverse menu
- Downtown Rendezvous - Cafe for handmade hamburgers and salads
- 12 West Brewing Company - local brewery with a rotating selection of craft beers
- Mangos Mexican Cafe - vibrant eatery with traditional Mexican dishes
- Republica Empanada - Latin American bites in a modern setting
Mesa offers a perfect blend of cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and dining experiences for all ages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
To get in touch with our leadership team:Diamond in the Desert Leadership
We’d love to hear from you!