December 28-31, 2025

Mesa, Arizona

Diamond in the Desert logo
QCRF logo18x18az logo

Mesa Convention Center

263 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201

Diamond in the Desert Logo

About the Event

Diamond in the Desert Logo

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

Agenda

VEXIQ Blended Super-Regional

View event map (PDF)
Dropoff Location (PDF)

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 – 3:00 PM: Qualifying Matches and Skills
    (Skills Closes when final Qualifying Match is Played)
  • 3:30 PM: Finals and Award Ceremony

V5RC - Middle School

View event map (PDF)
Dropoff Location (PDF)

Sunday, December 28

  • 2:00 PM: Doors Open
  • 2:00 PM: Team Check-in and Inspection Opens
  • 3:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Skills Open
  • 5:30 PM: Venue Closes

Monday, December 29

  • 7:00 AM: Doors Open & Inspection Opens
  • 8:00 AM: Inspection Closes
  • 8:05 AM: Opening Ceremony / Drivers Meeting
  • ** ALL TEAMS MUST COMPLETE THEIR INITIAL INTERVIEW BEFORE 4 PM **  
  • 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM Judging initial interviews (auditorium)
  • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Judging initial interviews (auditorium)
  • 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

  • 7:00 AM: Doors Open
  • 7:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Qualification Matches and Skills Resume
  • 9:30 AM: Alliance Selection
  • 10:15 AM: Teams Exit Pits Area
  • 10:15 AM: Alliances Move to Main Hall
  • 11:00 AM: Elimination Tournament and awards Ceremony

V5RC - High School

View event map (PDF)
Dropoff Location (PDF)

Tuesday, December 30

  • 10:00 AM: Team Registration and Inspection Opens
  • 10:30 AM: Skills Open
  • 11:00 AM Pits Open
  • 1:30 PM: Opening Ceremony
  • 2:45 PM – 6:45 PM: Qualification Matches and Skills
  • 7:00 PM: Venue Closes

Wednesday, December 31

  • 7:00 AM: Doors Open
  • 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Qualifying Matches and Skills Resumes
  • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
  • 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Qualification matches and Skills
  • 3:00 PM: Alliance Selection
  • 4:00 PM: Elimination Tournament and awards ceremony
  • 6:00 PM: Venue Closes
  • 7:00 PM: 🎉Golf-Land New Years Eve Party 🎉
    A separate ticket is required — click here to purchase

Store

Exterior of Official Diamond in the Desert Event 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.

Customize Yours Now
Exterior of Champion Cards

Champion Cards

Bring your team by to create personalized Champion Cards at the event. Snap a photo, add your stats, and take home a printed keepsake.

Robot Details

Volunteer

Click to view volunteer opportunitiesRegister on our volunteer platform to help at the event. This includes onsite Judging.Event Day Volunteer Sign-Up
RoboMentorsRegister to be a RoboMentor JudgeJudging Sign-Up

Hotels

Exterior of Delta Hotel Mesa

Delta Hotel Mesa

The on-site and official Hotel of the Diamond in the Desert.
Use code 'DID' when calling.

$175 per night

Book NowVirtual Tour

Hotel: Delta Hotels by Marriott Phoenix Mesa

Book Here

Mesa 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.

Registration

Diamond in the Desert - MS
Diamond in the Desert - MS
Middle School Signature Event in ArizonaRegistration is open!
Closed for 2025Diamond in the Desert - HS
Diamond in the Desert - HS
High School Signature Event in ArizonaRegistration is open!
Closed for 2025
Diamond in the Desert - VEXIQ SuperRegional
Diamond in the Desert - VEXIQ SuperRegional
VEXIQ Super Regional in ArizonaEarly Bird Registration - October 28th, 2025
Closed for 2025

Sponsors

PrivateID logoPrivateID
HomeRun
Visit
Sure Fire Financial logoSure Fire Financial
Double
Visit
City of Mesa logoCity of Mesa
Single
Visit

Entertainment

New Years Eve Bash at Golfland Sunsplash

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

Book Tickets

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!