About the Practice Field
Grand Valley's practice field gives FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC) teams from across West Michigan a place to fine-tune their robots before competitions start. Housed in the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center (IDC), it is one of the most accessible practice spaces in the region, with over 20 teams utilizing the facility last season.
This fall, FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) joins the IDC too. The new West Michigan FTC League holds its league meets here in November, bringing middle school teams to the field for the first time. Learn more about our partnership with FIRST Tech Challenge!
This is where West Michigan's FRC teams get game-ready
In 2026, 22 teams put in countless hours on Grand Valley's practice field. Five of these teams went on to the State Championship and three of those teams made it all the way to Houston, Texas, where they competed in Worlds.
teams trained at the GVSU practice field in 2026
teams competed at the GVSU West Michigan District Event
teams competed at the FRC State Championship Event
We’re so grateful for the practice field. We couldn’t have made it [to State Championships] without your help and facility. Thank you!
Plan Your Visit
Location and Parking
The practice field is in the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center (227 Winter Ave. NW, Grand Rapids). The area across from the Shape Corp. Innovation Design Center is under construction. Teams will need to park in the GVSU DeVos Lot or Seward Lot. Teams can utilize the parking spaces in front of the IDC while loading or unloading equipment but are not permitted to park in these spaces long-term.
Hours
Monday through Friday: 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sunday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.