FLINT, Mich. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — February 27, 2012 — Thirty-nine of the state’s best FIRST Robotics high school teams will compete March 2-3 at the 2012 Kettering University FIRST Robotics District competition in Flint. All events are free and open to the public in Kettering’s Recreation Center from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, March 2, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 3.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a national youth effort to inspire careers in engineering, science and technology.

This year’s game is Rebound Rumble, which will be played on a court 27 feet wide by 54 feet long. Four basketball scoring hoops, positioned at different heights, and three balancing bridges for robots are among the new game’s challenges. Robots will launch compact basketballs at the four hoops to achieve points.

Bob Nichols, director of Special Projects, said the district games at Kettering help teams qualify for further competition at state and national events. “These are our future engineers and scientists,” Nichols said. He noted that Kettering will attract up to 2,000 visitors to campus during the set-up and competition days.

“Gracious Professionalism and having fun are still the centerpieces of FIRST,” Nichols continued. “This year’s contest, Rebound Rumble, promises to provide good challenges for the elite teams and be a great introduction to FIRST Robotics for the rookies. FIRST is the only varsity sport where every participant goes pro,” he added.

Pat Major of Goodrich again chairs the organizing committee.

Denise Denis, who is coordinating the new car display areas again this year, said Flint’s Applegate Dealership will show off Chevy products, including the new Sonic and Malibu. Patsy Lou’s Dealership will also provide GM products - Buick and GMC. “We'll have the all new Buick Verano on display,” Denis said. “The public will be able to drive the GMC and Buick models. Al Serra will be providing all the GM Cadillac products for our car showcase at FIRST Robotics,” she added.