As planning for the 2023-24 season got underway, gainingSTEAM shared a proposal with Nebraska VEX IQ coaches: moving the State Championship to a new venue and date.
The Proposal
The State Championship had been scheduled for Gross Catholic High School on February 10th. A new opportunity emerged from the National Robotics Academy, Inc. team — to host the VEX IQ State Championship at the Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum on March 2nd, alongside the Middle School VRC State Championship.
If the change went forward:
- The February 10th event at Gross High School would become a State Qualifier, giving teams an additional opportunity to qualify for the championship
- The SAC Museum would host the State Championship in a larger, more prestigious venue alongside the VRC event
- The season would extend by several weeks
Gathering Coach Feedback
Because the change would affect season schedules and require volunteer support from the community, gainingSTEAM reached out to coaches before finalizing anything. Coaches were asked to share their perspectives via a feedback form by Monday, October 9th, and a live Q&A was scheduled for Thursday, October 5th.
The decision ultimately moved forward: the 2024 Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship was held at the SAC Museum on March 1–2, 2024. See the 2024 State Championship post for full event details.
Why the SAC Museum?
The Strategic Air Command & Aerospace Museum in Ashland, Nebraska offers:
- Significantly more space than a school gymnasium
- A distinctive setting for a signature event
- Parking and accessibility for teams, families, and spectators from across the state
The museum has become the home of the Nebraska VEX IQ State Championship in the seasons since.