[9] In opposite corners (left and right to the audience) are ramps up to flat platforms on which robots start each match, colored for each alliance (called the home zone).

The two parking lot corners contain infrared beacons, which may guide the robots during the autonomous period.

Additional points can be earned in this period if an alliance can push their bowling ball into their home zone.

The criteria for the Inspire Award are "...match performance, observations made during interviews and in the pit area, and the team’s Engineering Notebook as equal factors...".

[16] Criteria for the other awards also include robot design, creativity, innovation, team performance, outreach and enthusiasm.