Lowest Number

[Greg Marra]

Originally Posted by Michelle Celio

...but team numbers weren't permanent until 2003 and when they were permanently assigned, they were ordered alphabetically by sponsor.

Originally Posted by Jake177

Until the 1999 season, teams were given a new number every year. In 99, FIRST began assigning permanent numbers based on age. The veteran teams that year were given numbers based on when they registered for the season.

You both are half right. Team numbers were permanently assigned in 1999, with existing teams sorted alphabetically by sponsor. This is why all of the UTC teams are around the 170s, while more alphabetically gifted teams occupy the lower numbers.