My team is new to FIRST and I was wondering what exactly will happen during the kickoff, I mean I know what the agenda says, but I meant more of what actually happens. I also wanted to ask about team alliances. When do people start forming teams together.
i’m not sure what you mean in the first part of your question. obviously, there’s the stuff in the agenda (speeches, field and KOP presentation, etc.), and depending on where you are, there may also be mini-competitions and workshops.
as far as alliances go, i have no idea what this year could bring (we’ll find out in 10 hours or so), but in the past, during seeding matches, alliances were picked randomly by a computer. during finals the top eight teams select additional teams (the number of which varies based on the year/game) for their alliances.
Kickoff is like a big rally where the game is introduced (for most of us by real time broadcast). They will have a few speakers, but the majority of the kickoff is based around FIRST showing us the real field and how to play the game. They often will mention new kit of parts items and any other specifics that might be important to the year. And they usually have some sort of question answer period.
The other fun part is that this may be the first time you get to meet some of the other teams in your area.
Some of the events will have seminars that are often very useful to planning and working through the season *I would recommend having at least one member at each seminar if your location is hosting them.
At the end of kickoff they will give us a password to unlock the documentation, we can go pick up our kit of parts and start brainstorming!!
Next to the competition, this is probably the most exciting and anticipated event in FIRST 
So have fun!
It’s like the start of a marathon. a lot of people are hanging out, a big buzz in the air, old and new friends greet. Starting tomorrow your team will get your mission for the next 6.5 weeks.
So listen very, very carefully to the broadcast and everyone else around you.
Make as many connections and friend as possible! Wear a nametag with your CD name (I have a tag for me, myself, and I 
).
Don’t be shy, seek out the friendly veteran teams that are helpful to rookies. Their guidance will help tremendously during the next 6.5 weeks of best challenge most HS students will ever face.
After the boardcast, take as many workshops that are available, pickup your KOP and RUN for the nearest printer!!! 
Team alliances are assigned at your the Regional competition.
Best of luck.
Is there a place I can watch it online? Or something? I live in Alaska so we all go to a school at noon on saturday (which is 4pm east coast time) and watch a tape of the broadcast, but it should be long over by the time I even leave my house. Can someone at least post the decryption key?
No decryption key yet, you can tune into NASA TV or watch the webcast here: http://robotics.nasa.gov/events/first.htm
There’s nothing like being crazy excited about finding out the new game when the kickoff starts, only to realize you have yet to hear Dean’s speech…
I’ll be conveniently attending our Hall of Fame presentation booth at the RMSC while Dean is speaking… 
It is the best think to see. Ya you listen to Dean’s speech and Woddie’s speech but finding out about the game and the other crazy things they do it just the coolest thing out there. There is nothing like a kick off event. Its a big pep rally.