La Nube Desert Sky Signature Event

Welcome to Above La Nube, an official REC Foundation Signature Aerial Drone Competition taking flight on February 27, 2027! Serving as the high-stakes grand finale to National Engineers Week, this premier tournament brings together elite high school student pilots, programmers, and strategists from across the region and beyond for an unforgettable day of competitive flight.

The Host Venue: La Nube STEAM Discovery Center

There is no place on Earth quite like La Nube (Spanish for "The Cloud"). Located in the heart of El Paso's Downtown Arts District, this state-of-the-art, 77,000-square-foot architectural masterpiece—designed by the internationally renowned firm Snøhetta—is a world-class hybrid of a science center and interactive discovery hub. With four stories of soaring barrel-vaulted ceilings, a 50-foot-tall central climbing structure, and the dedicated "Fly High" gallery, La Nube’s cloud-inspired design provides the ultimate high-energy backdrop for three-dimensional aerial robotics.

Experience El Paso: The Sun City

Framed by the dramatic peaks of the Franklin Mountains and boasting over 300 days of annual sunshine, El Paso is a dynamic, welcoming borderland destination where rich history, vibrant Southwest culture, and world-class Mexican cuisine collide. Located less than one mile from the international border, the city offers a unique bilingual, cross-cultural energy that makes out-of-town teams feel right at home.

Plan Ahead: Arrive Early, Stay Late!

Because this competition doubles as the crown-jewel finale of Engineers Week, we encourage all visiting teams, coaches, and families to book extra time on your itinerary. Come in early or extend your stay so you can experience everything La Nube has to offer—from hands-on fluid dynamics in the Flow Gallery to coding challenges—and explore the sights, flavors, and sunshine of El Paso!

7:30 - Doors Open

7:30 - Team Check-in, Flight Clearance Inspections, Pit Set Up

8:15 - Piloting Skills Missions, Autonomous Matches Begin

10:30 - Flight Team Meeting and Teamwork Match Schedule Created 

Note: Teams not checked in by this time will not be included in the Teamwork Match schedule for the day

10:45 - Teamwork Matches, Autonomous Flight Mission Matches

12:30 - Lunch

1:15 - Teamwork Matches, Autonomous Flight Skills Mission Matches Resume

3:00 - Teamwork Matches, Skills Missions Matches End

3:15 - Alliance Sections

3:30 - Teamwork Elimination Matches, Finals Matches

TBD- Event Ends

Agenda is subject to change and will be finalized closer to the event.

Downtown El Paso features a rich blend of historic, modern, and boutique hotel properties within minutes—and often within walking distance—of La Nube. Visiting teams can choose from premier full-service options such as the historic Hotel Paso Del Norte and The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, or convenient, team-friendly properties like the DoubleTree by Hilton El Paso Downtown, Courtyard by Marriott Downtown, Aloft El Paso Downtown, and Hotel Indigo.

Hotel Block Details: Reserved team room blocks, discounted group rates, and direct booking links will be released shortly. More information to come!