The 2022 field layout has some pretty interesting design elements that are going to make it one of the better games for spectators FIRST has ever put out. The biggest element that I’m excited about is the main scoring element of the game being IN THE CENTER OF THE FIELD! No more whiplash from trying to watch the action on both sides of the Field!
Another new element is that the centerline is not perpendicular to the side walls, it’s off at a 66 degree angle. While my gut tells me it won’t make a difference in match play I’m excited to see if it throws anyone off.
Laying out the field is a bit tricky this year, but if you start in the center and work your way out, it shouldn’t be too bad. DISCLAIMER: This website is not affiliated with FIRST and is not the authority on this information, it’s just meant to present some potentially helpful information.
Once again, the overall field dimensions are 27 feet by 54 feet. The hub assembly goes smack dab in the middle. The center should be 13.5 feet from the sidewall and 27 feet from the alliance station walls. Getting the hub at its correct angle will be easier if you can lay the centerline first and then align the hub to that.
To mark the centerline, you’ll want to mark the end points of the line on the side walls. (71 inches from the midpoint of the walls)
Next you’ll want to mark out the tarmac zones. Having a framing square or something else large to help get perfect 90 degree angles will be super helpful. Start by marking the outer corner which is 84.75 inches from the center of the fender. Then layout the side lines that are 75 inches long and extend along the lower exits. Finally just connect the dots!
The outer ring of cargo starting locations is a little tricky, but if you have the tarmac laid out, you just need to use your framing square to get the perfect 90 degree angle from the outer tape lines.
Lastly, FIRST’s field layout drawing does have some other helpful measurements. The human player is approximately 365 inches (30.5 feet) from the center of the hub. The close launch pad is 203 inches and far pad is 245 inches from the center of the hub. And the ball in front of the Terminal, is 305.67 inches from the center.
See this link for official first field drawings: https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/playing-field