GFG 2026 LAN Checklist

We’re almost there! Gamers For Giving 2026 is just a few days away.

If you aren’t already in Michigan, we wanted to make sure you come prepared with this checklist, so that everybody attending the GFG 2026 LAN Party comes well-equipped!

Please review the following information and updates below to streamline both your check-in process and overall LAN experience.

Equipment Checklist

Whether it’s your first or 50th LAN party, don’t get caught unprepared! These are self-explanatory.

• Computer / Video Game Console(s) with necessary cables
• Monitor
• Headset, Mouse, Keyboard
• Update your software and programs/devices you think may need an upgrade!
• Sleeping bag / Pillow / Tent (especially if you're going for the Best Camper Award)
• Money for food, snacks, the GFG Raffle, or to support shops on-site!
• TCG Deck. We'll talk about TCG later, but if you play MTG, Pokémon or One Piece, bring it!

Remember, each LAN seat will have two electrical outlets, while those who purchased Premium tickets have four. Do not bring your own power strip or attempt to exceed the number of receptacles provided. If you’d like additional outlets, you must buy another seat at the LAN.

Ethernet Cable

Do not forget to bring an ethernet cable unless you rented a PC and monitor from Gamers Outreach. Refer to the chart above to select the appropriate cable length based on your LAN seat, ensuring that you have sufficient cable coverage.

GFG Raffle

We have a mountain of raffle prizes to give away at the GFG 2026 LAN Party thanks to our generous sponsors. Raffle tickets are $5 each, and a bundle of five tickets will be valued at $20.

General contributions can also be made at the event services booth.

Also, keep in mind that there are separate raffles that’ll happen during GFG Cards For A Cause, specifically for those in the tournaments as well as those with a TCG Event Pass.

Discord

The Gamers Outreach Discord server is where you’ll find event announcements and discussions. In addition to in-person announcements you’ll hear from the staff and volunteers, we’ll also be using Discord to notify attendees of event activities.

Tournament moderators will also oversee the channels in the server to help navigate through competitions you’ve signed up for.

Spectators / TCG Event Pass

For those still planning on attending the GFG 2026 LAN Party in person, General Admission badges are sold out, but you can still attend the GFG 2026 LAN Party by purchasing a TCG Event Pass. TCG Event Pass holders will receive a TCG lanyard and badge that grants them access to the venue until it closes at 11PM.

Spectator Passes without TCG access will be available at the door on a case-by-case basis. Spectators are free to engage with our many activities around the venue, but in order to attend GFG Cards For A Cause, you’ll need the aforementioned TCG Event Pass, which can be purchased here.

Venue Access & House Rules

The doors at the GameAbove Center will be closed and staffed by security each night at 11PM. Only registered attendees/guardians with a badge in-hand will be allowed to leave and enter the facility. There are no exceptions to this rule, so please have your GFG badge on you at all times.

Please be familiar with GFG 2026’s Terms & Conditions. Entering the G3 Center confirms your agreement to these terms. Please pay special attention to page 8, as it contains a specific list of prohibited items.

In short, be good and do good. Photos and videos taken by the event staff will be collected throughout the event and may be posted online. Attending the GFG 2026 LAN Party also gives Gamers Outreach consent for photography and video recording.

Checklist DLC: Be Con-Equipped!

Okay, if you’re still here, that means you’re super excited for GFG, right? There’s going to be a lot of people here this weekend, so there’s no such thing as being too prepared. While people typically recommend these items for conventions, a lot of the same rules apply and will undoubtedly improve your experience!

• Power Banks & Appropriate Charging Cables - Since power is already at a premium, bringing a power bank to charge your mobile devices and handhelds would be smart.
• Have Your Games Already Downloaded - If you know you’re going to be playing a specific game on whatever platform you’re on, make sure it’s already downloaded and installed. There are hundreds of other gamers at GFG playing, and you’ll have more fun playing and not waiting for an install.
• Deodorant - There will be people sleeping at GFG, so we shouldn’t have to explain this one…
• Comfortable Shoes - We all have our favorites. Your soles will thank you by bringing in your broken-in sneakers.
• Hoodie / Jacket - Auditoriums can be cold (and so is Ann Arbor this time of year), especially when the AC is blasting. If you didn’t pre-order a LAN Edition GFG 2026 hoodie for pick-up at the event, you should pack something to keep you warm!

See You Soon!

We’ve said it so many times, and we aren’t tired of it: We’re so excited to see everybody attending the GFG 2026 LAN Party!

Remember, even if you can’t attend, you can still be a part of GFG 2026 simply by making a donation, creating a fundraising campaign and streaming, or simply by spreading the word on social media (X, Instagram, Facebook, Bluesky) or on your own!

Thank you to everyone reading for your time and your continued support. We look forward to seeing the impact you’ll make FOR THE KIDS!