Official Announcement: Championship Location & Date [Archive]

Joe Matt

05-12-2002, 11:30

I'd rather be at WDW.

Six Flags AstroWorld Offical Site (http://www.sixflags.com/parks/astroworld/home.asp)

CoasterBuzz.com Six Flags Astroworld Info (http://coasterbuzz.com/parks/park.asp?ParkID=32)

SixFlagsHuston.com (http://SixFlagsHouston.Com/index1.php)

Huston Thrills Central (http://www.houstonthrills.com/)

I need to throw up.

Astroworld opened its gates in 1968, constructed by Houston mogul Judge Roy Hofheinz to compliment his space age Astrodome complex. Six Flags began their reign of management in 1975 and gradually rebranded the park into the chain. What was once a gleaming family pleasure park to rival Disneyland and Six Flags Over Texas, Astroworld suffered marked neglect in recent years. While Six Flags keeps most of its parks on the cutting edge of thrill attractions, Astroworld has earned a reputation as a destination home for rusting, used rides from other parks. As evident of the state of neglect Astroworld is in, the 2000 season saw the removal of the landmark original Sky Needle observation tower and no new attractions added.

WOW! A gread alternative to WDW!!!

Kevin Kolodziej

05-12-2002, 11:49

Two things to consider about AstroWorld: Would you prefer a park with a decent collection of rides, including some very unique ones or NOTHING AT ALL? The other thing to consider is that the Championship Event will draw someting like 20,000 people. Granted, not everyone will go to the park on Friday, but the majority will. Therefore, lets say you have 15,000 people in the park. This is a smaller park and with fewer rides than say Six Flags Great America, lines will actually be quite significant. I do not know what average attendance figures are for parks, but I was at Great America one day this summer when there were over 40,000 people in the park - the shortest line was 45 minutes.

Then there is the consideration that it is a private event, therefore making the ride-ops some of the least happy people in the park because they have to work extra time. This will translate to stacking of trains in the station and then even longer lines.

FIRST has done everything they can to make this event as good as it has been in the past. I just hope my team will be able to qualify and then get some money so I can experience this whole thing.

Kev

Kevin Sevcik

05-12-2002, 11:56

Bah! No lines at the 3-4 good Astroworld coasters is far better than hour long lines at the 3-4 good WDW coasters. The Viper rocks, Serial Thriller is pretty good, as is the Ultra Twister, Batman is cool, and the wooden coaster (I forget the name) is pretty good as well. However, for the love of all that is holy, don't get on XLR8. Contrary to what the name implies, it is slow and will bore you to tears. Oh yeah. And riding Greezed Lightning 10+ times in a row is rather entertaining.

Anywhos. Oh. I also won't stand for any ridiculing of the Texan language while y'all are in my state, and finally... I sure hope Dean wears the cowboy hat we bought him the last time he was here. That'd be SO cool.

Ricky Q.

05-12-2002, 12:04

If your team happens to qualify for The Championship at one of the regionals 1 Week before the event, its going to be really difficult to get all your logistics figured out and get there.

You'd have one week to first, find $4000, then book your travel and lodging, get your robot there by whatever deadline they set and manage to not go insane, because your regional would end on a Saturday :p

/me is glad we are #269 (even if we are odd)

Good luck!! :D

And I know your all dissapointed the Chamionship isn't in Oconomowoc, we just couldn't come to an agreement on a date :p You still can all stop by my house anytime, (except DJ)

Madison

05-12-2002, 12:10

Greezed Lightnin' is the best ride in the park, barring some amazing addition for 2003. The Texas Cyclone might not be half bad if it rides anything like its Georgian cousin. Everything else? Blah. Serial Thriller is a hang 'n' bang (but, that's coming from someone who's ridden half a dozen copies of that ride), Ultratwister is Great Adventure export, as is Batman: The Escape. Viper is Schwarzkopz Looping Star, and, while nice isn't exactly amazing. Personally, I have the permanent installation of a Doppel Looping nearby, so it blows the Looping Stars out of the water.

Astroworld's flat ride collection sucks. Big time. For what it's worth, I don't consider any of Astroworld's rides to be unique. Ultratwister is unique to North America. Every other coaster is cloned somewhere else - save for the junior mine train. Maybe it's okay for a local market, but as a National draw, its a bit disappointing.

I've written Astroworld off as being the sole reason for my visit. (Yes, I'll be the first to admit that I go to Nationals for Walt Disney World more than robots.) Now I'm interested in seeing if the event can be as good a show in Houston as it is in Orlando. I can't imagine sitting around watching matches for three straight days; especially after four weeks of regionals. . . but, if the showmanship is there, and the right people are there, it may be worth the trip. But - it's not for Astroworld.

(Oh, and this is one instance where I won't be all too grateful for what I've been given, because I do consider Astroworld to be a significant downgrade from Walt Disney World, as well as Houston from Orlando. It's a good thing for you all, I guess, that it's not up to me whether or not you go.)

Raul

05-12-2002, 12:12

All my rumors came true.
1) Houston or Phoenix, later narrowed down to Houston
2) Dome stadium
3) April 10 - 12
4) Special arrangements with airlines.

:o :D ;)

And now Kevin Sevcik can officially laugh at us all.

Elgin Clock

05-12-2002, 12:14

[QUOTE]Originally posted by JosephM
[B]

SixFlagsHuston.com (http://SixFlagsHouston.Com/index1.php)

Read my post on that site's Graffitti Wall, the warning is there!!!

We are taking over!!!

team222badbrad

05-12-2002, 12:17

Detailed information and instructions on the reservation system will be sent to all Team Travel Coordinators prior to opening reservations.

So does this mean all teams can go?? That wan't anyway?

I dont think will be attending unless we drop a regional and they let all the teams come

BadBrad

Melissa Nute

05-12-2002, 12:20

Originally posted by M. Krass
. Every other coaster is cloned somewhere else - save for the junior mine train.
Junior mine train...something like that in Dollywood....

Madison

05-12-2002, 12:48

Originally posted by Meli W.

Junior mine train...something like that in Dollywood....

Dollywood's mine train, Thunder Express, was a full-sized Arrow Dynamics Mine Train. It now resides at Magic Springs in Arkansas as Big Bad John. It started its life as one half of Six Flags St Louis' River King Mine Train. It has the unusual distinction of being the world's first stand-up roller coaster, but lasted as such for only one season due to an accident.

Six Flags Over Texas had a mini-mine train, but it was removed in 1998 when the park added Mr. Freeze. Six Flags over Georgia also had a mini-mine train, but that closed in 1993 when the park refurbished their kids' area - Bugs Bunny World.

Alfred Thompson

05-12-2002, 13:02

All the people who complained about the cost of Disney tickets that they never used should be happy about this. As should all the random Disney haters we seem to attract in FIRST.
I spent very little time in the parks last year. Except for eating. I will miss the food at Disney. I have a friend in Houston and I am hoping that he can tell me where to good places to eat are. I am not happy about the idea of typical stadium food for 3 days.

Johca_Gaorl

05-12-2002, 13:14

Originally posted by Ricky Q.
If your team happens to qualify for The Championship at one of the regionals 1 Week before the event, its going to be really difficult to get all your logistics figured out and get there.

You'd have one week to first, find $4000, then book your travel and lodging, get your robot there by whatever deadline they set and manage to not go insane, because your regional would end on a Saturday :p

I thought this seemed really early too, but I guess it's what they worked out. (And I wanted to be 18 by Nats too)

One week is not much planning time at all...

Oh, and btw guys, I am pretty sure coaster history will not impress the ladies.

purplehaze357

05-12-2002, 13:21

cant wait to return to texas.....y'all were awesome....and the venue is huge

Joe Matt

05-12-2002, 13:25

Originally posted by Elgin Clock
[QUOTE]Originally posted by JosephM
[B]

SixFlagsHuston.com (http://SixFlagsHouston.Com/index1.php)

Read my post on that site's Graffitti Wall, the warning is there!!!

We are taking over!!!

All your parks are belong to us! :D

Jon K.

05-12-2002, 13:30

Originally posted by team222badbrad

So does this mean all teams can go?? That wan't anyway?

I dont think will be attending unless we drop a regional and they let all the teams come

BadBrad

No it just means that they are givng the infor for all of the teams that might qualify for the championships throughout the regionals.

D.J. Fluck

05-12-2002, 13:49

If you get time, take a trip to the Johnson Space Center Visitors Center, and take the tram to the viewing area to see mission control in action.

When I went there wasnt anything for the control guys to do, so I watched the Flight Control play chess on his pc against the Flight Communications guy who was sitting accross the room :D

Nice to know that NASA is always hard at work :p

Ashley Weed

05-12-2002, 14:20

acckk this sucks... I will be leaving home on April 2nd to go to New Brunswick, NJ for Regionals... then after the closing ceremony on the 5th, I will head to Houston to arrive in time for sleep before the 10th. Acckkkk...:rolleyes:

Soukup

05-12-2002, 14:22

Originally posted by jk2005

No it just means that they are givng the infor for all of the teams that might qualify for the championships throughout the regionals.

hey but... disney limited the number of teams that could go, which is the whole reason for the qualifcation system in the first place. dat's what I thought? But now might more teams be going because it is Houston?

Joe Matt

05-12-2002, 14:35

Originally posted by TEAM_74

hey but... disney limited the number of teams that could go, which is the whole reason for the qualifcation system in the first place. dat's what I thought? But now might more teams be going because it is Houston?

Disney can (and is) expanding to hold more teams. Pop Century. This hotel would have been the FIRST HQ. Anyway, Huston is at the breaking point when FIRST comes. Tansportation, entertainment, food, etc. I predict a HUGE catastrophy when it comes to all of those.

Joe3

05-12-2002, 15:04

Disney can (and is) expanding to hold more teams. Pop Century. This hotel would have been the FIRST HQ. Anyway, Huston is at the breaking point when FIRST comes. Tansportation, entertainment, food, etc. I predict a HUGE catastrophy when it comes to all of those.

Man...Calm down. Dean and all of the other people who have been working hard to set this up aren't exactly morons. I'm sure they have checked out all of these potential problems, and taken the necessary steps to prevent them. FIRST chose Houston for a reason I'm sure, and Nationals will be just as great as usual, if not better.

Alfred Thompson

05-12-2002, 15:15

It does not matter what Disney CAN do if they cannot do it in a way the FIRST can afford. FIRST has run enough of these now that I am fairly confident they covered all the bases for this new venue. In fact making sure it would be ok is probably what took so long.

Chris Nowak

05-12-2002, 15:16

Jeez, while don't think the location is bad at all, probably quite good. However, if our team qualifies at West Mich, which is 4/3 to 4/5, there isnt gonna be much time for all the legal crap that we have to do to fly our entire team to Houston. Not to mention that airfare rates are gonna suck and hotels will be mostly full. Even if we qualify at Midwest, that only gives us two weeks, and the week following the Midwest one is spring break, so lots of people are gonna be on vacation and not able to fill out any forms and stuff. Jeez, guess oour chances of going to nats are much more limited than I imagined.

Jnadke

05-12-2002, 15:28

Originally posted by JosephM

Disney can (and is) expanding to hold more teams. Pop Century. This hotel would have been the FIRST HQ. Anyway, Huston is at the breaking point when FIRST comes. Tansportation, entertainment, food, etc. I predict a HUGE catastrophy when it comes to all of those.

Your capacity for common sense is at its breaking point. I don't see how you arrived at that conclusion.

The Houston Texans have almost 70,000 attendees. "2002 The Show's concert finale featuring George Strait on March 3, 2002, breaks the all-time paid attendance record for any event in the Relant Astrodome with 68,266 spectators."

FIRST pales in comparison to this. Last year was only 20,000 according to the FIRST site (which still sounds high -- that's 70 people per team -- I thought during the speeches they said 14,000). Keep in mind that a lot of the teams are based on the east coast and in Florida. More teams will have to make an investment to attend Houston, so the number will barely be any larger.

Amanda Morrison

05-12-2002, 16:04

Maybe after having this year in Houston, Disney will lower their prices and open the new Pop Century. Maybe FIRST is just a bunch of shrewd bargainers calling Disney's bluff (which I suspect they are, and doing a good job of it) by holding it somewhere else. My prediction is that it will again be at Disney, sometime in the future.

p.s.- The Great Carnack is rarely wrong.

Joe Matt

05-12-2002, 16:27

Thanks for calling me a complete moron. :)

Now to why Disney can hold more than Huston.

Lets look at the two major factors that everyone can agree on:

Transportation
Lodgeing

Transportation

The capactiy for approx. each Disney bus is around 35 people. Each bus runs at intervals of 5 mins on most days durring closing and such. 60 mins/ 5 min intervals= 16 buses and hour. Times 35 and 16 you get 560 people per hour on buses to each hotel. FIRST had around 5 hotels they used. 5 X 560= 2800 people per hour out of the FIRST stadium. Around 20,000 people were there last year, leaving at varaying hours. Each hotel was less than 20 miles from Epcot. This allows for people to easily get to and get out of FNC (FIRST Nationals Center, my little name for the competition location) and get to their hotels FAST.

Lodgeing

There were around 5 on and off site hotels that held FIRST kids. I don't want to look up nor find the occupancy of each room and how many rooms were reserved by FIRST teams. But with two cheep places to stay (All Stars and the new Pop Century), many teams won't spend more than $60 per nite in a good room.

Lets not get into entertainment. Each park can hold anywhere from 50,000-90,000 each.

Jim Giacchi

05-12-2002, 16:53

Personally i was still holding out for Disney, number one reason is that now it WILL be a field trip.

Its (Fill in time) everyone its time to go to (fill in with a location i.e. field, park, food).

When we were in Disney i didn't see my advisor for five days. Now i won't be able to get away from him. Plus this was the first year i could go to pleasure island and now im screwed. Im pretty dissapointed. Will i still go, probably. Will it be as good, I don't think anyone thinks so.

Kevin Sevcik

05-12-2002, 16:57

ok. first things first. FOR GODSAKES IT'S HOUSTON! ahem. thank you. now then, I think Houston is easily capable of supporting FIRST. Transportation issues can be easily resolved with charter busses from the package hotels. As the busses won't be stopping at umpteen other locations, things will work out well. Lodging is easy. 14,000 people is a small drop in a rather large bucket. The hotel rooms will end up being loads cheaper anyways, when you factor in the money you save by not buying useless park hoppers and over-priced Disney meal "coupons".
Entertainment is what you make it. There are plenty of things to do if you don't like Astroworld. There's the Space Center, and Galveston, and the Kemah Boardwalk, all south of Houston. Kemah would actually make a reasonably good replacement for Downtown Disney. Along with the Galleria, and Katy Mills Mall, and the Marque thingy (movies, shops, and a Vans Skatepark).

posted by Alfred Thompson
I spent very little time in the parks last year. Except for eating. I will miss the food at Disney. I have a friend in Houston and I am hoping that he can tell me where to good places to eat are. I am not happy about the idea of typical stadium food for 3 days.

There's a good amount of restaurants around the Dome. Most are typical chains like Chili's, etc. I know there's one REALLY good little place just north of the Dome, but I've forgotten exactly where it is.

Jon K.

05-12-2002, 17:01

Originally posted by Kevin Sevcik
Entertainment is what you make it. There are plenty of things to do if you don't like Astroworld. There's the Space Center, and Galveston, and the Kemah Boardwalk, all south of Houston. Kemah would actually make a reasonably good replacement for Downtown Disney. Along with the Galleria, and Katy Mills Mall, and the Marque thingy (movies, shops, and a Vans Skatepark)

The only problem is the fact that how do we get to these places???? Yah know it is reall great that they are there but with no way to get to them you are kinda screwed.

D.J. Fluck

05-12-2002, 17:04

Originally posted by JosephM
Disney can (and is) expanding to hold more teams. Pop Century. This hotel would have been the FIRST HQ. .

Pop Century was never completed due to lack of funds <edit> (Not because they don't have the money to, its just that the money would benifit going somewhere else instead) </edit>, also Disney really doesn't ever have hotel avalibility problems, so many hotels open on a daily basis, people can find a cheaper hotel if they open their eyes and look. The other 360 days of the year, Disney wouldn't make anywhere near what they would during the championship.

Originally posted by JosephM
Huston

Houston :)

Originally posted by JosephM
Transportation

The capactiy for approx. each Disney bus is around 35 people. Each bus runs at intervals of 5 mins on most days durring closing and such. 60 mins/ 5 min intervals= 16 buses and hour. Times 35 and 16 you get 560 people per hour on buses to each hotel. FIRST had around 5 hotels they used. 5 X 560= 2800 people per hour out of the FIRST stadium. Around 20,000 people were there last year, leaving at varaying hours. Each hotel was less than 20 miles from Epcot. This allows for people to easily get to and get out of FNC (FIRST Nationals Center, my little name for the competition location) and get to their hotels FAST.

Thats for people staying on Disney property, but for the people that weren't, they got their busses at 4 or 5 time periods a day from outside charter buses hired by FIRST or supplied by the hotel. Also, even on the disney hotels, they had outside charter buses come in and transport people to the competition in the morning.

Originally posted by JosephM
Lodgeing

There were around 5 on and off site hotels that held FIRST kids. I don't want to look up nor find the occupancy of each room and how many rooms were reserved by FIRST teams. But with two cheep places to stay (All Stars and the new Pop Century), many teams won't spend more than $60 per nite in a good room.

Lets not get into entertainment. Each park can hold anywhere from 50,000-90,000 each.

Where did you get 5 on and offsite hotels?
I can think of at least 8 or 9 offsite alone, not even counting the Disney hotels. Thats just off the top of my head.

Also, you have no idea what kind of rates Houston is giving us, but im sure that it will be a lot lower for better quality than the disney inflated themed hotels.

Also, who cares about park size?
Remember, we are here for the competition, not the park.

<edit> One last thing </edit>
Originally posted by jk2005

The only problem is the fact that how do we get to these places???? Yah know it is reall great that they are there but with no way to get to them you are kinda screwed.

If you would read the hotel info, most of the hotels give free transportation to places within a few miles of the hotel.

Any other questions??

Joe Matt

05-12-2002, 17:06

Originally posted by Kevin Sevcik
ok. first things first. FOR GODSAKES IT'S HOUSTON! ahem. thank you. now then, I think Houston is easily capable of supporting FIRST. Transportation issues can be easily resolved with charter busses from the package hotels. As the busses won't be stopping at umpteen other locations, things will work out well. Lodging is easy. 14,000 people is a small drop in a rather large bucket. The hotel rooms will end up being loads cheaper anyways, when you factor in the money you save by not buying useless park hoppers and over-priced Disney meal "coupons".
Entertainment is what you make it. There are plenty of things to do if you don't like Astroworld. There's the Space Center, and Galveston, and the Kemah Boardwalk, all south of Houston. Kemah would actually make a reasonably good replacement for Downtown Disney. Along with the Galleria, and Katy Mills Mall, and the Marque thingy (movies, shops, and a Vans Skatepark).

posted by Alfred Thompson

There's a good amount of restaurants around the Dome. Most are typical chains like Chili's, etc. I know there's one REALLY good little place just north of the Dome, but I've forgotten exactly where it is.

Dude, we live in the real world, where things need to be put to the test. Meal Tickets arn't useless, except if you can withstand not eating for 5 days. Disney testst their system EVERY DAY. Not on special occasions. They have their own fleat, not some charter busses that arn't relayable. Anyone know the last time they were mad at a Cast Member? Neither do I. So I think we can assume that HOuston's employes won't be as good as Disney's.

The world isn't a press release. We need proof, not spin something can happen. So far, Disney has pulled out.

rees2001

05-12-2002, 17:08

All of the above points are fine. I am sure FIRST & HOuston have worked out all of the details in regards to hotels & transportation, don't forget they get to do a "trial run" the week before...Lone Star Regional. Which by the way still hasn't filled up yet. If YOU ALL want to go to NATS so bad & don't qualify just go to to the Lone Star Regional 1 week earlier. & BTW I think it is great that ANY park is opening it's doors for FIRST.

Mike Schroeder

05-12-2002, 17:11

Originally posted by JosephM

Dude, we live in the real world, where things need to be put to the test. Meal Tickets arn't useless, except if you can withstand not eating for 5 days. Disney testst their system EVERY DAY. Not on special occasions. They have their own fleat, not some charter busses that arn't relayable. Anyone know the last time they were mad at a Cast Member? Neither do I. So I think we can assume that HOuston's employes won't be as good as Disney's.

The world isn't a press release. We need proof, not spin something can happen. So far, Disney has pulled out. yes a real world, Meal tickets were not usless, but you can eat with out them. Disney doesnt use there "fleet" for the competition, Disney Cruise line service helps, but most of the work is done my Mears Transportation, i dont think they are owned by disney though, and they are reliable if i say so myself

Well If you pay a person enough they will kiss peoples feet, so yes they probobly will be the same.

Kevin Sevcik

05-12-2002, 17:13

OK, Disney might have a tested system and what not. We'll assume for the moment that all aspects of Disney will be better than Houston. The facts are that Disney doesn't care about FIRST. Disney cares about how much money it can make off of FIRST. Don't you recall the wonderful extra "team party fee" that you had to shell out last year to go to the party? The facts are that teams started moving out of Disney hotels and packages, and into more cost effective non-Disney hotels. When Disney started losing money, :: poof :: there goes the championship.

Joe Matt

05-12-2002, 17:14

In response to Flucks' post:

1.) Thank's for clearing that up. Since there are more hotel's than I guessed, then that increases the people per hour capacity twofold.

2.) I think that you will find hotel rooms very close to what Disney offered.

3.) The park capacity was in response to that Houston can handel larg events well for entertainment.

Lets just say this, if Houston sucks this April, I won't say 'I told you so.'

dlavery

05-12-2002, 17:15

Originally posted by JosephM

Thanks for calling me a complete moron. :)
...
Now to why Disney can hold more than Huston.
...
Lodgeing
...
60 mins/ 5 min intervals= 16 buses and hour.
...
Around 20,000 people were there last year, leaving at varaying hours.
...
But with two cheep places to stay ...

"Huston" spelled properly is "Houston"

"Lodgeing" spelled properly is "Lodging"

1 bus every 5 minutes for 1 hour = 13 buses (assuming buses at 0 minutes and 60 minutes), not 16 buses

"varaying" spelled properly is "varying"

"Cheep" spelled properly is "cheap"

If you are going to flame, then please at least use spelling, grammar, and logic that can be easily read and understood, so we can at least know why you are so upset. I may not agree, but I would like to at least understand.

-dave

Joe Matt

05-12-2002, 17:18

Originally posted by Kevin Sevcik
OK, Disney might have a tested system and what not. We'll assume for the moment that all aspects of Disney will be better than Houston. The facts are that Disney doesn't care about FIRST. Disney cares about how much money it can make off of FIRST. Don't you recall the wonderful extra "team party fee" that you had to shell out last year to go to the party? The facts are that teams started moving out of Disney hotels and packages, and into more cost effective non-Disney hotels. When Disney started losing money, :: poof :: there goes the championship.

35 years and going of a good working transportation system. Houston, a few days here and there.

Second, what makes you think that Disney doesn't care about FIRST. Was it that they worked over 3 months before and after the comp to build the #%#%#%#% stadium. They created that huge FIRST logo in metal for us. They closed part of Epcot for us. They had a fireworks show. And then they had the TV Movie and various other promotion of FIRST on TV and other things. I see FIRST will be seen as a neucence for Houston.

And let me get this straight, if I thought than anywhere else could handle FIRST, I wouldn't disagree with it at all. But I do not think Houston will be a good choice.

Brandon Martus

05-12-2002, 17:21

Originally posted by JosephM
But I do not think Houston will be a good choice.

point made. moving on....

Joe Matt

05-12-2002, 17:22

Originally posted by dlavery

"Huston" spelled properly is "Houston"

"Lodgeing" spelled properly is "Lodging"

1 bus every 5 minutes for 1 hour = 13 buses (assuming buses at 0 minutes and 60 minutes), not 16 buses

"varaying" spelled properly is "varying"

"Cheep" spelled properly is "cheap"

If you are going to flame, then please at least use spelling, grammar, and logic that can be easily read and understood, so we can at least know why you are so upset. I may not agree, but I would like to at least understand.

-dave

Thanks Dave. I know my spelling is VERY bad, but sorry again everyone. Ditto for my math.

Just want to also say this: I post something that disagrees with something everyone else belives. I post and try to explain things. And all I get is more headache. :(

Mike Schroeder

05-12-2002, 17:22

Ashley Weed

05-12-2002, 17:24

Originally posted by Kevin Sevcik
Kemah would actually make a reasonably good replacement for Downtown Disney.

hmm.. what is Texas's legal age????

:p

Jon K.

05-12-2002, 17:25

Also to probe thta Disney does care about FIRST is the fact that they gave sponsorships to about 5 NEW teams this year. SO next time you say they don't care think about that.

Kevin Sevcik

05-12-2002, 17:29

I said Downtown Disney, not Pleasure Island. :p Kemah has restaurants and shopping and stuff. For those that are interested:

http://www.kemahboardwalk.com/

purplehaze357

05-12-2002, 17:29

hmm.....again i find myself listening to an arguement that will not be one.....its like obtaining peace in Isreal....there are always going to be people for it and against it....but no matter what the 2003 National Competition will still be held in the Reliant Center in Houston Texas....Nowhere else....regardless of who can hold more or what is more convienient....this will not change so stop arguing about it....

Adapt, Overcome, Conquer...

-SmJ

Johca_Gaorl

05-12-2002, 17:36

Originally posted by purplehaze357
but no matter what the 2003 National Competition will still be held in the Reliant Center in Houston Texas....Nowhere else....

Adapt, Overcome, Conquer...

*claps*

Speculating about where, why/why not, gets us nowhere...

Don Knight

05-12-2002, 17:42

Sounds to me like alot of people were attending the Nationals for the wrong reason... not for the competition but to see WDW.:confused:

I think while Houston will be a change it will be a great venue, possibly seperating the wheat (those there to compete and learn) from the chaff (those who are more worried about what rides there are)so to speak.

The level of competition and caliber of attendees will continue to rise- this change while difficult will be great for FIRST.

Looking forward to seeing all the competitors in Houston.

D.J. Fluck

05-12-2002, 17:56

Originally posted by Don Knight
Sounds to me like alot of people were attending the Nationals for the wrong reason... not for the competition but to see WDW.:confused:

I think while Houston will be a change it will be a great venue, possibly seperating the wheat (those there to compete and learn) from the chaff (those who are more worried about what rides there are)so to speak.

Bingo!!

Another positive to Houston: No disney distractions..

Championship is in Houston.

Get over it.

If you don't like it, then don't go.
-------------------------------------
I'm going... :)

118 Tech

05-12-2002, 18:13

Whenever people make comments like about a city where I lived in most of my life and Love to live, I just have to add to the arguement.

First of all to be correct on all of this Houston does have a very good Metro bus system that has been very well tested for events many times the size of a FIRST competion.

When the Houston Astros Moved to Enron/Astros Field in downtown Houson, parking was a big problem. There was no paking lot the size of the one that they have at Reliant park and many there were many of them spred out all over the downtown area. The Ballpark at Union Station's capaicty was over 42,000 over twice the size of the the Nationals competiton. The anwser to the problem. Houson Metro busses pick up locations were set up all over the downtown and one main central bus station was set. Considerng how often baseball teams play the system was very well tested. It usually takes 20 to 30 mins to clear out the area after the baseball game ends.

Now events in the Reliant Park area. Every year they hold the Houston Livestock show and Rodeo. This lasts for several weeks and every night the Dome was filled to capacity. Here again is where Metro busses come in. Parking was limited because the parking lot was filled with the carnival that they have, rodeo facilites that they set up. Metro busses would run shuttle routes to the event site to places all over Houson. Again thigns ran very smothly.

One big differnce between these is that most of these shuttle busses ran these people to there cars and once they got to their cars. They got onto the road adding more congeston to the already crouded roads. Would it be much of a problem. A little, deal is that Relaint Park was built next to Loop 610 wich I beleive is a 12 or 10 lane freeway at that part. Once people got to their cars. they got on the freeway and they were on their way.

FIRST is different, most of the busses will be transproting to hotels and most of the 20,000 people wont be driving their own cars. So that is going to elieviate alot of the congestion problems as some people invision.

Remeber Houston is the 4th largest city in the Nation. I think it does have just a few more Metro busses than Disney has transport busses. Houston isnt really that overcrouded city on the brim of bursting as some people think it is.

I dont think food will be a problem. I heard somewhere that people in Houson eat out more than any other city in the US. That also may be a big contributing factor to Houston bieng the "fattest" city in the US. Houston has sooo many great resturants. Anything with "papa" in its name is usually pretty good(there is a Papasitos on the freeway right next to the Astro complexes), anything owned by Tillman Feritita, Texas Tech Grad and the Landrys chain, Aquarium resturants, Rainforest Cafes, Joes Crabshacks, Willie G's and Kemah Boardwalk owner, is usually pretty good but expensive, usually the places on Richmond Avene are pretty good but alittle of a drive from the event site, its also a good place for after hours entertainment like 18 and up bars and dance clubs, I can see it now FIRST robotics takes over the Hurricane Hut(Yeah right, that just sounds funny), that would probably be like the 2000 Nationals Wrap party(118 stories that will never leave Florida :-x ). For those of you who cant stand the stadium food, there is a McDonalds across the freeway from Relaint Park and right next to Astroworld.

I know these places are harder to get to without a car. But many of these places will deliver to large events and the great food is here. Also the transpotation is here but it will take some getting use to.

I know people fear change as Dean does point out in his interviews about his Segway, but you guys need to try it before you start to judge. I too was skeptical that a Houston would be as good a place to hold it than Florida but I do think thigns will be fine. Really FIRST is supposed to be about the people not Disney and I think that if its really about that, then you could take away Disney and it would be just the same. Maybe now people can focus more on whats really important, like Dean says, the people.

Finally I would like welcome you all to Houston, we are very honored to host Nationals. Cant wait to see you guys there.

Chris
One of the two radio toting, Leatherman carrying, webpage designing, EE majoring, FIRST junkies on 118's college student Alumni team.

10/18/02 ;)

Madison

05-12-2002, 18:20

Originally posted by Don Knight
Sounds to me like alot of people were attending the Nationals for the wrong reason... not for the competition but to see WDW.:confused:

Please see FIRST and Success: A Question of Defintion (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15040&highlight=success). Thanks.

I went to Nationals to see Walt Disney World. It was the vacation I owed to myself after working long, hard hours for well over 6 weeks. I can't speak for others, but I doubt I'm entirely alone. Having the Championship be there was just an additional benefit.

Now, onto bigger fish . . .

Houston is a major metropolitan area. It can handle an influx of 20,000 people. There is no question of this. There are more than adequate hotel rooms.

We are competing in a large arena and convention center-style complex. They are experienced and equipped to handle large events. This is why FIRST chose Houston and not Oconomowoc, WI. (:p) Getting teams to and from the competition, organizing and putting on the show, and holding a first-class event are givens. Astroworld isn't the greatest theme park on Earth. It's not even close, really, but it is entertainment. If I were in Houston, I wouldn't skip Astroworld, but now I must decide if Astroworld + FIRST is the killer combination of vacation goodness that Walt Disney World + FIRST was. For me, Walt Disney World won't be the same without FIRST and FIRST won't be the same without Walt Disney World. It may, however, be just as good.

I envisage that transportation to other area attractions may be difficult. I don't know to what extent Houston has public transportation nor how convenient it may be. The Astrodome complex's proximity to I-610 indicates to me that's reasonably far from the city center, and thus walking doesn't seem to be an adequate option.

I worry about food some. Epcot provided many varied and unique eating opportunities. I can't live off Stadium food for a day, let alone three. I echo that sentiment wholeheartedly.
Six Flags' food isn't something to write home about.

Disney's 'Event Fee' was in no way unfair, exploitative or manipulative. It was paid by everyone. It was necessary. Last year's packages were cheaper than in previous years, even, if I recall correctly. I do not want to go into this again in detail. I've already made several lengthy posts that explain, item by item, how Disney arrives at their pricing.

The event will be top-notch. I have no doubts about that. FIRST puts on a good show. But, being part of an even-numbered team, I'm viewing this from what may be a unique perspective among many of the posters in this thread. Our team isn't banking on qualifying for the Championship, as we value our experience moreso than our victory, and we're glad to be fortunate enough to attend three regionals. So, due to that, I am decided whether or not to attend the Championship as a spectator. So, right now, I'm exactly what FIRST is looking for - and I'm less than impressed. There's not enough in it for me just yet, and I'm already in love with FIRST. In Houston, barring something amazing, how many people is FIRST really attracting to come see their show? There's no vacation destination in Houston. There's very little that will draw a family from half-way across the country. What is FIRST doing to make itself more palatable to the masses? As a considerably biased spectator, I think they could do more.

I think the competition will be as exciting as ever. I don't know if the trip will be.

Now - has anyone called Continental Airlines yet to see exactly what sort of airfare rates they're holding for us? Again, I am pleased to see that as an individual traveller, these rates are available to me. That, despite everything else, is an incentive to get me there.

dlavery

05-12-2002, 18:35

Originally posted by JosephM
Thanks Dave. I know my spelling is VERY bad, but sorry again everyone. Ditto for my math. Just want to also say this: I post something that disagrees with something everyone else belives. I post and try to explain things. And all I get is more headache. :(

Joseph –

Sorry, that was a “cheep” shot, and inappropriate. I apologize.

But I admit to getting very frustrated watching this whole thread stream by (Brandon – when was the last time a thread grew THIS FAST?). It seems that some people are absolutely committed to finding the grey lining inside every silver cloud, and it just gets tiring after a while.

Last time I checked, I thought people were trying to go to the FIRST National Competition for the COMPETITION, not for the theme parks, shopping malls, local restaurants, etc. Almost all of the discussion on this thread has focused on the secondary, or even tertiary, aspects of what happens at the competitions. Precious little has been discussed about how well the competition itself will run in the new venue.

FIRST, the sponsors, contributors, engineers, and supporting organizations are all putting an awful lot of time, effort and money into this program (and yes, I know that the students do too). Every one of them has had to make at least one argument (and sometimes many, many arguments) with their upper management that the program and teams should be supported, because it is a valuable and (in one fashion or another) brings an eventual return on the investment. Those efforts are severely challenged when we find out that students are more interested in the “vacation” aspects of the trips to the competitions than they are in the competition itself.

You guys want to get all huffy and indignant that you don’t get to go to Disney this year and have to “settle” with going to Houston? Fine. Keep that attitude when you stand up in front of your next board meeting with your sponsor(s) - like Infineon/Invensys or NASA/SUNY Stony Brook - and ask for several thousands of dollars from them to fund your trips to the competition. Then try and provide an honest answer when they ask why in the world they should spent corporate dollars to fund your participation in a program that sends you on a trip to an amusement park.

Additionally, I can virtually guarantee that no one on this thread knows all the details of the discussions, arguments, negotiations, and deal-making/breaking that FIRST went through leading up to their decision to move the competition. We can spend months second-guessing that decision. But the simple fact is, the decision has been made, for whatever reason, and the teams only have one choice to make: to attend or not. You can either spend lots of energy complaining about it and whining about how you don’t like the bus system or the theme park across the road or the food, etc., or you can try to figure out how to make a positive experience from the whole thing.

Maybe it is only me, but I think some serious attitude adjustment is in order here.

Flame off.

-dave (gets down off soapbox)

Tom Schindler

05-12-2002, 18:49

I agree with purplehaze357 -

FIRST is not about the location, or the rides, or the entertainment. It is about the people, we are FIRST, we will make what we want of it.

So lets all go to houston and have a "hell of a time"

sanddrag

05-12-2002, 18:52

Any word on hotel or airline fairs? Also, is Six Flags free for FIRSTers?

Redhead Jokes

05-12-2002, 19:03

Originally posted by M. Krass

Now - has anyone called Continental Airlines yet to see exactly what sort of airfare rates they're holding for us?

Our rookie called and said she was so disappointed that it was only 10% off. She did give them the FIRST #'s, and asked if they were sure that was the discount for FIRST. They said yes. She didn't tell me prices.

Matt Reiland

05-12-2002, 19:11

Originally posted by dlavery

Maybe it is only me, but I think some serious attitude adjustment is in order here.

Ahhh it's definately not only you Dave, I never made it to Epcot last year at the Nationals because I was there number 1 to support the team and number 2 to see the fantastic work of every other team out there. We already noticed this year that since we are an even team and the trip isn't automatic some of the dead weight has disappeared (BOTH students and engineers) and I say FINALLY! The people that were looking for a free trip didn't deserve it, the people that really wanted to be there for the reasons I think FIRST stands for really could care less if the roller coasters aren't the best, that's pretty far down on the list of concerns as it should be.

There is still allot of time left before the event, I hope some of the people out there would appreciate the chance to even go to a Nationals event a little more. I can't even tell you how many teams I know of that only wished they had a sponser, or better yet the money to go to Nationals where ever it is. This year we will start helping 3 more teams that had sponsers go out of business or not have the extra budget to support a team. NONE of those students are complaining that Nationals has moved I assure you.

If we win a reigonal (crosses fingers) and are able to go, I will be proud to visit Texas (Nicer weather & less clouds than Detroit)and I will enjoy the event no matter what happens. Every team should also.

Ashley Weed

05-12-2002, 19:15

Originally posted by M. Krass
There's very little that will draw a family from half-way across the country.

1. I wish you could convince my parents of this.
2. I will be driving 1604 miles, one way, to arrive to the Astrodome.

Ken Leung

05-12-2002, 19:42

Originally posted by dlavery

Additionally, I can virtually guarantee that no one on this thread knows all the details of the discussions, arguments, negotiations, and deal-making/breaking that FIRST went through leading up to their decision to move the competition. We can spend months second-guessing that decision. But the simple fact is, the decision has been made, for whatever reason, and the teams only have one choice to make: to attend or not. You can either spend lots of energy complaining about it and whining about how you don’t like the bus system or the theme park across the road or the food, etc., or you can try to figure out how to make a positive experience from the whole thing.

Maybe it is only me, but I think some serious attitude adjustment is in order here.

Flame off.

-dave (gets down off soapbox)

Well said, Dave and Matt.

While I agree that Disney's parks are great places for vacation, and its fun and relaxing for teams and FIRST participants to visit them and unwind, I still have to say the Championship event is the most important thing out of the whole trip. Some of the most important value of going to the championship event are:

Competing with major teams from around the country under the same roof.
Meet all the other enthusiastic FIRST-a-holic and realize we are all in this together.
Have a chance to shoot for the Champion title.

I still remember when Joe Ross posted his little hoax, everyone was so worried that there wasn't going to be a Championship event at all. Not because there won't be rides at Disney, but because there won't be the competition.

For those of you out there who are going to the Championship Event for rides, I suggest you book your trip to Disney again just so you won't be "disappointed" next year. As far as I knows, Disney is still open for everyone to go. If you aren't interested in the competition itself, by all means make yourself happy and go to whereever you want. I am not being sarcastic or anything... I really do believe if you want to do something bad enough, you can really make it happen.

Mean while, the rest of us are going to go to Houston and check out what the Championship Event will be like. None of us will know what the event will be like until we go there. Mean while, you cannot deny the possibility that you might have fun there.

I can't say that there won't be changes at the event this year... I know for certain that it will be different. But it is still going to be one of the most valuable experience and FIRSTers could have. A lot of teams couldn't go to the Championship event due to money, or the distance, but the ones who does, they always came back talking about how much of a great time they had at the competition.

For those of you who thinks that Disney World is a great place for FIRST, I agree with you, and so do a lot more people. FIRST probably tried everything they can to get the Championship event back to Disney, but it just didn't work out. Houston must be the next best thing. Frankly, I am very thankful that FIRST tried so hard to make sure we HAVE a championship event this year.

And hey, why the negative attitude? There are different way to deal with changes, you can accept it and try to see what good things might come out of changes, or you can reject it and keep on thinking how the past is so good. For me, I am going to look forward to next year's Championship event, and try my best to go.

And remember, without FIRST, those 20,000 people would've have gone to Disney in the first place.

Joe Matt

05-12-2002, 20:00

For the final time: my goals in the Championship WEREN'T to go ride every ride at Disney. They wern't to go and see the sights. Mine was to have fun, help my team, and learn. Simple as that. The reason why I liked it being at WDW was that a.) more people could come and see the competition b.) it was more relaxing than, say, the middle of a metropolitan city c.) I wasn't forced to stay in a hotel for hours upon hours. WDW was an option that was there if anyone wanted to use it. It had qauilty. It was clean. It had a set standard, just like FIRST. They held themselves to a higher standard like FIRST does.

I WON'T be going to Texas not that I would only go to Disney, but that I frankly lost intrest in seeing a big city and going to another stadium. OH BOY!!! Lets pay the same to enter a half #%#%#% theme park as it does Disney!

FUN
FUN
FUN

And for the final time guys, I find it rude and uncalled for when you say people who are dedicated to FIRST to say they are in it for the trip. If anyone of us was, then we wouldn't be here debateing to make FIRST better.

Dave Flowerday

05-12-2002, 20:01

Last time I checked, I thought people were trying to go to the FIRST National Competition for the COMPETITION, not for the theme parks, shopping malls, local restaurants, etc.
Hmmm... seems like this is an incorrect assumption:
I went to Nationals to see Walt Disney World. It was the vacation I owed to myself after working long, hard hours for well over 6 weeks. I can't speak for others, but I doubt I'm entirely alone.
I don't understand why those who feel this way don't just book a vacation to Disney and not bother going to the Championship. Then their vacation won't be "interrupted" with trips back to the Competition area to watch their team compete.

I'm pretty sure I'm not alone when I say that I view the Competition itself as the reward I owe myself after working long, hard hours for well over 6 weeks.

Jnadke

05-12-2002, 20:05

Originally posted by weedie
Originally posted by Kevin Sevcik
Kemah would actually make a reasonably good replacement for Downtown Disney.

hmm.. what is Texas's legal age????

:p

Darn!

I'm sorry everyone. Houston just won't work.

The gambling age there is 21 :(

Madison

05-12-2002, 20:06

This is scary.

A flight on Continental Airlines from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Houston's George Bush International Airport, with one week's notice and assuming Continental Airlines, is $1317 ea., round trip. FIRST gets a discount of, apparently, 10%, or $131.70. So, add in taxes and we call it $1200 ea. A skeleton crew of 6 people would be $7200 in airfare alone. Registration is an additional $4000. The closest hotel to the site is charging approximately $150/night, I would guess. That's another $900. (2 rooms @ 3 nights).

So, right there, we've racked up a considerable bill of $12,100. All due in 4 days time?

Air fare on other carriers is considerably cheaper, but not cheap. Travelocity shows the lowest fare to be ~$700. Fare from other cities may be a bit cheaper, of course. This is worst case.

I understand that FIRST does its best, but I can't even imagine what other options they had to consider. This could be really bad for some teams - especially those that sets their sights on victory. Good luck, everyone.

Wayne C.

05-12-2002, 20:08

Houston- I can't wait.

Ok, OK- I predicted May 3rd- but I got the place right!!

I called Continental tonight and got rates for our team to go from NJ- they quoted $250- about the same as we paid for Orlando last year. Not bad. If you are interested why not call at the contact FIRST supplied?

Reading the above posts I also agree with Dave and Matt and Ken. Disney was nice as a venue because it was contained. It sounds like the Reliant Center will be pretty close in that regard too.

But those who are complaining that they will miss the Disney theme parks- geez! We went for the past three years and to tell the truth, I spent maybe five hours of the whole three years in the parks. There just isn't time if you are seriously involved with your team.

purplehaze357

05-12-2002, 20:11

Originally posted by weedie

1. I wish you could convince my parents of this.
2. I will be driving 1604 miles, one way, to arrive to the Astrodome.

wanna swing by and pick me up?

1.) Carpooling helps the atmostphere
2.) I'll help with gas $

Wayne C.

05-12-2002, 20:17

Houston- I can't wait. My stetson is ready!!

Ok, OK- I predicted May 3rd- but I got the place right!! We are competiuting at Rutgers the weekend before and I just hope they can get the robots to Texas in time. But I willleave that to FIRST and Fedex.

I called Continental tonight and got rates for our team to go from NJ. They quoted $250- about the same as we paid for Orlando last year. Not bad. If you are interested why not call at the contact FIRST supplied?

Reading the above posts I also agree with Dave, Matt and Ken. Disney was nice as a venue because it was self contained. It sounds like the Reliant Center will be pretty close in that regard too.

But those who are complaining that they will miss the Disney theme parks- geez! We went to Epcot for the past three years and to tell the truth, I spent maybe five hours of the whole three years in the parks. There just isn't time if you are seriously involved with your team.
As for Six Flags- Our team lives very close to Six Flags Great Adventure and many of our kids have season tickets there. My own kids work there. If you've seen one you've seen them all.

The park is irrelevant- it is the game that's the thing!!

Team 25 is looking forward to seeing all our ODD friends in Houston and maybe even a few even ones. It is going to be a great season!!

WC

Madison

05-12-2002, 20:24

Originally posted by Dave Flowerday

I don't understand why those who feel this way don't just book a vacation to Disney and not bother going to the Championship. Then their vacation won't be "interrupted" with trips back to the Competition area to watch their team compete.

I'm pretty sure I'm not alone when I say that I view the Competition itself as the reward I owe myself after working long, hard hours for well over 6 weeks.

You don't understand, I'd imagine, because we probably have vastly different personal goals.

I am still deciding whether or not I want to do as you and Ken have said and book a vacation to Walt Disney World in lieue of the Championships this year. I can only afford one. With FIRST at Walt Disney World, it was a no brainer. I got to experience both. Now, it's a bit more of a troublesome problem for me. It's a personal thing, really, and I wouldn't expect that FIRST takes my love of Walt Disney World into account when its balancing its books. But, I'd hope that my opinion as a spectator is worth something.

I don't find competition appealing. I hate the stress, in fact. I don't handle it well. So, in my case, added stress on top of everything else I've already experienced isn't a pleasant thought. I attend because I do enjoy seeing the students have fun - for whatever reasons they may have. It is rewarding, of course, but it isn't exactly relaxing. Not for me, anyhow.

This, really, is all a very personal decision for me. Maybe I'm being erroneous in sharing those thoughts here. But, again, I can't help but think that I'm not the only person who feels this way. Ultimately, I will do what I decide is best for me. But, I just thought it interesting to be in the position of a spectator for the first time in awhile. I know and love FIRST for its diversity of discipline, inspiration, and motivation. I've been involved intimately going into five years. Despite that, given my distaste for competition, I am finding it to be a difficult decision regarding my attendance. How many more people like me are there out there? FIRST wants to experience growth, and it's been very successful at that so far. But, eventually, if it wants to become pop-culture friendly as so many discussions here and elsewhere indicate, I think it needs to start by drawing in people who don't have an investment in being involved. Right now, at the Championship level, I have very little invested, and I don't know that FIRST can maintain my interest for three days without some further stimulation (or one amazing game.) With Weedie being an exception, I can't imagine families planning their yearly escape around the event as it now stands. There just isn't enough meat to it for the viewing audience. If competition is your thing, it's great. If it's not, we're out of luck.

Who knows? Maybe I just don't make any sense. It wouldn't be the first time.

skrussel

05-12-2002, 20:29

I called Continental to discuss airfare, and their price from Detroit to Houston is $333. I don't believe that includes taxes. Uhh, I don;t think that's a discount.:(

Jnadke

05-12-2002, 20:35

Originally posted by skrussel
I called Continental to discuss airfare, and their price from Detroit to Houston is $333. I don't believe that includes taxes. Uhh, I don;t think that's a discount.:(

http://www.expedia.com

I checked from Detroit to Houston on April 09, 2003, returning April 14, 2003. Airfare was $209. Delta Airlines.

I checked from Detroit to Orlando, FL on April 09, 2003, returning April 14, 2003. Airfare was $290.

It's better than Disney (the alternative).

Raul

05-12-2002, 20:36

American Airlines is just $198 to Houston from Chicago! Didn't even check Continental yet - I bet it is more, even with a discount.:(

Kevin Sevcik

05-12-2002, 20:40

according to continental's website, that's cheaper than a ticket for one person to Orlando, which comes in at $339. Did you call the group sales people and recite the magic alphanumeric codes?

Also, Southwest would appear to have cheaper fares available, though I can't confirm this, cause they're only booking through Apr. 4th, at the moment. No one said you had to use Continental.

Edit: Obviously, I'm not as quick on the draw as some other forum residents.

Chubtoad

05-12-2002, 20:58

I am glad it isn't in Florida this year. This would be my fourth year and although Disney is a great place, and all things considered a very optimal enviroment, it is very very nice to have a change. Ihavent' been to texas in many years and I'm sure there are many people who have never been to Texas.

As has been said before, if the compeittion was in the middle of a gigantic empty field, would I go? yes. Would I enjoy myself as much as if I was able to be entertained by a park of some sort? who knows. My team has many many great "hotel stories" but I have some great "park stories". There are not many rides at Disney that I enjoy, but me and my friends managed to make even the boring rides mucho fun.

I think it is cool to be able to say 'We had our compeition at a major sports complex"
In the same way that It is cool to say that we are attending a regionl at the US Naval Academy (Annapolis). Everything in life is about perspective, whether you're in it for the park or the competition, anything can be fun should you open your eyes.

DUCKIE

05-12-2002, 21:38

I know that both FIRST and the people in Houston have been working very hard and will be working very hard to get everything ready for us, and for that i am thankful, but still very disapointed....

I myself liked the system that had been created at Disney over the past few Nationals I have attended. They lots of things were avalable for us within walking or tram distance, and mentors didn't mind us going to different parks as long as we were in a group of atleast 3-4. While yes... the EPCOT team party has been slightly disapointing the past few years... and i still can't believe they got mandy moore... (she's not ANYWHERE near the top of my favorite singers list)... They did have places for us to spead out and have fun. Which should be fun to try in an urban area.

I can see this whole thing doing downhill very quickly and i forsee that afterwards people will complain about....

-transportation back-ups due to crowds
-long food lines in dome
-few things to do in the area near our hotel or outside the dome (that do not require transportation) where mentors would allow us to go alone....
-few things to do period...

Our team has rented houses off site and 15 passenger vans the past few years and that has worked well for us. I doubt that we will be doing the same in houston... we will probably be crammed into a hotel like at VCU, where things got boring really quick... while yes, you can make your own games... theres only so long you can duct-tape-bowl before it gets old.

And i am really looking forward to spending the little food money i will have on greasy artery clogging food... since Chilies and less greasy food types of restaurants and the like are more expensive.

And don't get me started on Six Flags.... the rides will have huge lines and probably dull... Any above average coaster lover will probably be bored.... Six Flags just uses the same rides at their parks for the most part. And very little else to do besides cheesy kiddy rides.... at least Disney had other things to do like Who wants to be a millionaire and the behind the scenes tours. I looked up all the major rides at Six Flags Houston and found a similar ride somewhere else that i have ridden already or just look so freaking dull i shudder at my computer...

Serial Thriller = Mind Eraser (Six Flags-Darien Lake) which is faster and longer & Top Gun at Canada's Wonderland.
Batman the Escape™ = Mantis (Cedar Point)
Viper = Viper (Six Flags-Darien Lake) which is taller and longer with more loops
Texas Cyclone = Predator (Six Flags-Darien Lake) taller
Greezed Lightnin'™ = The Ranger anyone?
Mayan Mindbender =Skull Mt. (Six Flags-Great Adventure)
Ultra Twister = Viper (Six Flags-Great Adventure) Longer and Faster
Dungeon Drop = Drop Zone (Paramounts Canada Wonderland) which is 23 stories
XLR-8 = Vortex (Paramounts Canada Wonderland) faster
The Serpent = Practically anyone who has been to a "mini-theme park" like Martin's Fantasy Island has been on one of these.

Keeping in mind... we will be in there friday night and saturday night... and like at Disney when things have a tendency to run-over along with last minute robot repairs in the pit to be ready for the next day... you will be lucky to get some food and maybe ride two rides before we have to leave each night.... so thats some food and 4-5 rides. Yippie... i am so excited.....

At least the competition will be amazing as usual... there is no way that could ever be affected. I love going to watch the robots compete when i got a chance between piecing together the robot again.

-------------------------------------------------

I know i wil probably get flamed for this post... but i had to vent. Hopefully this won't all come to pass and we will actually have some fun there... at the very least i can visit family there.

Joe Matt

05-12-2002, 22:05

Wanna be friends DUCKY?

I agree totally. I have the worst spelling ever and can't display my thoughts well, and you did it for me. I think everyone will be disapointed and that everyone will want to go back to WDW.

Madison

05-12-2002, 22:30

Roller Coaster Ranting (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15369)

D.J. Fluck

05-12-2002, 22:31

Continental has always been proven to be an expensive airline...im not suprised with the high rates.

heh, I bet we could all fly United for cheap :p

On the other hand..

Im with Mr. Flowerday on the priorities of FIRST

Be happy there is a championship..

Its the expierence, not the attractions for the reason I am in FIRST..

I could honestly care less if FIRST put the championship in a corn field in Nebraska, with nothing for miles, as long as the event happened.

This is insane.

I think everyone needs to figure out why they are in FIRST, because from the response Ive heard on this board, some of these people are in FIRST for the wrong reasons.

My $0.02: Get with the program or get out of the way and make room for the people who are actually inspiried to do this competition. :mad:

David Kelly

05-12-2002, 22:39

Thanks DJ. That's what we needed to hear. I think a year to a year and a half ago i realized the real reason that im in FIRST. I have not looked at it the same way since. FIRST stands for "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology" not For Entertainment and Theme Parks for Teenagers.

Kevin Sevcik

05-12-2002, 22:40

....But surely my opinion will be held by the vast majority of other people.

Ahem. Anyways, I think that you will probably have more time in the park Friday and Saturday than you think. FIRST is buying out the park, after all, and they would realize that shutting the park down 2 hours after pits close would be silly.

As for entertainment near the hotels, I have yet to see a list of the hotels, but I'd be happy to make up a map of entertaining locales near the Dome and the package hotels.

Also, I can compile a list of dream coasters I'd love to cram into a park as well. The real question is whether the ride selection at Astroworld is really that much worse than the entertainment available at WDW. While the miscellaneous shows and tours aren't as good, I think the coaster selection is much better.

Finally, the Crawfish Festival was apparently Apr 12-13 last year in Kemah, so if it works out the same this year, you could always do that on sunday. :D

Edit: Take back the cornfield statement! I just read "Children of the Corn," and I don't like the implications.

Katie Reynolds

05-12-2002, 22:40

Facts:

The Championship is in Houston.

The Championship will take place April 10-12.

There is no Disneyworld in Houston.

There's not much that any of us can do to change it.

This is how it's going to be.

- Katie

Being involved with FIRST is a privilege, not a right.

Joe Matt

05-12-2002, 22:56

I think the coaster selection is much better.

Look out the back window, there goes your credibility with me.

I don't want to turn this into the 'we have good entertainment' 'no you don't' thread, so lets cut this off before we kill someone.

I promise to not post in this thread again just to kill it and end this horrific debate.

rollncoast

05-12-2002, 23:14

Hey, so I love this whole Houston thing, except for airfare. Can someone explain why from Cleveland to Houston... Cleveland being a hub for Continental... they tell us still $300 a person. Other airlines all being more on Expedia, Orbitz, etc. Good thing some parents of our members are travel agents :).

Cory

05-12-2002, 23:52

Originally posted by JosephM

35 years and going of a good working transportation system. Houston, a few days here and there.

Second, what makes you think that Disney doesn't care about FIRST. Was it that they worked over 3 months before and after the comp to build the #%#%#%#% stadium. They created that huge FIRST logo in metal for us. They closed part of Epcot for us. They had a fireworks show. And then they had the TV Movie and various other promotion of FIRST on TV and other things. I see FIRST will be seen as a neucence for Houston.

And let me get this straight, if I thought than anywhere else could handle FIRST, I wouldn't disagree with it at all. But I do not think Houston will be a good choice.
Hmmmm.... do you really think Disney realled gave a FREE fireworks show. Made a FREE sign, and built a FREE venue. I seriously think not. As a matter of fact I know not. Noone provides anything like that for free, let alone Disney. And anyways why are you so pissed about nats being in Houston. If you don't like it don't go. But please stop reiterating your points over and over again. We have all heard them, and you telling us every other post is not going to change our views. I believe that Houston is going to be a great venue. If it turns out to be horrible, then you can bash it all you want. Until then, please give it a chance.
And to everyone complaining about any aspect of nats, there is nothing more I would like than to be able to attend nats with my team. I had the greatest time ever last year, and I am sure I would have an even better time this year, no matter where it is held. I guess I just feel a little bitter since lots of people who can go are complaining about entertainment when people who cant attend but want to with all their hearts cannot.

Jay5780

06-12-2002, 06:49

So.... I think the smoke has cleared now...

I was reading the announcment about the Championships and found the wording to be typical of FIRST. They say that the event will be held at Reliant Park (true), but which building in the park? There are many buildings, you have the Stadium, Astrodome, Arena... should I go on? As I read on I saw this "...when you compete in the action-packed final elimination rounds in the newest state of the art, high-tech domed stadium in the NFL."

Does this mean that the event will be held in the stadium? As we all know Dean said on AM radio that it was to be held in the "old Astrodome".

Now I have a few points to make...

1. If you want to go to Disney go to Disney don't go to the Championship because it is obvious that is why you went to Nats to begin with. I do agree it was a perk.

2. It doesn't matter what you think about the travel package FIRST is offering unless your the Travel Coordinator or such for your team. If your a student and you have to pay your own way if you team goes I can understand, but you oly have one choice and that is to go or not.

3. Just like at Disney if you stayed on property there were busses that were exclusive to FIRST teams. If you stayed off-site there was not. I bet this is how it will be in Houston.

4. If you are competing in one of the last regionals and quallify for Nats your team should think about raising money for Nats NOW if you don't make it save the money for next year. You should NEVER only raise the money you need, you should ALWAYS raise as much money as possible. Keep selling that candy.

5. Your a member of your team first, but in the end you are a mamber of FIRST. When your team is competing root for your team, when there not root for your favorite team (other than your own).

Johca_Gaorl

06-12-2002, 07:04

Originally posted by Jay5780
As I read on I saw this "...when you compete in the action-packed final elimination rounds in the newest state of the art, high-tech domed stadium in the NFL."

Does this mean that the event will be held in the stadium? As we all know Dean said on AM radio that it was to be held in the "old Astrodome".

2. It doesn't matter what you think about the travel package FIRST is offering unless your the Travel Coordinator or such for your team. If your a student and you have to pay your own way if you team goes I can understand, but you oly have one choice and that is to go or not.

Those first two things seem to me like Finals will be held in the new stadium, and the rest of it in the old Astrodome. Perhaps they don't want us in the new stadium all the time...

Travel Package: 122 is a fairly well funded team; however, last year students did have to pay for the trips. It will be no different this year.

D.J. Fluck

06-12-2002, 07:41

Originally posted by Johca_Gaorl

Those first two things seem to me like Finals will be held in the new stadium, and the rest of it in the old Astrodome. Perhaps they don't want us in the new stadium all the time...

Thats what Im thinking. If you have 10,000 students/teachers/parents/engineers/volunteers in a football stadium only on Saturday afternoon, the chances of something bad happening to the brand new expensive stadium go down.

Like I said before, Continental is a good airline, but they have proven to be quite expensive in the past.

Jay5780

06-12-2002, 09:39

Hey you could look back at Gillette Stadium. A few weeks before there grand opening on Monday Night Football they lost power one day and the elevator system the next. But hey the place was only a couple months old, this place has been broken in.

I assume that the airline portion of the trip is seperate from the hotel booking giving that they gave a discount code to use. If this is the case find someone else to fly with like SouthWest they aren't booking right now for those dates, but they have promotional fares around $99 all the time.

chellyzee93

06-12-2002, 09:44

That awesome, i'm so glad that they finally made a decision. I think it will bring a lot of publicity because of it's location. No matter where the location is I know that we'll have the same great enthusiam and competition. Good Luck to all!

Tyler Olds

06-12-2002, 09:49

change can be good

Ricky Q.

06-12-2002, 10:35

Originally posted by rollncoast
Hey, so I love this whole Houston thing, except for airfare. Can someone explain why from Cleveland to Houston... Cleveland being a hub for Continental... they tell us still $300 a person. Other airlines all being more on Expedia, Orbitz, etc. Good thing some parents of our members are travel agents :).

We like the prices so far :p. Right now from Milwaukee To Houston on the dates we need is $200 round trip, without the FIRST discount, so if we can get that and cheaper we'll be happy, if not, there's always a road trip!!! :D

SuperJake

06-12-2002, 11:48

Gah! All of this arguing is making me feel like stabbing a loved one! Let's break it down, shall we?

First off, the delayed anouncement of the national competition was an indication of a problem with holding the Championship Event at WDW.

Secondly, the informative E-mail sent out to all of the teams indicated the event would not be at WDW (obviously because of a problem beyond FIRST's control) and that the event logistics were being worked out.

Thirdly, the date given by first was surpassed due to more planning on FIRST's side.

Finally, Houson, TX was announced for the even site.

Regardless of any ideas you may have of Texas, or Houston specifically, FIRST spent a lot of time planning for this event. To make sure it would fall into FIRST's standards. If the event was held at WDW this year with the problems that FIRST obviously had to avoid, it would have sucked because of the problems present at WDW (What problems? I don't know, but FIRST is avoiding them!). Would you like that? No. You'd complain because your precious entertainment was foiled by problems at WDW. Then you'd complain that FIRST should have moved the venu. Since FIRST spent all of this time planning, obviously they have addressed the fears of transportation, lodging, and food. That's what took so long. Dispite popular oppinion, the people at FIRST don't sit arround twiddling their thumbs all day. They work. They work for us to make sure we have a great event.

As for the people that are complaining about the venu being too crowded or not enough of your kind of food to go arround... first, have you ever been to Texas? Haven't you ever heard the phrase "Everything is bigger in Texas"? Having been born and raised in Texas for 13yrs, I can safely say that Texas does plan big. Especially when it comes to their sports complexes. Secondly, with food... who's saying FIRST isn't going to bring in outside food? That has not been brought up yet. Bur if you have ever been to Texas, you would know that there is an eatery withing walking distance of ANYWHERE in a big city. All you have to do is go outside and look arround. We're all smart enough to find at least one other place that will fit your needs.

Complaining doesn't do any bit of good. The logistics are set, venu is reserved. No one man (or woman) outside of FIRST HQ has the power to change this event in terms of logistics. Every year Dean and even Disney Cast Members say how dead 'FIRST City' is before all of the teams arrive. We make the event fun. We entertain ourselves. We are resourceful. Heck, we build robots in 6 weeks from scratch! I'm sure we can make this a great National Competition. People need to have some faith in FIRST.

<Deep breath> So continue your useless bickering if you'd like, but as for me, I'm going to have a great time at the Natoinals Competition. I look forward to seeing the other people devoted to FIRST in Houston!

Alfred Thompson

06-12-2002, 12:02

I continue to be amused by all the people complaining about it not being at Disney when this time last year there were so many people complaining that it WAS at Disney.

Joel J

06-12-2002, 12:07

Originally posted by Alfred Thompson
I continue to be amused by all the people complaining about it not being at Disney when this time last year there were so many people complaining that it WAS at Disney. How do I agree? Let me think of the ways.

Elgin Clock

06-12-2002, 12:21

Well, I am undecided about the news as of now.

But I have to say that for all the time it has been at disney, a company who owns many forms of media, that I have not seen or heard anything about FIRST from any disney media outlet.

I wonder if the movie is still a go???

As for Houston, I want to go for a personal reason. It will be the farthest west I have traveled!!!

team222badbrad

06-12-2002, 12:47

Why don't we all just stop saying that Houston is going to stink! Lets all give Houston a chance here, after all no one has the right to say that it isnt going to be a good Championship!! Nationals has been in Disney for 10 years now anyway! Some of us say that Disney is the only place to have the Champs, but that is because we have all attended nats for several years. Yes of course Disney is fun.

I can chat anymore is Lunch time (I am at school)

Badbrad

Ken Leung

06-12-2002, 13:47

I have to agree with some of the people that Disney World is better than Houston in hosting the Championship Event in some respect, and that not everyone prefer Disney because of reasons other than the amusement park.

But there are enough posts out there about why each of those two places are better, and both sides are right in some of the most important points. If you really have to compare the two of them, you are bound to find some pros and cons for each place.

But the truth of the matter is, like SuperJake said, Houston is the better choice this year because of problems beyond FIRST's control.

Do you think FIRST intentionally choose Houston just so teams wouldn't like it? NO. Those choose Houston because it’s the best possible choice under the circumstances. I am sure they worked really really hard trying to get the Championship Event back to Disney, but it just didn't work out.

I really think we should be more supportive of FIRST in their decision, and trust that they are the expert in running these events. After all, they have been running the competition for more than 10 years, and the program is better than ever. Its fine that we all make constructive criticism to try to help FIRST do things better, but negative criticism will do nothing to improve our situation.

I wish everyone have as much experience in running events and hosting competitions as FIRST do. That way, we will all understand why FIRST made the decision of choose Houston. But for the moment, since I’ve never done anything like that, I choose to see for myself next year when I get to Houston for the event. I hope to see everyone there too. But if you choose not to go next year, I will respect your decision, and make the best out of my time there with others who also choose to enjoy themselves. I don’t think I will have a terrible time meeting people and watching the competition and going out with friends.

You don't have to like the place FIRST choose... Pretty much most decisions FIRST make will NEVER make everyone happy. That's just the way it is, and I am sorry that some of you out there didn't get what you want this year. But that's the way it is, and we all do different things to adapt to changes. You can form your own opinion that the Championship Event won’t be as successful as before… But I choose to believe that it will be one of the finest event FIRST have ever held.

Hope to see you all at Houston. If not, I will just have to deal with that as well…

Ricky Q.

06-12-2002, 13:51

Originally posted by Ken L
You don't have to like the place FIRST choose... Pretty much most decisions FIRST make will NEVER make everyone happy. That's just the way it is, and I am sorry that some of you out there didn't get what you want this year. But that's the way it is, and we all do different things to adapt to changes. You can form your own opinion that the Championship Event won’t be as successful as before… But I choose to believe that it will be one of the finest event FIRST have ever held.

Hope to see you all at Houston. If not, I will just have to deal with that as well…

Agreed, and look at it this way: you could be coming to Oconomowoc :p

Matt Reiland

06-12-2002, 14:07

Originally posted by Ricky Q.

Agreed, and look at it this way: you could be coming to Oconomowoc :p

Or better yet Pewaukee!!!! ;) Jusk kidding that's where I grew up right next to Oconomowoc!!

Alfred Thompson

06-12-2002, 14:13

Ah for the good old days when the Championship was held in Nashua NH.

Ricky Q.

06-12-2002, 16:09

Originally posted by Matt Reiland

Or better yet Pewaukee!!!! ;) Jusk kidding that's where I grew up right next to Oconomowoc!!

Well then you know about all the exciting things to do around here :p

Elgin Clock

06-12-2002, 17:02

Originally posted by Alfred Thompson
Ah for the good old days when the Championship was held in Nashua NH.

Alfred, how was everyone's reaction when it was moved from Nashaua to Florida?? Were the conversations this heated???

I know this web-board wasn't around then but what do you think was the general attitude to being moved to Fl. (how many years was it in Florida?)

Alfred Thompson

06-12-2002, 17:16

I wasn't involved during the transition to Florida. Our school lost its sponsor after the year the Championship was held at Nashua High (two years after it was in our gym) and I lost touch for a while.

Someone around here must know though.

Dave Flowerday

06-12-2002, 17:17

(how many years was it in Florida?)
I'm quite sure that 1995 (my first year in FIRST) was the first time it was at Epcot. Yup, just checked: see this (http://web.archive.org/web/19961125044807/usfirst.org/news/960210.html).
I don't remember anyone complaining about it at all. Of course, we didn't have any web boards back then either. There was much less communication between teams back then.

Just think: there were 43 teams at Nationals that year.

Jnadke

06-12-2002, 17:45

Which would you rather have:

1. A championship you couldn't attend at Disney (due to the very limited space in the FIRST village and the increasing number of teams).

or

2. A championship where everyone is allowed to attend at Houston, due to the larger facilities.

If you choose 1, then you are in FIRST just for the Disney vacation. Disney was running out of room. FIRST needed more room so they can take more teams. I would rather have a fun championship with everyone rather than a selective championship with an elite few.

Joe Matt

06-12-2002, 17:47

Originally posted by Jnadke
Which would you rather have:

1. A championship you couldn't attend at Disney (due to the very limited space in the FIRST village and the increasing number of teams).

or

2. A championship where everyone is allowed to attend at Houston, due to the larger facilities.

If you choose 1, then you are in FIRST just for the Disney vacation. Disney was running out of room. FIRST needed more room so they can take more teams. I would rather have a fun championship with everyone rather than a selective championship with an elite few.

If FIRST was getting to big for Disney, then why did they move and still have the same amount of openings?

Chubtoad

06-12-2002, 18:02

Originally posted by Jnadke
FIRST needed more room so they can take more teams. I would rather have a fun championship with everyone rather than a selective championship with an elite few.

From what I've heard the ultimate decision about Disney was not due to our size. Disney was planning for FIRST a certain weekend and FIRST said no because of AP's and what not, and the only other date available got taken up by some large convention that had booked out most of the hotels and airplanes or atleast where there wasn't enough left for us, at a reasonable price.

Yes I know that Dean said in the radio interview that is was size, but that was jsut PR i believe. It woudl be nice if they opened up to more teams, but as of yet they have made no notification of this and the Page about Qualifying for Nats is still very prominent upon logging into the Team Registration area. But You never know what might happen!

VIVA LA HOUSTON!!

MrsT

06-12-2002, 19:44

We reserved flights today!.......40 people non-stop BWI to Houston....a little cheaper than 2 yr ago to Orlando!....less than $200 WITH the tax!

It doesn't matter WHERE - thousands of teenagers together are going to have FUN no matter what!

MrsT:)

Katie Reynolds

06-12-2002, 23:53

Originally posted by Matt Reiland
Or better yet Pewaukee!!!! ;) Jusk kidding that's where I grew up right next to Oconomowoc!!
I got um .. lost .. in Pewaukee .. .. .. :confused:

I still think it should be in O-town (Oconomowoc, that is!) ;)

- Katie

Rich Wong

07-12-2002, 13:35

Yes I know that Dean said in the radio interview that is was size, but that was jsut PR i believe. It woudl be nice if they opened up to more teams, but as of yet they have made no notification of this and the Page about Qualifying for Nats is still very prominent upon logging into the Team Registration area. But You never know what might happen!

VIVA LA HOUSTON!! [/B][/QUOTE]
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was told that the arena capacity and cost of the new Venue matter the most.

In 2001 FIRST Nat'l maxed out WDW. This forced FIRST to use an odd/even system (which s****). This system really goes against FIRST's mission: if a student joins the team in their junior or
senior year, there is a probability he/she will never see a
National competition.

Also a bigger and safer venue is really necessary. FIRST needed
an indoor facility to house 10,000+ people, 1,200+ teams and three to four FRC field without weather problems.

Where can you get space that big other than a football stadium?
And have a theme park for the students?
And mid-point between East and West coast?
And is not in the snow regions?
And does not cost a lot?

Texas!
:D

D.J. Fluck

07-12-2002, 15:07

"The stars at night
Are big and bright
Deep in the heart of Texas
The prairie sky
Is wide and high
Deep in the heart of Texas
The sage in bloom
Is like perfume
Deep in the heart of Texas
Reminds me of
he one I love
Deep in the heart of Texas

The coyotes wail
Along the trail
Deep in the heart of Texas
The rabbits rush
Around the brush
Deep in the heart of Texas
The cowboys cry
Ki-yip-pee-yi
Deep in the heart of Texas
The dogies bawl
And bawl and bawl
Deep in the heart of Texas" :)

Ben Mitchell

08-12-2002, 12:32

Originally posted by robo hottie71
The other thing to consider is that the Championship Event will draw someting like 20,000 people. Granted, not everyone will go to the park on Friday, but the majority will. Therefore, lets say you have 15,000 people in the park.
Kev

Yikes, that is a lot of people.

This reminds me - does anyone have an estimate of the number of people at the nationals?

I figure 40 (and that is high number) of people per team

X 400 (4 divisions, of 100 teams, again, I am begin very generous)

That is a total of 16000 people - the real nats had (to my knowledge of 2001-2002 game) 4 divisions of 80 teams.

That would equal 12800 people total, with 40 peopel per team.

Say, the number of people per team was dropped to 30 (some teams bring a lot, others bring very little)

That would be 9600 people.

I figure that 12000 would be a reasonable estimate for people total at the nationals.

But I digress
*********************************
Personally, I am very happy that FIRST moved out of Disney. Food was very expensive there, and things were cramped and everything was pricey.

Texas! Ahh, that's my kind of place, where we can just spread out and have some wide open spaces! And we can listen to some quality country music and not urban rap! What a refreshment!:p

Also, With the nats being held in Reliant Park, I assume that FIRST does not need to create the huge tent city. That would really lower prices. It will interesting to see how much this trip will cost - it is more centrally located that FL, and the venue I think is much more expandable.

If this year works out, The Nats should stay there. Disney gave us the 5 day passes, but I never used mine, it was a waste of money. Plus, 6 Flags is opening up their park - Disney never really did that.

GO TEXAS! I am all for this move!

Ben Mitchell

08-12-2002, 12:57

Whoa, I just read through all that flame and logic and postings. Ouch, second degree burns...someone get me some ice!

I don't understand - why would you go to WDW with your FIRST team and care more about WDW?

When I went to Florida in 2001, I had no TIME to do anything! I was getting to sleep at 2 am and waking up at 6 am - between robotics and sleep, I had a day of down-time that I used to visit DisneyQuest (way cool)

But the 5 day pass was completely worthless, and the food and transportation would definitely hike up rates. Plus, there wasn't a place easily accessible for food at Disney - from my knowledge, you had to take a bus out - so I was stuck into buying yucky Disney food.

Things look a lot brighter with the Nationals in a new place. Every year, there seems to be a wash of criticism after the nationals of things that were bad. At least Houston is a relatively unknown quantity - It could be really good, really bad, but at least it's something different!

Besides, I always wanted to go to Texas...

I bet prices would be equivalent or cheaper too. (Good for me)

Harrison

09-12-2002, 19:25

All I can really say is:

Texas! Here we come!

Tyler Olds

09-12-2002, 21:37

Originally posted by Ricky Q.
If your team happens to qualify for The Championship at one of the regionals 1 Week before the event, its going to be really difficult to get all your logistics figured out and get there.

You'd have one week to first, find $4000, then book your travel and lodging, get your robot there by whatever deadline they set and manage to not go insane, because your regional would end on a Saturday :p

/me is glad we are #269 (even if we are odd)

Good luck!! :D

And I know your all dissapointed the Chamionship isn't in Oconomowoc, we just couldn't come to an agreement on a date :p You still can all stop by my house anytime, (except DJ)

I'll be there in 5 min Ricky!

Champion chips shoudl be at the midwest center in milwaukee, centralized location, and easy for my to drive to ;)

Ricky Q.

09-12-2002, 21:56

Originally posted by Butcher93
I'll be there in 5 min Ricky!

Champion chips shoudl be at the midwest center in milwaukee, centralized location, and easy for my to drive to ;)

That'd be nice, except Milw. doesn't have the best hotel space, and the center might not be big enough, Miller Park on the other hand :p

LSevcik

10-12-2002, 02:21

What a wonderful debate about nationals being in Houston! The venue change for the championship is difficult for many people to accept and a huge undertaking for FIRST. As the regional director for Texas the past 4 years, I have had the pleasure of working with some great people in FIRST's headquarters in New Hampshire. When faced with a challenge the FIRST organization always rises to the occasion.

All of the concerns mentioned in this thread are known by FIRST. These concerns will be addressed, checked, rechecked and triple checked before the championship takes place. Houston is not WDW! It has one unique thing to offer that WDW doesn't. Imagine a championship where one doesn't have to worry about a heatstroke while waiting for finals and the awards ceremony. Airconditioning for all aspects of the competition. I for one will be happy not to come back with a sunburn this year.

In my humble opinion, I think we do a pretty good job running the Lone Star regional and the nationals will be great. The experience is what you personally want to make of it.

The FIRST folks have been working very hard and hear a ratio of 19,999 complaints for each compliment they receive. I know all of the FIRST teams are great competitors and will rise to the occasion as well. The spirit of FIRST lives in all of them. Knowledge is power and the unknown is scarey but in the end the spirit of FIRST will endure.