POLL: How do you feel about Nationals being in Atlanta?? [Archive]

GregTheGreat

01-07-2003, 00:17

I agree the venue changes over the years is a good thing to do.

Although I would say that agreeing to a 3 year deal with Atlanta might me a mistake. I think that they should have a one year trial of the location to make sure that the location is suitable.

I have been to Atlanta before, and in the area of where the stadium is, and I would say that it is a very good choice for the FIRST competition. Although I was in favor of an Epcot return, I believe that Atlanta will be a very good choice for a FIRST event. The city re-constructed the highways (in '96 I believe) for the Olympics and I noticed in 2001 that they were still in good shape, which will make for decent transportation. They have a very nice city, and I would be more than happy to go there next year.

Tom Fairchild

01-07-2003, 01:02

Its going to be weird to have nationals in my backyard (Georgia Tech is a long walk or very short drive from the GA Dome) but very exciting none-the-less. Atlanta should prove to be a very good choice for nationals, both in terms of entertainment and logistics. There are TONS of hotels in walking distance of the competition, and while we can't really compare to Disney, there will be plenty to do in the days during the competition.

mtaman02

01-07-2003, 01:14

Its been awhile since I last posted.

Though I am not part of a team any more. I feel that FIRST should keep changing the venues for the nationals for a couple of reasons.

1) For all the states that Does not have a FIRST team will get a chance and good look at what these schools can have their students and teachers / businesses involved in.

2) Why hold the Championship in one spot. Many sports hold their last game in one area Let FIRST be different and have their last game in many spots so that It keeps the level of excitment to highest.

3) Prices change all the time now a days. And guranteed next year the prices for using good ol houston astrodome as a venue would have increased some bit. It best to start doing some negotiating now all major venues like WDW, or the people at Astrodome in Houston before the nationals even comes around so that by at least march theres a definite site and teams won't have to wait as long as they did for a location and planning material.

Ummmm, I think thats it over from my point of view

Koko Ed

01-07-2003, 08:42

I absolutely love it! Mostly for personal reason.
My brothers and sisters live in Atlanta and I know the city already (and it's a big beatiful city) with alot to do.
I like Six Flags Over Georgia (http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/index.asp) much more than I liked Astroworld (http://www.sixflags.com/parks/astroworld/index.asp) . I like the pick!

Yan Wang

01-07-2003, 11:14

I don't like it.

Why do all these locations have to be so far South!????? I mean, there's so many great teams in the Great Lakes area plus, it's closer to the CENTER of the country.

Don Knight

01-07-2003, 11:23

Excellent Choice

I think Atlanta will be great logistically - Major hub for airlines, infrastructure to handle masses of people, Indoor Arena and Pits, loads of stuff to do and see besides the competition.

Now if FIRST can get Coca-Cola to be the "Official Drink" of FIRST Robotics

Thanks to the FIRST staff for getting this information out so soon!

Koko Ed

01-07-2003, 11:23

Originally posted by monsieurcoffee
I don't like it.

Why do all these locations have to be so far South!????? I mean, there's so many great teams in the Great Lakes area plus, it's closer to the CENTER of the country.
Because it's early Spring and it's still pretty cold out.

Yan Wang

01-07-2003, 11:26

What does it matter if it's cold? It's colder at the Canadian Regional but hey, we're not outdoors! And, if FIRST could get a large enough arena or connected arenas, there'd be no need to walk outside....

Or perhaps I think this way cause I live in a very cold/rainy place in NY.

Koko Ed

01-07-2003, 11:34

Originally posted by monsieurcoffee
What does it matter if it's cold? It's colder at the Canadian Regional but hey, we're not outdoors! And, if FIRST could get a large enough arena or connected arenas, there'd be no need to walk outside....

Or perhaps I think this way cause I live in a very cold/rainy place in NY.
FIRST is thinking the same way they think in terms of an event like the Superbowl. They would like someplace likely to have the best possible weather conditions so they can hold events like an afterparty outside. Regionals feature anywhere from 35-65 teams. The championship features nearly 300 and it is much easier to host a party in an amusement park or a place like Centenial park than say a Madison Square Garden or places like that.
You are just going to have to accept that FIRST is going to have their championships in warm weather locations.

GregTheGreat

01-07-2003, 12:10

Well said Koko Ed.

petek

01-07-2003, 12:20

Atlanta's normals for April:
Mean temp: 62 F
Avg. rainfall: 3.6 in.

For comparison:
Orlando, FL: 72 F, 2.4 in.
Seattle, WA: 50 F, 2.4 in.

sources:
http://www.srh.noaa.gov/
http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/

WakeZero

01-07-2003, 12:29

Originally posted by GregTheGreat
Although I would say that agreeing to a 3 year deal with Atlanta might me a mistake. I think that they should have a one year trial of the location to make sure that the location is suitable.

I imagine the biggest advantage to planning this so soon is that they can start to prepare for it now. Houston's main problem was that it was such short notice =(

GregTheGreat

01-07-2003, 16:27

Originally posted by WakeZero
I imagine the biggest advantage to planning this so soon is that they can start to prepare for it now. Houston's main problem was that it was such short notice =(

I think that it is great, that they announced it so early, although I believe that agreeing to a three year run at this location might be a mistake. I would love to see it there, although I would rather have it there for a one year run and then decide weather the location is suitable for nationals.

Amanda Morrison

01-07-2003, 18:23

Originally posted by GregTheGreat
I think that it is great, that they announced it so early, although I believe that agreeing to a three year run at this location might be a mistake. I would love to see it there, although I would rather have it there for a one year run and then decide weather the location is suitable for nationals.

I'm with Greg. Although I'm sure the dome will be an excellent venue and that the Atlanta area will suit this event to a 't', I'd still rather see us hold the nats there for one year and then decide.

However, if this helps with costs to teams and seems like the best venue, I'll trust FIRST and say that it'll be great.

Jeff_Rice

01-07-2003, 19:38

Hear me, people! The Championship event should be held in Oregon!

A great change of scenery for nearly everyone, reasonable hotel rates, and close to a large cluster of FIRST teams that could help with the event. Certain venues have expressed interest in holding a regional here, why not the Championships?

:D

:eek:

But seriously, I think oregon would be a good choice.

Elgin Clock

02-07-2003, 12:39

Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah......

You know what?? I am sick of people posting polls about the location as soon as it is released?? How do I know if I like the location?? How do I know if I hate it??

And then there are the people who just disregard the polls and say, "well I think the championships should be in X place", or "It would be better in Y place"

Will you all just chill out and see how it is before you judge the locale??

The only thing I am going to say about Atlanta as of now is, I wish they just told us that it was going to be there this year and held off the fact that it will be there for the next #th years for a while... It adds to the mystery and surprise....

Although I am disappointed that the locale these next few years is again a stadium with a huge maximum capacity..

It was kind of depressing when we were watching the matches, or the opening and closing ceremonies this year and seeing all those empty seats. Is this something we can change this year?? Maybe a new competition structure rule will be announced to include all the teams like it used to be, and should be to set FIRST apart from all the rest of the sports and competitions???

And pssst..... I heard it was going to be a water competition this year... LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL :rolleyes:

Tyler Olds

02-07-2003, 12:55

I like the location. However, if the pits could be right next to everything else. That would be the best. Our cart is a beast and it is not fun to lug around uphill and for a 3 min walk.

Tyler Olds

02-07-2003, 12:57

Originally posted by Elgin Clock
Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah......

Although I am disappointed that the locale these next few years is again a stadium with a huge maximum capacity..

It was kind of depressing when we were watching the matches, or the opening and closing ceremonies this year and seeing all those empty seats. Is this something we can change this year?? Maybe a new competition structure rule will be announced to include all the teams like it used to be, and should be to set FIRST apart from all the rest of the sports and competitions???

And pssst..... I heard it was going to be a water competition this year... LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL :rolleyes:

Reguards to the huge statium. If you remember Epcot, we were at compacity!!!! Might as well plan for the future, and never know, within 10 years that stadium might be filled up. Where do we go from there????

Yan Wang

02-07-2003, 13:08

Well, if you had 1000 teams wanting to attend nationals and who qualify, have 5 championship qualifying tournaments at various cities and have the top 40 from each attend the actual nationals. It does seem unrealistic to fit all the teams who want to go to nationals in 10 or 20 years into one facility.

DKolberg

02-07-2003, 22:30

I have major concerns about Atlanta, what to do in the downtime and the issue of security to let kids roam. It also hurts our recruiting efforts for a new team at an additional school. A 3 year commitment seems a mistake.

Spent lots of time in Atlanta and know the site well. Yeah the tournament stuff is fine, but that's not my issue here. My main issue is being responsible for young and older teens (age 13-18) who will want to go off for activities in the downtime (only so many will be in the pit all the time) and the security issues for this location are questionable. Disney was a place that parents and schools thought had an acceptable level of security mixed with many options for fun.

When we were at DIsney groups of 3 or more could go off during the day on their own and we had confidence no harm would come to them - you have to work to get into trouble there. What can they do in downtown Atlanta with similar confidence? I have a feeling kids will be stuck with chaperones all the time. Will it be like regionals where we won't allow them to leave the building? THis is more days and will be worse to manage.

As for recruiting, we are working on adding a team at a new school. The DIsney trip in exchange for all their free hours for 6-8 weeks seemed an attractive offer for newbies to get them hooked. Atlanta does not help me at all in recruiting kids who have never been to a match.

Disney was also a nice thank you to the spouse and kids we coaches/mentors neglect for the season - a convention center is no treat for them. Disney gave us a whole lots of advantages in addition to a place to have the competition.

A Mom I told about this venue responded in horror and said you mean where they had the bombing - what kind of security are they going to have? Very helpful in recruiting. SHe strongly suggested we just stay at regionals for a year and see if Atlanta pans out. This is going to be a hard sell and whether it works out or not we have it for the next 3 years.

If not Disney, then 3 years is too big a commitment, especially for an untested venue. If we are going to settle for a convention center site, I'd rather have rotations - an east, midwest, south and west rotation, at least kids could see a little more of the country. - I agree with the message earlier, that if we are inside a convention center the weather hardly matters.

Ryan Foley

02-07-2003, 22:41

too bad we dont have any big enough venues in NH. It would be great to bring championships to the place where FIRST all started in 1992.

Atlanta shouldn't be too bad though.

Just my $.02

pauluffel

02-07-2003, 23:28

Eh, the bombing was 7 years ago and was just because the Olympics were here. Every friday of the summer for the past few years, Centennial Park has had more people in it than on the day of the bombing, yet none of these people have been killed. As to letting the little kiddies out on the streets alone, last year I walked a few miles through downtown Atlanta from the MARTA station to Georgia Tech to go to robotics meetings and never once even saw so much as a single crime (and our police ride around on segways:D).
If a 14 year-old can wander the streets alone at night, I believe groups of 3-4 high schoolers can manage in the middle of the day.

Ashley Weed

03-07-2003, 09:31

Don't really kow if I have a right for an opinion or not, as I probaby won't go to nats for another 9 years due to college and med school..... however,

... I greatly appreciate it returning to the east coast.
... I wouldn't mind seeing something farther north, but it would be impossible at that time of the year. In my four years there were several complications of not being able to leave PA or return to PA due to the weather.
... I'm not fond of the city of Atlanta. Spent almost a week there prior to Nats in 2001, and neve found anything overly excited, and was deathly afraid of the 'locals' (that may just be because Im a native country/farm girl).

Perhaps with the addition of 20,000+ FIRST'ers.... Atlanta will be transformed into our world.. and a good time will be had by all.

miketwalker

03-07-2003, 10:09

The 3 year thing, yea... I wonder if they'll have to rethink that. As for location... I think that FIRST will be able to do more than they have at Epcot, just because of the planning time they have and now they don't need to pay for all of the big tents at Epcot, since we have the indoor venue. I also believe if FIRST plays its cards right, since they're right near CNN, we can get alot more promotion then we have in previous years, because CNN won't have to pay to travel, and if they actually see it, they might help us in the future. Just my thoughts.

Lora Knepper

03-07-2003, 10:22

Well, I miss Orlando, that's for sure. But, somewhat selfishly, I'm glad they picked Atlanta. It's only a 3 and a half hour drive for me, and I can get a "FIRST Fix" for nationals. It's even better than the 6 hour drive I made to attend the VCU Regional not long ago..... That said, I think it will be a good tool to encourage more teams to be formed in the deep south, south east, and mid south.

~ lora

Aaron Knight

03-07-2003, 19:15

I think that if Atlanta can attract the Olympics to there, I think there has to be the infrastructure and everything else we could possibly want down there.... plus, Atlanta's a cool place.....

Aaron Knight
Graduating member of Team 891
Syracuse, NY
http://first891.topcities.com

Jnadke

03-07-2003, 20:57

Originally posted by monsieurcoffee
Well, if you had 1000 teams wanting to attend nationals and who qualify, have 5 championship qualifying tournaments at various cities and have the top 40 from each attend the actual nationals. It does seem unrealistic to fit all the teams who want to go to nationals in 10 or 20 years into one facility.

1. There are only around 600 active teams in FIRST. That's the approximate number from last year. Some teams will drop out, some will come in. Next year the number will be about 700 if we're lucky.

2. Such a system is already in place. Instead of 5 championships, there are 15 regionals. From each regional, the champion alliance gets to go (about 3 teams). Then there's the 5 technical award teams. Lastly, there's the regional Chairman's award winner.

You have to remember, not every team can afford to go to 3 events. Travel, food, and hotel costs a lot of money, in case you didn't know. Many teams just opt for 1 regional and nationals.

Madison

03-07-2003, 21:01

Yan Wang

03-07-2003, 23:20

Originally posted by Jnadke
1. There are only around 600 active teams in FIRST. That's the approximate number from last year. Some teams will drop out, some will come in. Next year the number will be about 700 if we're lucky.

2. Such a system is already in place. Instead of 5 championships, there are 15 regionals. From each regional, the champion alliance gets to go (about 3 teams). Then there's the 5 technical award teams. Lastly, there's the regional Chairman's award winner.

You have to remember, not every team can afford to go to 3 events. Travel, food, and hotel costs a lot of money, in case you didn't know. Many teams just opt for 1 regional and nationals.

If you read the post before mine on the other page (if you have the forum using default # of posts per page), you'd notice I said 'If' to answer a hypothetical question about how the championship would be formatted if an incredibly high number of people wanted and could attend.

BingoTheClowno

05-07-2003, 03:36

bah. I'm just happy that it's close to me so I can see all of my friends in spam. I moved out of state, so I wont be able to see them unless I visit atlanta for nats...

IMDWalrus

05-07-2003, 09:09

Originally posted by pauluffel
As to letting the little kiddies out on the streets alone, last year I walked a few miles through downtown Atlanta from the MARTA station to Georgia Tech to go to robotics meetings and never once even saw so much as a single crime (and our police ride around on segways:D).
Hmm...a city where Segways are used prominently. Wonder if this factored into Dean's decision at all.:)

Lee

05-07-2003, 09:25

I like Atlanta as the site for the nats. It is only a 2 hour drive for Team 343. Yea Atlanta!

Vincent Chan

05-07-2003, 10:29

Originally posted by DKolberg
I have major concerns about Atlanta, what to do in the downtime and the issue of security to let kids roam. It also hurts our recruiting efforts for a new team at an additional school. A 3 year commitment seems a mistake.

Spent lots of time in Atlanta and know the site well.

Paul and I wandered around the downtown area for two or three hours a few weeks back. Nothing happenned to us. In all my years of living in metro-Atlanta, I have not witnessed a crime happen downtown.

Not to push any buttons or step on any toes, but I don't think you know the city well if you feel that you need to worry about your kids. Especially if they're in groups and not just wandering through random alleys alone.

Bombings aren't a regular occurrence. It's just something that sticks in your head. DC has had a bombing more recently, yet I'm sure that the mother wouldn't've cited that as a bad reason to go to DC.

Katie Reynolds

05-07-2003, 11:11

Originally posted by miketwalker
The 3 year thing, yea... I wonder if they'll have to rethink that. As for location... I think that FIRST will be able to do more than they have at Epcot, just because of the planning time they have and now they don't need to pay for all of the big tents at Epcot, since we have the indoor venue. I also believe if FIRST plays its cards right, since they're right near CNN, we can get alot more promotion then we have in previous years, because CNN won't have to pay to travel, and if they actually see it, they might help us in the future. Just my thoughts. I think it's great that FIRST has planned for three years. That means, for a few years, teams won't have to stress and worry about where the Championship is going to be held. I was thinking about the CNN thing as well ... Being on CNN would alert more cities/people about FIRST, maybe start some new teams, and get some good publicity for teams already involved. If Atlanta makes a decent amount of money over the next three years because of FIRST, there will be a lot of cities bidding for the 2007 Championship!! Who knows, maybe in a few years cities will be paying FIRST enough money to hold the Championship for free for the teams attending. ;)

- Katie

wheeler

05-07-2003, 20:38

As a coach for one of the metro Atlanta teams I am excited to bring the Championships to our city. I worked with the city to put together the bid and I think everyone will be excited about the venues and the hotels that we have lined up for the teams. As the Olympic City we are planning to bring the Championships as the Olympics of Robotics. I can not wait to have everyone involved with FIRST here. See you in April

abby267

08-07-2003, 10:24

I think that by moving the venue around, it gives teams a better opportunity to attend. While funding is always a major consideration at the beginning of each season, the movement gives teams in different areas a more fair advantage to have the opportunity to attend nationals.
Plus, being from Florida, it's exciting to travel out of the state, rather than just driving 3 hours to the National competition.

Gadget470

08-07-2003, 18:23

Originally posted by DKolberg
Disney was also a nice thank you to the spouse and kids we coaches/mentors neglect for the season - a convention center is no treat for them. Disney gave us a whole lots of advantages in addition to a place to have the competition.

A Mom I told about this venue responded in horror and said you mean where they had the bombing - what kind of security are they going to have? Very helpful in recruiting. SHe strongly suggested we just stay at regionals for a year and see if Atlanta pans out. This is going to be a hard sell and whether it works out or not we have it for the next 3 years.

I'd like to rant a bit about these two points you made.

1) Spouse/Kids:
- In my two years at Disney with 247 (and knowing about their rookie year).. No spouses or non-team kids went with the team, even though they were "neglected."
- Other teams I've spoken to don't take "guests" along either, most can't afford it.

Conclusion: Take a trip to Disney with the Husband/Wife and Kids. FIRST for FIRST, Nationals should be a celebration for the team members who worked so hard.

2) Mom scared of the bomb.
- Does this mean she'd rule out New York City? Washington D.C.? Oklahoma City? Orlando's not all that safe either (http://orlando.areaconnect.com/crime1.htm), worse than national average on all accounts but murder.

No where is 100% safe. A kid on 247 nearly died at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, should we get rid of the Cleveland Regional too?

Sorry man, but I don't think that Mom is too well educated on the matter.

Go Atlanta! woo.

Conce

08-07-2003, 18:23

HELP!
Year 2003 might be my last year if I can't get students involved in USFIRST after 5 years participating.
But without knowing if the Atlanta location would attract the attention of high school students, WHY DID USFIRST CONTRACT FOR 3 YEARS?
What are the available after hour activities nearby the national competition site for high school students during that time?
I looked at the location and found info about the areas proudly advertised which match the time of the competition.
1 -> An exhibition center with a "Home Improvement Display" during that time. No High School student interest here!
2 -> An open park with an average temperature "too chilly for many outdoor activities", with an average of 62°F daytime.

I looked at these sites for some after hour activities:
http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/parkinfo/
http://www.webguide.com/attractions.html
http://www.atlanta.net/visitors/seedo/seendoList.asp?prodcode=ATTRACTIONS
Found out that the few attractions which interested students were closed during that time.

On another note=>
USFIRST also noticed a reduction of teams participating in the 2003 Nationals due to the timing of the announced location.
This past year the Houston Nationals proved that USFIRST could move this activity around the USA.
For the first time in 5 years I saw a display that announced the USFIRST National Competition event for many people to see. Thanks Houston!
Houston and it's people did not fail the USFIRST organization failed.

USFIRST knew Houston was a location for failure, because USFIRST did no planning, just contracted out the meager accommodations and food venues!
Many many things could have been done better and USFIRST knew it!
It was a little far to walk, but USFIRST could have provided info of the layout for us to prepare a solution to that problem! NONE and USFIRST knew it!
What avenue could follow upon the WDW site amenities in short notice? NONE and USFIRST knew it!
Nationals at Houston failed due to USFIRST's poor planning and lack of interest to return. THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION!

Another note=>
Having WDW as the National Competition site for many years with all it's amenities one gets pampered, there is no comparable site on the east coast.
Why not try a west coast National Competition site for two years straight getting even more students involved from that side of the USA?

Another note=>
USFIRST also noticed many teams wishing to return to WDW even if it cost a little more, once again USFIRST ignored the team's comments. Why?
One always works harder if one can have fun later, and that's what the WDW site provided.

One more note=>
Why do we not get feedback on the team forum information which USFIRST collects? If it is available, why is it hard to find in the USFIRST site?

Conce
Miami, Fl

Madison

08-07-2003, 18:39

Originally posted by Gadget470
I'd like to rant a bit about these two points you made.

1) Spouse/Kids:
- In my two years at Disney with 247 (and knowing about their rookie year).. No spouses or non-team kids went with the team, even though they were "neglected."
- Other teams I've spoken to don't take "guests" along either, most can't afford it.

Conclusion: Take a trip to Disney with the Husband/Wife and Kids. FIRST for FIRST, Nationals should be a celebration for the team members who worked so hard.

You're in no position to tell them when and where they should bring their family.

In 5 years, I've never been with a team that did not take family and children of teachers and team members along.

They each paid their own way, but then, I've never been fortunate enough to be with a team that can cover the students' travel costs.

The Championship should be a celebration for the team members who worked so hard? How about the teachers and engineers who neglect their families so that you can have the opportunity to compete? How about their families that have gone 6 weeks or more with measurably less contact with a loved one?

I think they deserve the even just as much as you do. They're not selfish and work their behind off so you can be there -- show the same courtesy.

2) Mom scared of the bomb.
- Does this mean she'd rule out New York City? Washington D.C.? Oklahoma City? Orlando's not all that safe either (http://orlando.areaconnect.com/crime1.htm), worse than national average on all accounts but murder.

No where is 100% safe. A kid on 247 nearly died at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, should we get rid of the Cleveland Regional too?

Sorry man, but I don't think that Mom is too well educated on the matter.
Go Atlanta! woo.

Walt Disney World is, for all purposes, a gated city. The parks are gated communities that are very effective in deterring people from starting or getting into trouble or injuring themselves. It's possible to mess up there, but it's a lot harder than, say, Atlanta.

In Houston, I did not feel safe, and I'd like to consider myself among those "intelligent" people that you speak of. I was unaware of the good neighborhoods or the bad neighborhoods in the city and was very, very apprehensive about going anywhere alone.

In Atlanta, the same is true. "Downtown" might be safe, but I really don't where "Downtown" ends and a bad neighborhood begins. I might notice, I might not. It might be too late, but it certainly won't be because I'm stupid.

Teachers are responsible for the welfare and safety of their students, so whereever there isn't the same style of gated community that exists in Walt Disney World, with limited options for entry, exit and transportation, the teachers will worry more, perceive a greater risk, and thus, limit the experience.

Before you run off and try to pick apart their concerns, I think you'd be wise to wait a bit until you're responsible for the safety of a group of kids. Maybe then you'll understand the benefits of a contained environment and the concerns we harbor about moving to a new city.

Adam Y.

08-07-2003, 19:07

2) Mom scared of the bomb.Does this mean she'd rule out New York City? Washington D.C.? Oklahoma City? Orlando's not all that safe either, worse than national average on all accounts but murder.
Actually Huston is a pretty bad place to go now that I learned a little about it. It is a leader for most industries including shipping, chemical plants, and oil. Not really a good place to be. Sorry man, but I don't think that Mom is too well educated on the matter.
And yet a male is saying that............ Have a baby first and then see how concerned you would get. I just babysat my niece and me and my brother both got very paranoid about it.
Before you run off and try to pick apart their concerns, I think you'd be wise to wait a bit until you're responsible for the safety of a group of kids. Maybe then you'll understand the benefits of a contained environment and the concerns we harbor about moving to a new city.
Personally I would just not let any kids go that you know would cause trouble. It usually is pretty obvious who is going to be trouble and who is not. At least in my robotics club it is. This is just my opinion. Then again I believe my club did the same thing also this year. The people who did the most work went all three days, second most two days, and the least only one.USFIRST also noticed a reduction of teams participating in the 2003 Nationals due to the timing of the announced location.
Nope I believe it was the fact that the Championship coincided with the war on Iraq.Year 2003 might be my last year if I can't get students involved in USFIRST after 5 years participating.
But without knowing if the Atlanta location would attract the attention of high school students, WHY DID USFIRST CONTRACT FOR 3 YEARS?

Well the competition should attract the students not the nationals trip. If you do that you may be attracting the wrong students.
The Championship should be a celebration for the team members who worked so hard? How about the teachers and engineers who neglect their families so that you can have the opportunity to compete? How about their families that have gone 6 weeks or more with measurably less contact with a loved one?
Rightly said. I must drive my parents crazy during those six weeks. Then again I drive them crazy other days also.

Andy Baker

09-07-2003, 02:57

Originally posted by Conce
Nationals at Houston failed due to USFIRST's poor planning and lack of interest to return. THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION!

Conce
Miami, Fl

Wow... I missed the memo on that one. FIRST failed in Houston? Hmmm, I think not. Sure, there were some details that could've been improved. But the Championships were anything but a failure. I would rate them as a success.

I thought it was pretty darn swell that we were able to play in probably the world's best athletic stadium for 3 days. Some people like riding on Space Mountain, I liked playing in Reliant Stadium... call me silly.

Everyone is different, and that is a good thing.

Also, it's FIRST, not USFIRST. It has been called FIRST for the past 6 years and it has not been called USFIRST since 1997. Many teams make this mistake.

Andy B.

pauluffel

09-07-2003, 03:30

There have been alot of emotions from all over the spectrum presented on the decision of having the Championship Event in Atlanta, but by working together and planning, I'm sure we can make this awesome for even the most pessimistic. I'm in charge of a metro Atlanta team that will most likely not by competing in the Championships next year, but we will most definately be attending the event. I would be happy just chilling outside my hotel room and talking with other FIRSTlings as an activity after the competition ends each day, but there are probably some of you who would rather do other more exciting things. With the help of any ideas you have, those of us who live in and near Atlanta can prepare for the Championships by collecting and sharing knowledge and planning, whether it be something like organizing teams and planning out an Ultimate Frisbee tournament during lunch or after closing ceremonies one day in Centennial Park, measuring the distance and grade of the terrain between the GWCC and the field inside the Dome, or scouting out good restaurants for a stressful lunch or a celebratory dinner, we'll be happy to help.
I encourage you to start a thread about any idea you have for activities so everyone can contribute their thoughts on it and I'l try to organize several more of the locals to help with this.

Together we can make this fun for all! :D

KathieK

09-07-2003, 12:35

I just started a new thread:

Atlanta - activities/ammenities I'd like to see

Stefan

09-07-2003, 12:39

avg temp of 62F in April where did u guys get that? .... i lve like 6min from 6flags..... and pretty close to ATL.. i dont rember it getting that cold in ATL.... during april ...... And if ur wondering i dont live in marietta .... thats just where my school is

Conce

09-07-2003, 12:39

Originally posted by Andy Baker

Also, it's FIRST, not USFIRST. It has been called FIRST for the past 6 years and it has not been called USFIRST since 1997. Many teams make this mistake.

Andy B. [/B]

You are correct on the name, but there was no mistake.

The reason why I utilize "USFIRST" in my coments instead of

"FIRST" is to make it easier for me to remember their site

address: www.usfirst.org

Try=> www.first.com or www.first.org

Now try conveying this info to newbies.

A few weeks ago the "FIRST" organization was
pondering the thought of changing the "FIRST"
name to something else.

Conce:) ]

Vincent Chan

09-07-2003, 13:03

Originally posted by Stefan
avg temp of 62F in April where did u guys get that?

It's probably a few degrees warmer than that, but not by very much. It's that time of year where 65F is shorts-and-a-tshirt weather. Sure, we look at it now and think it's cold, but around that time of year, we'll all be basking in the sun and commenting on how it's perfect weather.

Then again, pretty much the entire year is shorts-and-a-tshirt weather for a runner. :]

Andy Baker

09-07-2003, 14:30

Originally posted by Conce
A few weeks ago the "FIRST" organization was
pondering the thought of changing the "FIRST"
name to something else.

I highly doubt if this ponderance exists.

It's FIRST, and I have conveyed that info to newbies for the past 6 years, since the name change. Just because they have not offered the money to buy the www.first.org website, it doesn't mean that the name is USFIRST.

Andy B.

Anne Shade

10-07-2003, 16:10

Actually Andy, an email was forwarded by some Regional Coordinators a few weeks back about this supposed name change. FIRST is looking into it and asking for suggestions but nothing has been decided yet. I'll see if I can find the email when I get home.

Conce

10-07-2003, 18:45

Originally posted by Anne Bergeron
Actually Andy, an email was forwarded by some Regional Coordinators a few weeks back about this supposed name change. FIRST is looking into it and asking for suggestions but nothing has been decided yet. I'll see if I can find the email when I get home.

Anne, I sent Andy a copy of the email.

I was just happy to help share some info
and give "FIRST" a swift kick to let them know
we care about the program.

I thought everyone knew about the naming.

"Failure is not an option, if it happens lets learn and continue."
Conce

Jeff Waegelin

10-07-2003, 19:05

sevisehda

11-07-2003, 15:19

Maybe I think Old-School but I prefered Epcot. No place can compare to the arrangements there. If you stayed in a Disney hotel, you never had to leave Disney. Schools like that cause its safer than wondering around a city. Secondly it was really easy to escape for an hour if you had break between matches and need to release some tension.

There really aren't any other venues that can offer all that. As for walking between stadiums last year. Its not that it was a pain but ya didn't have to do it at Disney. Atlanta probobly has all FIRST needs because of the olympics, I'd just be worrried about entertainment.

As for changing the name, true its confusing for someone to read 'FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION 10th ANIVERSARY'. But after a quick breakdown of the acronym people get it. If ya ask me its a bunch of youngin-hoo-haa-J-Lo-cargo-pant-wearin shenanigans(in the voice of an frizzled old guy).

Tytus Gerrish

11-07-2003, 17:43

Atlanta is going to ROCK!

Stina236

13-07-2003, 20:13

I think Atlanta will be really, really FUN!!!! Texas last year was fun.. but I think Atlanta will just be that much MORE!! I also like being able to see different places and traveling around... it's cool.

And of course.. there's the chance for a ROAD TRIP!!!!!! Gotta love a long trip with team!!

WOOHOO!!!!!

"Yeah Yeah... Yanno!!!"

Liz*599

17-07-2003, 00:13

Personally i would like to see a national competion held on the west coast, since they have been in the east, and texas is sorta in the middle......las vegas would be a nice city

Ryan Foley

19-07-2003, 15:04

Ryan Foley

19-07-2003, 15:22

Ok, sorry to post twice but just found another thing to respond to.

Along the lines of what Elgin Clock sad.

1) why bother juding the location now, nne of us know what it will be like to have championships there. Wait to judge it until after the event

2) Why do so many people care so much about where it is. IT'S THE FIRST CHAMPIONSHIPS!!! The point is not what is there to do in Atlanta during downtime. You go to championships to go to championships, not to hang out in Atlanta. FIRST could hold championships in a parking lot and it would still be awesome because it is still the FIRST championships.

Atlanta will rock, although it is a bit far south, a pain for northern teams, and its gotta be a bit inconvienient for th western teams.

Maybe they should hold it in Indiana, seems to be a popular place (IRI) and its close to the middle of the country.

MissDaisyGirl

19-07-2003, 23:51

I think that its nice to know so much in advance but I guess since I went to Epcot for 2 yrs I'm spoiled. I like having the pits and fields so close together....less *pant pant* walking for us scouters...

purplehaze357

19-07-2003, 23:58

hmmm.....well this seems to be a bit of a loaded question because there is nothing that can be done to change it regardless for the next three years and i think we should all be happy that we have a place solidified for the next three years and we don't have be held in limbo as to where the next location for the nation championships is gonna be....i think we need to enjoy what we have here and personally i think its awesome...i think its a great move to have a place that is willing to hold such an event because it is quite an arduous task.....i really think that Atlanta has no idea what they're in for :p

DKolberg

21-07-2003, 10:50

Originally posted by Foley350
2) Why do so many people care so much about where it is. IT'S THE FIRST CHAMPIONSHIPS!!! The point is not what is there to do in Atlanta during downtime. You go to championships to go to championships, not to hang out in Atlanta. FIRST could hold championships in a parking lot and it would still be awesome because it is still the FIRST championships.[/B]

Since you have been in FIRST for a while, you know about what FIRST is all about. However, for new people not familiar with FIRST, Disney was a carrot to give kids and then hook them with the FIRST experience. So for new kids not familiar with FIRST you need a good location, and once you have experienced FIRST it is less important. It still needs to be held in an exciting and professional venue to keep the prestige of the competition and keep the company sponsorship.

Dave K