View Full Version : 2010 Regional Dates
Hi all. Just received a flyer that said that 2010's Las Vegas Regional will be April 1st-3rd.
So I think it might be better just to consolidate all the regional dates [that we know of so far :/ - the official ones came out mid-September last year] into one thread like last year...
Kickoff: 1/9
Ship Date: 2/23
WEEK 1: March 4-6
Oregon Regional *
WEEK 2: March 11-13
New York City Regional (3/12-14)
WEEK 3: March 18-20
WEEK 4: March 25-27
SBPLI Long Island Regional *
WEEK 5: April 1-3
Las Vegas Regional
Atlanta: April 15-17
ATannahill
20-08-2009, 18:23
Don't get me excited like that.
according to previous threads new york city is week 4 and i seem to recall someone saying long island will be week 4 as well
The Oregon Regional is tentatively set for week 1.
according to previous threads new york city is week 4 and i seem to recall someone saying long island will be week 4 as well
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=78096
According to this post, NYC is week 2 as Sunbun listed.
ttldomination
20-08-2009, 19:48
Just curious, but why is kick-off schedule for 1/9? Generally it's the first saturday of the year, which would be 1/2... Is it because of the fact that it's only the second after the new year or do you guys think it's some other reason?
DonRotolo
20-08-2009, 19:58
That's been well-discussed. 1/1 is a holiday so freight shipping is at a standstill, leaving 1/2 as a "bad" day to get the Kits of Parts to their rightful places.
I wasn't involved in FIRST then, but this has happened before.
Just curious, but why is kick-off schedule for 1/9? Generally it's the first saturday of the year, which would be 1/2... Is it because of the fact that it's only the second after the new year or do you guys think it's some other reason?
Yep. That debate was carried out a quite a bit ago. It's because January 2nd is way too close to the New Years Holidays for it to take place. FIRST staff and all of the students and mentors' families gotta have their holidays :)
Jared Russell
21-08-2009, 08:57
We can also make reasonable guesses at many of the regionals that have traditionally been held during a particular college or university's spring break.
For example, in 2010, RIT will be holding their spring break from 2/28-3/7, so it appears likely that the Finger Lakes Regional would occur during Week 1 (Mar 4-6).
I will defer to the thread starter as to whether we should post estimates like this here or leave them out.
I have been told by Laurie Shimizu (who works closely with Mark Lawrence who is the brother of Susan Lawrence) that Midwest is week one and Minnesota is week five.
I would be pretty certain about Minnesota's weekend and week one has been Midwest's weekend for a while now.
It's because January 2nd is way too close to the New Years Holidays for it to take place. FIRST staff and all of the students and mentors' families gotta have their holidays :) And it also gives Dave an extra week to render the Game Video... on company time and not on his personal holiday time. :D
ttldomination
21-08-2009, 17:50
Ah..I didn't know this topic had been previously discussed. Oopsies. :D.
We know that registration for regionals start on 10/1. Does anyone know when the official regional schedule will be published?
thelittlesister
11-09-2009, 15:01
Bill's Blog says contracts with the venues are still being finalized. Our team leader received these dates from NJFIRST.;)
NJ FRC - Sovereign Bank Arena, Trenton
Thursday, Friday, Saturday - March 4th, 5th and 6th
NYC FRC - Javits Center, NYC
Friday, Saturday, Sunday - March 12th, 13th and 14th
Philadelphia FRC - Drexel University
Thursday, Friday, Saturday - March 25th, 26th and 27th.
Billfred
11-09-2009, 17:43
As I remember it, the Palmetto Regional is still and Clemson (for better or worse) and scheduled for the last weekend in March--that'd be the 25th-27th. Don't quote me on that, though--I may be wrong for all I know.
mrmummert
11-09-2009, 18:17
Hi...
VCU is March 19th-21rst this coming year (18th-21rst if you count field setup night)
I believe that makes it a week three event.
Kickoff: 1/9
Ship Date: 2/23
WEEK 1: March 4-6
Oregon Regional
New Jersey Regional
Peachtree Regional
WEEK 2: March 11-13
New York City Regional (3/12-14)
Wisconsin Regional
WEEK 3: March 18-20
NASA VCU Regional
Boilermaker Regional
WEEK 4: March 25-27
SBPLI Long Island Regional
Philadelphia Regional
Palmetto Regional
WEEK 5: April 1-3
Las Vegas Regional
Atlanta: April 15-17
waialua359
12-09-2009, 04:47
Hi...
VCU is March 19th-21rst this coming year (18th-21rst if you count field setup night)
I believe that makes it a week three event.
that's too bad.
We really enjoyed that one, and would have considered it if it wasnt one week before the Hawaii one. ;)
During the University's spring break and NOT our school break anymore.
draconar
12-09-2009, 13:24
This is unofficial, but the Gwinnett Civic Center, which is the venue for Peachtree, now has a reservation for 3/5 and 3/6, making it a week 1 regional.
http://www.gwinnettcenter.com/allevents.0.html
Akash Rastogi
12-09-2009, 13:33
Tentative schedule for us is NJ, Boston, and Atlanta. :D :D :D :D Boston <3
Chris is me
12-09-2009, 14:04
FIRST Robotics 2010 Wisconsin Regional Competition
3/12/2010 - 3/13/2010
From the US Cellular Arena Website. Looks like it'll stay at Week 3, as always.
Nothing from the North Star or 10,000 Lakes venue websites. 1714's likely going to Wisconsin / 10k Lakes / Atlanta next year, though I haven't talked to the team recently in case plans changed. If your team number is 2826, you should attend these 3 events. :D (Gotta see if we can make a streak of regional wins :) )
Boilermaker is always the last weekend of spring break. This year that would be March 18-20.
Tentative schedule for us is NJ, Boston, and Atlanta. :D :D :D :D Boston <3
Akash:
Do you have an idea of which week Boston will be?
Akash Rastogi
12-09-2009, 16:07
Akash:
Do you have an idea of which week Boston will be?
I don't but my mentors probably do have the info. Its usually based on NU's break schedule I think?
Tentative schedule for us is NJ, Boston, and Atlanta. :D :D :D :D Boston <3
After meeting with our Regional Director today I highly recommend not making much more than a wish list. Especially if you live near where one of the two new regionals may be located... ;)
FIRST Robotics 2010 Wisconsin Regional Competition
3/12/2010 - 3/13/2010
From the US Cellular Arena Website. Looks like it'll stay at Week 3, as always.
...
That would be week 2 this year - right?
Akash Rastogi
12-09-2009, 22:55
After meeting with our Regional Director today I highly recommend not making much more than a wish list. Especially if you live near where one of the two new regionals may be located... ;)
Hehe, we've had Boston on that wish-list for about 4 years now ;) 125 knows what's up.
Chris is me
13-09-2009, 02:19
That would be week 2 this year - right?
Oh, totally missed that, you're right. Severely limits the chances of me persuading the team to go to an early event so we "can do our best at home", but no biggie.
(Just sayin', Stang should return to Wisconsin. We miss you guys :D)
Aren_Hill
13-09-2009, 02:58
We'd be fine with playing with stang again, 06 repeat ;)
Just a quick question, how many teams prefer to take a one or two week break between regionals?
How many teams have done back-to-back regionals?
Akash Rastogi
13-09-2009, 03:19
Just a quick question, how many teams prefer to take a one or two week break between regionals?
How many teams have done back-to-back regionals?
Prefer a two week break. Back to back is not allowed by the school b/c of the courses our students take.
Just a quick question, how many teams prefer to take a one or two week break between regionals?
How many teams have done back-to-back regionals?
We take a one week break between Regionals for three reason:
Allows Students to catch up on school work.
Allows Mentors and Students to rest a bit.
Allows us time to do repairs and modifications.-RC
Can't wait til they release the regional dates so I can start planning my vacation time next year!
Brandon Holley
13-09-2009, 11:52
125 knows what's up.
of course we know whats up
boston is a great regional, i encourage anyone considering coming to come...its a lot of fun (as most regionals are...)
I don't but my mentors probably do have the info. Its usually based on NU's break schedule I think?
Unless the regional venue changed, it should be based off BU's schedule, since Agannis Arena is Boston University's territory, not Northeastern.
Billfred
13-09-2009, 22:18
Just a quick question, how many teams prefer to take a one or two week break between regionals?
How many teams have done back-to-back regionals?
2815 did Bayou and Palmetto back-to-back (with the Championship not far behind it) in 2009. I would have to have an exceptional reason to do it again. (Financial reasons count, too; NASA gave us a grant for Bayou.)
Tetraman
13-09-2009, 22:30
Since the Finger Lakes Regional is always during RIT's school break, that means FLR will be March 4th-6th, week 1. (as far as I know.)
Justin Montois
14-09-2009, 02:54
Since the Finger Lakes Regional is always during RIT's school break, that means FLR will be March 4th-6th, week 1. (as far as I know.)
That is correct. The Field House calendar also agrees :)
http://www.rit.edu/fa/fieldhouse/calendar.php?m=3&y=2010
Week 1 Regional. Yikes
Chris is me
14-09-2009, 08:44
Well there goes me volunteering at FLR. Spring break starts that Friday and I need to be back in town for Wisconsin the next week. Which I guess I'm glad got shifted to week 2! That would actually be 1714's earliest debut ever.
NYanks312
14-09-2009, 13:54
Does anyone know when the orlando regional is taking place? :confused:
ATannahill
14-09-2009, 15:41
Does anyone know when the orlando regional is taking place? :confused:
UCF's spring break would place it 11th through 13th.
Travis Hoffman
16-09-2009, 12:30
Place your bets! When will the regionals be announced?
I predict Friday 9/18 around noon.
Sean Schuff
16-09-2009, 13:30
Place your bets! When will the regionals be announced?
I predict Friday 9/18 around noon.
Travis, how DO you do it??!! You're like a psychic!
waialua359
16-09-2009, 16:13
After hearing rumors that San Diego is during week 1, it looks as though two Hawaii teams are intending to participate and sign up on Oct. 1.
Team 359 and xxx. :D
I was also told that there are no West Coast regionals during week 2.
Tyler Hicks
16-09-2009, 17:03
I can't wait until the 2010 season! It' going to be awesome.
After hearing rumors that San Diego is during week 1, it looks as though two Hawaii teams are intending to participate and sign up on Oct. 1.
Team 359 and xxx. :D
I was also told that there are no West Coast regionals during week 2.
Definitely do that San Diego Regional!! We had a blast. And winning had nothing to do with my feelings :D
But seriously, the teams and the organizers are gracious hosts. It was also a friendly, relaxed, well run, and fun regional.
There are plenty of attractions and you can get a hotel that is simultaneously close to the SD Arena, Seaworld, and the airport. They also have a Home Depot right across the street form the competition site. Hey what else do you need?
I'd love to know how all of you find out your dates. I'm getting nowhere trying to find out when the Granite State Regional (GSR) in Manchester is. Anyone got a clue?
- Clueless in New Hampshire
ttldomination
16-09-2009, 21:11
This is unofficial, but the Gwinnett Civic Center, which is the venue for Peachtree, now has a reservation for 3/5 and 3/6, making it a week 1 regional.
http://www.gwinnettcenter.com/allevents.0.html
Holy God. Idk, I never imaged my team playing in a week 1 event.
Last year, the first week was in late February, and then P'tree was around March 15th. But then this year, the kick did get moved back one week, and then the even technically moved up one week...so...I guess we are a week one event.
But then also, I've heard of a tournament in North Carolina for FRC, so maybe they're planning it out to where a team has the option to attend P'tree, Palmetto, and the NC regional if it wishes to do so.
Interesting.
Akash Rastogi
16-09-2009, 21:20
Holy God. Idk, I never imaged my team playing in a week 1 event.
Ahhh the love/hate relationship of playing in a week 1 regional. :rolleyes:
Holy God. Idk, I never imaged my team playing in a week 1 event.
And representing the oposing viewpoint:
Other than our FIRST year (2002), Team 811 has ALWAYS been a Week 1 Event team. Our primary sponsor (BAE Systems) holds the GSR, which has always been about 10 days after ship day.
Trying to Help
16-09-2009, 22:01
I know Mr. I! I've already started telling people that it's unlikely that the regional will be during February vacation week and that they need to plan for that. It's been very nice knowing that no one was missing school during competition.
The Verizon Center already has events on 2/26 and 2/27 but nothing scheduled after that until Sunday 3/7. I'm guessing that GSR is planned for 3/4-6.
Trying to Help
I know Mr. I! I've already started telling people that it's unlikely that the regional will be during February vacation week and that they need to plan for that. It's been very nice knowing that no one was missing school during competition.
(For those who don't know, NH schools have the last week of February off as Winter Break, which most years also cooresponds with GSR.)
Considering that Ship Day is the 23rd, I think it's highly unlikely to expect to uncrate 2 days after shipping. (Especially considering that, in times of seveare weather, FIRST has been known to give a 2 day extension on Ship Day.) I am assuming GSR is Mar 4-6. (confirmation ... anyone?)
This impacts us in an unusual way: Team 885 from Vermont has been a "house guest" of 811 at GSR for ages. There team (and about half of ours!) camps out in our school during the regional. Having school in session will make for some very ... interesting ... planning ... :ahh:
Wisconsin Regional is scheduled on US Cellular Arena's website for March 12 and 13th. I asked Laurie Vertz, the regional chair, about it and she said it was news to her. So if you want to put it down, you can, but you may be safer waiting another week.
Michigan events have been released by FiM Michigan Events (http://www.firstinmichigan.org/filemgmt_data/files/List%20of%20FRC%20Events%20in%20Michigan%202010(3) .pdf)
Week 1: Traverse City & Kettering (Flint)
Week 2: Cass Tech (Detroit) & Ann Arbor
Week 3: Detroit & West Michigan (Allendale)
Week 4: Troy
Week 5: State Championships
Josh Goodman
17-09-2009, 10:10
For example, in 2010, RIT will be holding their spring break from 2/28-3/7, so it appears likely that the Finger Lakes Regional would occur during Week 1 (Mar 4-6).
This is confirmed. FLR will be March 4th - March 6th.
Josh Drake
17-09-2009, 10:19
I emailed the regional director for N.C. and it looks like the new Tarheel regional will be in the Dorton Arena during week 5. But she cautioned that it wasn't 100% official.
synth3tk
17-09-2009, 11:32
It hasn't been confirmed on the Buckeye Regional site, but VIMS shows Week 4 (March 25-27) when I went to sign-up.
Abrakadabra
17-09-2009, 12:06
...
The Verizon Center already has events on 2/26 and 2/27 but nothing scheduled after that until Sunday 3/7. I'm guessing that GSR is planned for 3/4-6.
...
I believe the facts that:
- GSR has always been Week 1 (or at least in recent memory it has)
- The Verizon Center in Manchester has already scheduled and is selling tickets for hockey games the weekend after ship
- The following Weds - Sat (3/4-6) is totally open on their calendar
- There are hockey games scheduled for Sun 3/7 and Weds 3/10
pretty much definitely puts the GSR and therefore all Week 1 events at March 4th -> 6th.
I'm willing to wager a complete IFI control system on it. :D
James Tonthat
17-09-2009, 12:25
Just a quick question, how many teams prefer to take a one or two week break between regionals?
How many teams have done back-to-back regionals?
In 2008, we did LSR and Bayou back to back, both wins. Pretty good reliable robot, not a lot of headache. We did some software tweaks on site (no withholding allowance.)
In 2009, we did Bayou and LSR back to back, Bayou win. It was harder this year, we had to change our robot between the two regionals to even keep it competitive at LSR. We were pooped, allow yourself more time to make changes (using the withholding allowance) and some rest time. Robot was 70% reliable, maybe 70% competitive.
It really depends on the regionals, the order of the regionals, the game, and how good your robot is. The withholding allowance is a love/hate thing, but use it wisely.
Josh Drake
17-09-2009, 12:33
Palmetto will be week 4, March 25th - 27th
Chris is me
17-09-2009, 12:34
pretty much definitely puts the GSR and therefore all Week 1 events at March 4th -> 6th.
I'm willing to wager a complete IFI control system on it. :D
We already know what weeks each week of regional is, but GSR is probably Week 1.
When do we know officially?
Mrs.Drake343
17-09-2009, 22:17
Mid West was the first week last year, but the University of Illinois at Chicago women's basketball team has regular season games on March 4th and 6th and possible tournament games on March 8, 10, 12, 14. So the earliest Mid West could be is Week 3. With only 5 weeks some may be hard pressed to have two weeks in between regionals. :ahh: Also the SC state Lego competition is March 6, so that makes any one in SC that mentors a Lego team in conflict with neighboring GA's Peachtree regional.
Ken Streeter
18-09-2009, 14:43
Considering that Ship Day is the 23rd, I think it's highly unlikely to expect to uncrate 2 days after shipping. (Especially considering that, in times of seveare weather, FIRST has been known to give a 2 day extension on Ship Day.) I am assuming GSR is Mar 4-6. (confirmation ... anyone?
I have no official information, but given that GSR has always been a week 1 regional in the past, it would be held on March 4-6, 2010.
waialua359
18-09-2009, 15:34
So hows the Arizona regional? during week 2.
We are debating now a SD-AZ back-back regional attendance.
Travis Hoffman
18-09-2009, 16:42
[not official]
Per someone at the Petersen Events Center, the Pittsburgh Regional is scheduled for 3/11 - 3/13.
Upon calling the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, the person I spoke with indicated that the Buckeye Regional does not yet appear on their schedule. Maybe they are moving it to Quicken Loans Arena. :rolleyes:
[/not official]
buildmaster5000
18-09-2009, 17:40
i know that the Washington DC regional is march 4-6, per the Convention center website
synth3tk
19-09-2009, 01:18
[not official]
Upon calling the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, the person I spoke with indicated that the Buckeye Regional does not yet appear on their schedule. Maybe they are moving it to Quicken Loans Arena. :rolleyes:
[/not official]
Ok. I was just going by the dates in the Volunteer system, but obviously that could change.
And I really hope they aren't moving it to Gund Arena. Now that I'm attending CSU, it's clearly easier for me to get to the event by crossing two streets, than going a few blocks north towards downtown.
All jokes aside, I would love to actually see this happen for a change.
Coach Norm
19-09-2009, 01:22
Lone Star is listed on George R. Brown Convention Center site as April 1-3, 2010. http://www.houstonconventionctr.com/meeting_planners/calendar.html
Mrs.Drake343
20-09-2009, 00:36
Most of the regional dates are listed in the First Volunteer web site.
Josh Drake
20-09-2009, 08:36
Most of the regional dates are listed in the First Volunteer web site.
Log into VIMS: click on the Vol Prefs box at the top: click on Choose a program at the bottom, choose FRC-Events: under the green box near the top there is a drop down menu with everything
Some are still showing TBD, but other posts on this thread have put some of those as confirmed.
PS. Thanks dear for explaining what you meant by that post and showing me how to get there:rolleyes:
Travis Hoffman
20-09-2009, 09:27
Thanks to all for pointing out the VIMS listings. Very useful.
So.....it's ok to share partial event information on VIMS (including specifically which events do not yet have dates/venues established), but it's not ok to publish the exact same information on the website?
Three rolled eyes up for inconsistency - :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
synth3tk
20-09-2009, 09:29
That's what I was thinking, Travis. I was surprised that someone contacted me on FB after asking where I got my info from. Maybe they're waiting until everything is final for the website.
Josh Drake
20-09-2009, 09:31
This is what is on VIMS, give or take a little:
Week 1
March 4-6
BAE
Bayou
F.L.R.
Kansas City
N.J.
Oregon
Peachtree
San Diego
Wash D.C. (TBD)
March 5-6
Traverse City District
Kettering Univ.
Week 2
March 11-13
Arizona
Chesapeake
Florida
Pittsburg
Wisconsin
Dallas (TBD)
March 12-13
Cass Tech District
March 12-14
N.Y. City
March 14-16
Israel
Week 3
March 18-20
Boilermaker
Connecticut (TBD)
Midwest
VCU
Silicon Valley
St. Louis
Utah (TBD)
March 19-20
Detroit District
West Michigan District
Week 4
March 25-27
Boston (TBD)
Buckeye
Colorado
Hawaii (TBD)
Los Angeles
Seattle
Oklahoma
Palmetto (TBD)
Philadelphia (TBD)
Long Island (TBD)
Waterloo
March 26-27
Troy District
Lansing District
March 31-April 1
Sacramento
Week 5
April 1-3
Toronto
Las Vegas
Lone Star
Michigan State Championship
Minnesota 10,000 Lakes (TBD)
Minnesota North Star (TBD)
Tar heel (TBD)
April 15-17
FIRST Championship
Some of those TBD may just be contracts that are not officially signed.
Vikesrock
20-09-2009, 09:44
Some of those TBD may just be contracts that are not officially signed.
And some of them may be there for reasons not clear to the regional planning committee of that event ;)
Josh Drake
20-09-2009, 10:04
I would pretty much say Palmetto and Tar heel are those dates. A lot of our mentors and affiliates help run Palmetto, so I would say that comes straight from the horse's mouth.:D
Are you kinda sorta confirming the Minnesota dates?
Mark McLeod
20-09-2009, 10:11
It's the missing Regionals , such as Brazil, I find interesting...
Looks like we lost the same number of events as we gained.
P.S. Nope, I miscounted. FRC gained two events.
Josh Drake
20-09-2009, 10:18
Also the Kiwi (New Zealand) Regional was going to start this year, right?
Is the Tar Heel (North Carolina) Regional the only new one, or am I missing another?
Travis Hoffman
20-09-2009, 10:28
Also the Kiwi (New Zealand) Regional was going to start this year, right?
Is the Tar Heel (North Carolina) Regional the only new one, or am I missing another?
Utah.
Also interesting, Sacramento listed as a 2-day event.
Josh Drake
20-09-2009, 10:34
Utah.
Also interesting, Sacramento listed as a 2-day event.
...and middle of the week?
Vikesrock
20-09-2009, 10:35
Are you kinda sorta confirming the Minnesota dates?
From what I know, the University of Minnesota has those dates locked in for Williams Arena and Mariucci Arena (the same venues as last year)
Mark McLeod
20-09-2009, 10:50
Also interesting, Sacramento listed as a 2-day event.
Sounds like a new, lower cost event, or they've petitioned to join the Michigan district system.:yikes:
This is what is on VIMS, give or take a little:
Week 1
March 4-6
BAE
Bayou
F.L.R.
Kansas City
N.J.
Oregon
Peachtree
San Diego
Wash D.C. (TBD)
March 5-6
Traverse City District
Kettering Univ.
Week 2
March 11-13
Arizona
Chesapeake
Florida
Pittsburg
Wisconsin
Dallas (TBD)
March 12-13
Cass Tech District
March 12-14
N.Y. City
March 14-16
Israel
Week 3
March 18-20
Boilermaker
Connecticut (TBD)
Midwest
VCU
Silicon Valley
St. Louis
Utah (TBD)
March 19-20
Detroit District
West Michigan District
Week 4
March 25-27
Boston (TBD)
Buckeye
Colorado
Hawaii (TBD)
Los Angeles
Seattle
Oklahoma
Palmetto (TBD)
Philadelphia (TBD)
Long Island (TBD)
Waterloo
March 26-27
Troy District
Lansing District
March 31-April 1
Sacramento
Week 5
April 1-3
Toronto
Las Vegas
Lone Star
Michigan State Championship
Minnesota 10,000 Lakes (TBD)
Minnesota North Star (TBD)
Tar heel (TBD)
April 15-17
FIRST Championship
Some of those TBD may just be contracts that are not officially signed.
Well this gives me a vague idea of what my vacation time will be next year.
Josh Drake
20-09-2009, 11:41
Well this gives me a vague idea of what my vacation time will be next year.
Just to be safe take January to April off. That is, if they will let you.:D
Just to be safe take January to April off. That is, if they will let you.:D
I only get five weeks of vacation time and I have to save at least one day for IRI.
Akash Rastogi
20-09-2009, 12:03
Week 4 <3:D :D :D :D
It's the missing Regionals , such as Brazil, I find interesting...
Looks like we lost the same number of events as we gained.
P.S. Nope, I miscounted. FRC gained two events.
I can't even remember now where I heard this.. But in the summer I read or heard that that there would not be a Brazilian Regional in 2010. No idea if this is temporary or what the reasoning might be.
Chris is me
20-09-2009, 12:20
Wisconsin being immediately before Midwest is going to suck for the Wisconsin teams that go to Midwest (1675, 1732, 1652, among many others I've forgotten). I hope 1625's still coming to Wisconsin this year despite the gap, gotta defend their title after all. (insert second subtle hope that 111 comes back to WI here)
I'll be back in town for Wisconsin, gotta figure out if I can save up and fly back for 10,000 Lakes
Aren_Hill
20-09-2009, 12:25
If that list is right 1625 is probably gonna be at a brand new event for us, as wisconsin is back to back with midwest and st louis, and colorado is the next week. Midwest is the highest priority one we want to go too, so hmmmm....oh look san diego is week one! :D
"defending our title's" is less important when you win 2 in a year and they then put those 2 back to back
Wow Boilermaker, Midwest and St Louis all the same weekend. That sucks.
Phil Ross
20-09-2009, 13:49
Looks like now I can narrow down my choices of events for this year...can't wait! :D
Week 4
March 31-April 1
Sacramento
This is the most confusing date and totally conflicts with what I heard... From my understanding it is set for week 3. At least that's what Oregon teams were told a week ago.
Overall I'm pretty disappointed in the slow turn-around of information. I understand that there are only so many bodies at FIRST but its not like they didn't have months to get these details set in stone. Lead time is important if teams are going to make sound travel plans and not pay dearly to travel to distant regionals.
Josh Drake
20-09-2009, 15:24
Agreed, we're grapsing at whatever info. we can get, which so far is a site that's not complete, and info. others are posting here.
Our team meets Thursday night to try to decide. I would imagine things would be set by then.:ahh:
Wow Boilermaker, Midwest and St Louis all the same weekend. That sucks.
Yep and with Wisconsin right before, that is going to be rough. Might be good for some other Midwest regionals though.
Chris is me
20-09-2009, 15:45
Overall I'm pretty disappointed in the slow turn-around of information. I understand that there are only so many bodies at FIRST but its not like they didn't have months to get these details set in stone. Lead time is important if teams are going to make sound travel plans and not pay dearly to travel to distant regionals.
Regionals are 6 months away, some venues only plan events 6 months in advance. Considering the other stuff they've had to coordinate (designing a game, new control system modifications, launching FLL and FTC, taking a break), I'm not too picky when it comes to when I hear about regionals. It only seems "slow" because we decided to start talking about it a month in advance...
Akash Rastogi
20-09-2009, 15:52
Regionals are 6 months away, some venues only plan events 6 months in advance. Considering the other stuff they've had to coordinate (designing a game, new control system modifications, launching FLL and FTC, taking a break), I'm not too picky when it comes to when I hear about regionals. It only seems "slow" because we decided to start talking about it a month in advance...
@ Fe_Will
It would be nice to have information a little more ahead of time, but once you've had the experience of running your own event for years you'll see how much of a hassle things turn out to be. We've run competitions at our high school for years and booking the auditorium, gym, cafeteria, and auxiliary gym alone take a very long time (in a high school! :eek: ). I'd cut them some slack.
ATannahill
20-09-2009, 16:11
Regionals are 6 months away, some venues only plan events 6 months in advance. Considering the other stuff they've had to coordinate (designing a game, new control system modifications, launching FLL and FTC, taking a break), I'm not too picky when it comes to when I hear about regionals. It only seems "slow" because we decided to start talking about it a month in advance...
From what I've heard it takes about 6 months to get a passport (without paying an arm and a leg) if a team expects to travel out of the country, they need to tell the students to get passports now. I do not want to hear a story of a student not able to go to a competition because they weren't told to get a passport soon enough. Most teams out of The United States, Canada and Israel know they will need passport but what about the teams that travel between the U. S. and Canada?
@ Fe_Will
It would be nice to have information a little more ahead of time, but once you've had the experience of running your own event for years you'll see how much of a hassle things turn out to be. We've run competitions at our high school for years and booking the auditorium, gym, cafeteria, and auxiliary gym alone take a very long time (in a high school! :eek: ). I'd cut them some slack.
Perhaps you dont have the same type of relationship with your school's administration as we do? I booked our cafeteria the other day for a pre-ship scrimmage and it took less than 5 min.
I'd hate to burst your bubble but you aren't the only person who runs events, there is always someone who has been doing something for longer and shorter than you have...
Vikesrock
20-09-2009, 16:18
From what I've heard it takes about 6 months to get a passport (without paying an arm and a leg) if a team expects to travel out of the country, they need to tell the students to get passports now. I do not want to hear a story of a student not able to go to a competition because they weren't told to get a passport soon enough. Most teams out of The United States, Canada and Israel know they will need passport but what about the teams that travel between the U. S. and Canada?
Even with the new passport restrictions going into effect, children under 16 and children between 16 and 18 with school groups will still be able to cross the US/Canada border with an original or copy of a birth certificate. Mentors will need a passport, or one of a few other less common documents.
Akash Rastogi
20-09-2009, 16:46
Perhaps you dont have the same type of relationship with your school's administration as we do? I booked our cafeteria the other day for a pre-ship scrimmage and it took less than 5 min.
I'd hate to burst your bubble but you aren't the only person who runs events, there is always someone who has been doing something for longer and shorter than you have...
All I'm saying is to cut them (GDC, planning committee, anyone), some slack...Nothing more, nothing less.
synth3tk
20-09-2009, 17:08
Let's keep the chatter down to a minimum, ladies.
Thanks for posting the list, Drake.
ttldomination
20-09-2009, 18:06
Let's keep the chatter down to a minimum, ladies.
Thanks for posting the list, Drake.
On a robotics forum??? NEVER!!!
Thanks for the list though. :D
All I'm saying is to cut them (GDC, planning committee, anyone), some slack...Nothing more, nothing less.
Definitely agree with this. I find myself frustrated at the event staff when something goes wrong, but in two months time, I'll find myself heading up a VRC qualifier. I'm not sure how many teams there will be, I'm not sure how much "side" stuff we'll do, but it's tough to do the planning. No doubt.
Perhaps you dont have the same type of relationship with your school's administration as we do? I booked our cafeteria the other day for a pre-ship scrimmage and it took less than 5 min.
I'd hate to burst your bubble but you aren't the only person who runs events, there is always someone who has been doing something for longer and shorter than you have...
True True. For our school we have an online system, where teachers can go in and book a certain part of the school for a specific date/time. The harder part is figuring out what all will be available to us (ie tables, electronics, speakers, mic, etc.)
As for the dates, I'm excited. My teammates were nervous when they first heard that we're now a week 1 event, but there was a sense of renewed responsibility in the air, kinda like "Man, we gotta get down to business quicker this year."
Three rolled eyes up for inconsistency - :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:
Don't know what the harm would be to post the preliminary list for all, but those at FIRST know best. Anyhow, commitments were made to Volunteer Coordinators that VIMS would be up and running for them to start recruiting by a certain date. FIRST was honoring that commitment instead of delaying the start of recruiting.
Overall I'm pretty disappointed in the slow turn-around of information. I understand that there are only so many bodies at FIRST but its not like they didn't have months to get these details set in stone. Lead time is important if teams are going to make sound travel plans and not pay dearly to travel to distant regionals.
Working with a venue is not as easy as just calling them up and saying "Hey, we're coming!" Sometimes the venue doesn't have quite the same urgency as FRC teams do in locking down a date. I'd rather wait to make all my reservations AFTER the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed. Out here in the middle of the Pacific, we especially would like to know dates as soon as possible, but sometimes these things just take time.
..... but sometimes these things just take time.
As a member of a Regional Planning Committee, the above is very true.
In general FIRST is very professional in the finding of venues and getting contracts signed. The venues are not all that way however. One venue we used several years ago refused to sign and fax a contract back to FIRST. It HAD to be snail mail and by the way "we might get to it in a week or so". It was not like that particular venue had people banging down the doors to use it either. It seemed like dealing with potential customers got in the way of their jobs, if you know what I mean. That year we were the hold up for release of the schedule and at the time it was very frustrating for us. This business of signing up venues is a two way street. BOTH parties have to be on the ball for things to work out well.
Now for the shameless plug. The Long Beach Convention Center staff are very professional and the venue is very well run. They make the Committee's life much easier. Add to that, proximity to three major airports (LAX, Long Beach, and Orange County (John Wayne), good hotels and restaurants in walking distance, two major attractions (Aqarium of the Pacific, and the Queen Mary) in walking distance, a beach in walking distance and our famous Southern California weather. I don't see why a frozen team from the far north would not want to come.
I don't see why a frozen team from the far north would not want to come.
If we could only slap money like we slap people with trout... :rolleyes:
@ Fe_Will
It would be nice to have information a little more ahead of time, but once you've had the experience of running your own event for years you'll see how much of a hassle things turn out to be. We've run competitions at our high school for years and booking the auditorium, gym, cafeteria, and auxiliary gym alone take a very long time (in a high school! :eek: ). I'd cut them some slack.
I completely agree about cutting them some slack. However most of the pressure to know dates relates to the October 1 regional selection timing. Can't have it both ways....
This is the most confusing date and totally conflicts with what I heard... From my understanding it is set for week 3. At least that's what Oregon teams were told a week ago.
Overall I'm pretty disappointed in the slow turn-around of information. I understand that there are only so many bodies at FIRST but its not like they didn't have months to get these details set in stone. Lead time is important if teams are going to make sound travel plans and not pay dearly to travel to distant regionals.
I'm stumped at this one too. Checking out the UCD ARC Pavillion reservation system shows it is booked from Tuesday 3/30 thru Friday 4/2. Which would support this midweek regional idea. Perhaps this is an attempt to avoid Easter Sunday travel? The sad thing for us, is we get the week after Easter off, not the week before. So for us to attend this regional which is just minutes away, I need to pull students out from school for a couple of days before their Spring Break. Strange.....
I'm stumped at this one too. Checking out the UCD ARC Pavillion reservation system shows it is booked from Tuesday 3/30 thru Friday 4/2. Which would support this midweek regional idea. Perhaps this is an attempt to avoid Easter Sunday travel? The sad thing for us, is we get the week after Easter off, not the week before. So for us to attend this regional which is just minutes away, I need to pull students out from school for a couple of days before their Spring Break. Strange.....
Sadly, Davis is one of the top two second regionals on our list... But a mid-week regional right after our spring break won't go over too far with parents and administrators. Hopefully its just a typo :confused:
Sadly, Davis is one of the top two second regionals on our list... But a mid-week regional right after our spring break won't go over too far with parents and administrators. Hopefully its just a typo :confused:
Careful, Easter is Sunday, April 3. You may have the week off if you get the week before easter off.
Careful, Easter is Sunday, April 3. You may have the week off if you get the week before easter off.
We have the 22nd to 26th off... no dice.
Real dates are posted now:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/regionalevents.aspx?id=430
And the Michigan events are here:
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/content.aspx?id=9508
Akash Rastogi
24-09-2009, 14:47
A note to those wondering why NJ is 5th-7th:
There were many teams who's school would not allow ANY students to travel during our state testing for juniors (and practice testing for freshmen and sophomores). These teams should be very thankful to the NJ planning committee and the Sovereign Bank Arena.
flyingcrayons
24-09-2009, 15:25
I love the NJ planning committee... and you too akash ;)
Midwest, Boilermaker, and St. Louis all on the same weekend? That's a bit... weird. Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Kansas City might be seeing some new teams as a result.
Well this gives me a vague idea of what my vacation time will be next year.
Schedule confirmed.
GearsOfFury
24-09-2009, 15:38
Midwest, Boilermaker, and St. Louis all on the same weekend? That's a bit... weird. Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Kansas City might be seeing some new teams as a result.
Plus, Wisconsin is the week before Midwest/Boilermaker/St. Louis - not cool for shipping! I'm sure they tried the best they could, but this makes it a lot more expensive for Chicago-area teams to do a 2nd regional...
Aren_Hill
24-09-2009, 16:13
Well they mentioned teams being able to bag the robot and bring it themselves to certain events, this would make a back to back regional doable (wisconsin and midwest), main tough part there is the team missing 2 regionals straight worth of school.
Still rather annoying to put 3 midwest(area) regionals all on the same weekend
Midwest, Boilermaker, and St. Louis all on the same weekend? That's a bit... weird. Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Kansas City might be seeing some new teams as a result.
Yup and if we are frozen out of the Michigan events again this schedule is just plain awful!!!!
Travis Hoffman
24-09-2009, 16:25
Yup and if we are frozen out of the Michigan events again this schedule is just plain awful!!!!
b-u-c-k-e-y-e
p-i-t-t-s-b-u-r-g-h
w-a-t-e-r-l-o-o (buses of students 18 and under don't need passports)
Mark McLeod
24-09-2009, 16:26
Well they mentioned teams being able to bag the robot and bring it themselves to certain events, this would make a back to back regional doable...
I hope they tell us about shipping rules before registration opens, rather than at Kickoff, so we can make these decisions, otherwise, it has to remain on the undoable list.
I hope they tell us about shipping rules before registration opens, rather than at Kickoff, so we can make these decisions, otherwise, it has to remain on the undoable list.
You could technically do it if you want to-you just have to pay Shepard exorbitant amounts of money.
b-u-c-k-e-y-e
p-i-t-t-s-b-u-r-g-h
w-a-t-e-r-l-o-o (buses of students 18 and under don't need passports)
Only way we can afford two regionals is to do Boilermaker, not to mention that we have never missed one and one of our mentors is co-chair.
No way our school will let us do back-to-back regionals and 8 hour drives adds an extra day out of school and a Sunday drive.
Mark McLeod
24-09-2009, 16:34
One year our crate showed up at Philly late Wednesday night after the loading dock folks had gone home. The phone calls going on to track that crate down while I also was in transit were a little nerve wracking.
Haven't scheduled back-to-back Regionals since, and I've had a much more peaceful time of it.
I'd do it if I kept control over the robot.
Akash Rastogi
24-09-2009, 16:36
Could I get some feedback or PM's from people "selling" the Buckeye regional please? I've always wanted to attend. Thank you :)
ATannahill
24-09-2009, 16:56
A note to those wondering why NJ is 5th-7th:
There were many teams who's school would not allow ANY students to travel during our state testing for juniors (and practice testing for freshmen and sophomores). These teams should be very thankful to the NJ planning committee and the Sovereign Bank Arena.
Kidnappers away! I showed the schedule to our coach today and told him that the Florida Regional was the same week as FCATs (search if you care, there was a thread on it recently) and he was not happy.
Sadly, Davis is one of the top two second regionals on our list... But a mid-week regional right after our spring break won't go over too far with parents and administrators. Hopefully its just a typo :confused:
Sadly, no it is not just a typo. There were issues finding a suitable venue on that weekend. As recently as two weeks ago I thought Davis would be cancelled for lack of a place to play, then I went to a Regional Committee meeting:) and learned differntly
I was told something about schools holding back due to Basketball playoffs. Of course they could have guaranteed that playoff spot by booking FIRST for the weekend, but that would have caused other problems...
Akash Rastogi
24-09-2009, 21:04
Kidnappers away! I showed the schedule to our coach today and told him that the Florida Regional was the same week as FCATs (search if you care, there was a thread on it recently) and he was not happy.
The Friday- Sunday format causes conveniences to a lot of teams, but be warned, coming back from a regional Sunday night is like suicide if you plan on going to school on Monday. Teams will be tired, there's no question about it. We attended NYC in 07 (Fri-Sun event) and all our students were basically dead tired. I'll most likely be leaving the event early so I don't crash as soon as I get home all tired and worn out (unless I'm playing well into Saturday hehe)
There is a chance that the new Utah Regional will be a "mini regional" two day event. Anyone out there think a new regional will be able to handle the challenge of getting all 20-30 bots inspected Friday morning in time for afternoon qualifying rounds? It's not like Michigan districts that have a seasoned body of inspectors available to make things happen smoothly;) Just wondering...;)
Sadly, no it is not just a typo. There were issues finding a suitable venue on that weekend. As recently as two weeks ago I thought Davis would be cancelled for lack of a place to play, then I went to a Regional Committee meeting:) and learned differntly
I was told something about schools holding back due to Basketball playoffs. Of course they could have guaranteed that playoff spot by booking FIRST for the weekend, but that would have caused other problems...
Should have taken it back to Cal Expo, that was a fun venue.
This is definitely a difficult year for scheduling regionals and making it to more than one regional.
waialua359
25-09-2009, 02:34
There is a chance that the new Utah Regional will be a "mini regional" two day event. Anyone out there think a new regional will be able to handle the challenge of getting all 20-30 bots inspected Friday morning in time for afternoon qualifying rounds? It's not like Michigan districts that have a seasoned body of inspectors available to make things happen smoothly;) Just wondering...;)
I'm with you on that one. Having a new regional as a two day event may spell disaster. Hawaii this past year with the new control system definitely needed that first practice day.
We spent more time helping teams, along with 368, getting teams going and compliance with inspection than worrying about our own team. If Gunn 192, didnt decide to come last minute, teams wouldn't have made it by the real matches on Friday. They helped a lot also.
Personally, I hope we never have to do 2 day events. For all the hard work and expenses to participate, more practice is more fun and better for our robots during the real deal part.
Sunshine
26-09-2009, 14:01
Plus, Wisconsin is the week before Midwest/Boilermaker/St. Louis - not cool for shipping! I'm sure they tried the best they could, but this makes it a lot more expensive for Chicago-area teams to do a 2nd regional...
yup,
I believe they dropped the ball for the Midwest teams. The schedule is NOT user friendly for those wanting to do 2 events while keeping costs down; not traveling 8 hours; and not doing back to backs. Doing back to back competitions is not fair to the students. Too much school missed in a short period of time. (not to mention the reaction the schools would have)
I believe they dropped the ball for the Midwest teams. The schedule is NOT user friendly for those wanting to do 2 events while keeping costs down; not traveling 8 hours; and not doing back to backs.
Honestly, I agree that this year's dates aren't user friendly...
But, Midwest and East Coast teams complaining about second regionals being farther away is frustrating. Our closest second regional options; Davis (8 hrs), Salt Lake (13 hrs), Denver (19.5 hrs) and Hawaii (flying). Travel days and extra costs are a fact of life for most teams, welcome to reality. ::ouch::
For those complaining about the schedule, I'm sure FIRST knows. I doubt your regional directors are happy about it either, but venues can only be scheduled certain days, and that's what drives these dates.
For those complaining about the schedule, I'm sure FIRST knows. I doubt your regional directors are happy about it either, but venues can only be scheduled certain days, and that's what drives these dates.
Don't forget that they have also locked us out of Michigan again.
Sorry but I'm very unhappy.
Don't forget that they have also locked us out of Michigan again.
Sorry but I'm very unhappy.
Yes, we and every non-Washington team are locked out of Seattle as well due to an influx of new teams (71 last I heard). I wish the FIRST Wa people the best up there and look forward to returning when things settle down. They are gracious hosts and we enjoy playing with and against them.
I see this schedule as an opportunity to go somewhere we normally wouldn't. My team, while apprehensive about the cost, is excited about the occasion.
WCarvalho
01-10-2009, 03:13
The Sacramento Regional was first listed on "FRC Regional Events" (FIRST site) as March 31 - April 1, then as March 30 - April 1, and now March 31 - April 1 again. We were informed by FIRST that it is (as of a few days ago) planned as a 2-1/2 day event, starting on the 30th. Our spring break starts April 2, so students are a little happier about the timing than our teachers are. Does anyone know when the event's daily agenda/schedule will be finalized?
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