The Spectacular Return of the BEANTOWN BLITZ

[Brandon Holley]

ChiefDelphi,
I am proud to announce the return of the Beantown Blitz!!

The Blitz had to take a year off due to renovations at the arena where the Blitz is held. The arena is done and looks fantastic, so it is time for Beantown to shine once again!

Mark it on your calendars...

May 22nd
Matthews Arena, Northeastern University
Boston, MA, 02115


We are going to be making this event bigger and better than ever! We want YOUR suggestions of what you like or don't like at off-season competitions. May 22nd may seem far off, but it will be here before we know it.

More posts and emails will be sent closer to the date with information on how to register/volunteer/check it out, but we just want to make sure everyone knows that on May 22nd, the BEANTOWN BLITZ will make its return!

We look forward to seeing you there...

[skimoose]

Awesome! I've marked the "Gus" calendar. Team 228 has always had a great time at Beantown, going all the way back to when the trophies were bean pots!

Brandon, the only thing I can suggest to improve the event at the moment is to schedule some nice weather now! :p

I think almost every Beantown I've been to has had less than perfect weather except one. Although the award for worst weather ever goes to Battlecry a few years ago. Talk about soggy robots!

[MOE]

HELLOOoooo to all from the North East or (FL) ?::safety::
Good Luck to all of the great TEAMS this year:D . Team 88 TJ2 has the calender MARKED. Last year was not a full year without BEANTOWN we are glad its back,thanks to all who make this work. SEEEeeee all SOOOoon.::ouch::
MOE and Team 88 TJ2

[Teammax]

Team MAX is planning on being there. Beantown has always been a lot of fun

[BrendanB]

YES! One of my favorite off-seasons! I was really scared when you didn't have it last year. :p

[Brandon Holley]

We are extremely excited to bring it back this year...and i promise it will be bigger and better than ever!

[Teammax]

Is the registration up and running? If so where?

[Brandon Holley]

This email was sent to all teams who attended previous blitzes:


Hello Teams,
After a year off due to renovations, the area's best off-season event is returning this year. The 2010 Beantown Blitz will be held on May 22nd at Historic Matthews Arena on Northeastern University’s campus in Boston. The format of the competition will be the same as in years past: a full day event with doors opening at 7:00am and the competition kicking off around 8am. The price for the event has not changed at $300 per team.

To register for the Beantown Blitz please email us back telling us you are attending and also mail a check and the attached form to:

Beantown Blitz
Attn: Gina O’Brien-McLelland
College of Engineering
230 Snell Engineering
Northeastern University
360 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115-5000
617-373-2685

In the email please give the name, email address and phone number of the main mentor contact for which we can contact.
If you do not email us with your intention of coming we will not know to hold a spot for you.

Beantown Blitz Lunch
Each team will receive 2 free pizzas and 8 drinks with their registration fee. Additional pizzas can be purchased for $16 including 4 additional drinks. The order form for additional pizzas is attached to this email. Please fill out the form and mail it back to us by May 15th with the subject: Team XXXX lunch order form.

Thanks Everyone and I hope to see you at the 2010 Beantown Blitz.





Also, if you are interested in volunteering for the blitz, send an email to beantownblitz@gmail.com with your name and desired position. Give us a small blurb about you and what you can bring to the blitz this year.

I hope the competition season is treating everyone well, before we know it the blitz will be here!


And to start this, current list of teams attending:
125
1519
228
1307
2423
663
1991
181
1916

Final note, the blitz has a large capacity for an off-season event, however we have had to turn teams away in the past because we've reach capacity. Sign up soon to ensure your team will be there to take part in the biggest and best blitz to date!

-Brando

[Teammax]

Team 1071 should be registerred and paid by now. I sent the check awhile back. Could you see?

[kborer22]

Just to update the current teams attending the 2010 Beantown Blitz

125
1519
228
1307
2423
663
1991
181
1916
839
195
2877
1071
467
78
176
3126
238
2079
1761
69
121
529
348
1058
190
3723
2713
2593
246

That's 31 teams so FAR!! Spots are going fast make sure you reserve your spot today!

[Ericgehrken]

Is registration still open?

[Andrew Bates]

I don't believe we have filled up yet. Send an email to beantownblitz@gmail.com and someone should get back to you.

Note: It is currently exam week at Northeastern University so it make take some extra time to get you an answer.

[Brandon Holley]

I don't believe we have filled up yet. Send an email to beantownblitz@gmail.com and someone should get back to you.

Note: It is currently exam week at Northeastern University so it make take some extra time to get you an answer.


We are not filled up, yet...we are close though. If you are interested send an email ASAP!

Brando

[ketaki_shashank]

Are there still some spots open? 1124 is thinking of attending, but has not finalized it yet.

[AmoryG]

I don't believe we have filled up yet. Send an email to beantownblitz@gmail.com and someone should get back to you.

Note: It is currently exam week at Northeastern University so it make take some extra time to get you an answer.

Are there still some spots open? 1124 is thinking of attending, but has not finalized it yet.

Since this was posted only a few days ago, I think you should send a message to that email.

[Brandon Holley]

UPDATED Team List!!

125
1519
558
1307
2423
663
1991
181
1916
839
195
2877
1071
467
78
176
3126
238
2079
1761
69
121
529
348
1058
3273
2713
2593
246
172
175
88
3125
1100
999
2648
1511


We still have 3 spots remaining, however we estimate they will fill up quickly as we have had several inquiries. Please, if you wish to participate get in touch with us as quick as possible at beantownblitz@gmail.com

Also, if you are interested in volunteering at this event, we still have volunteer slots open in several positions. Please use the same email and mark "volunteer" in the subject line of your email.

We're looking forward to this being a great event for everyone in attendance!

Brando

[Koko Ed]

UPDATED Team List!!

125
1519
558
1307
2423
663
1991
181
1916
839
195
2877
1071
467
78
176
3126
238
2079
1761
69
121
529
348
1058
3273
2713
2593
246
172
175
88
3125
1100
999
2648
1511


We still have 3 spots remaining, however we estimate they will fill up quickly as we have had several inquiries. Please, if you wish to participate get in touch with us as quick as possible at beantownblitz@gmail.com

Also, if you are interested in volunteering at this event, we still have volunteer slots open in several positions. Please use the same email and mark "volunteer" in the subject line of your email.

We're looking forward to this being a great event for everyone in attendance!

Brando

This'll be the fourth event I'll be working with Rolling Thunder present.
We haven't even started The Ruckus Planning Committee yet.
I'm around them so often I oguhta get a shirt.

[Heretic121]

Lets bring up the hype New England!!! Battlecry is over and Beantown is less than two weeks away!!!!

[smurfgirl]

I'm looking forward to attending my first Beantown Blitz! (Thanks for waiting until after MIT finals week is over!)

[ICntIHaveRbtics]

my first and last beantown blitz with team 1058!
since I've never been, and I'm moving in the summer-- I just HAD to take work off for it. I can't wait, it sounds like a good time. plus all these competitions are making my senior year fly by! =)

[Brandon Holley]

Team 125 is busy finalizing preparations for the Blitz and we are absolutely thrilled to be bringing this event back, bigger and better than ever.

We will have a few small game tweaks, they will be posted tomorrow afternoon. I hope everyone is pumped for the return of the Blitz!!

-Brando

[Tom Bottiglieri]

We will have a few small game tweaks, they will be posted tomorrow afternoon. I hope everyone is pumped for the return of the Blitz!!

Golden soccer ball? ;)

[JamesBrown]

Team 125 is busy finalizing preparations for the Blitz and we are absolutely thrilled to be bringing this event back, bigger and better than ever.

We will have a few small game tweaks, they will be posted tomorrow afternoon. I hope everyone is pumped for the return of the Blitz!!

-Brando

Do you have a final team list?

[ouellet348]

Team 348 will be there, looking for the 3 peat win ! always a great time at bean town !

[KathieK]

There will be a NEMO (Non-Engineering Mentors Organization) meeting from 10am to noon (location TBD) - they can come and go as their schedules dictate - open to all adult and college-age mentors - and we'll be discussing whatever non-technical topics are of interest to everyone - team organization, teambuilding, getting parents involved, public relations, travel planning, outreach, recruiting, etc.

Often I find that the non-technical mentors don't hear about the NEMO meetings at the off-seasons so please share this info and encourage them to attend the event.

If you have any questions e-mail me!

[Brandon Holley]

The 2010 Beantown Blitz Rule Additions:

-The Beantown Blitz will use all standard Breakaway rules, with the addition of the "golden soccer ball" rules listed below.

Golden Soccer Ball Rules:
-The alliance who scores more points in autonomous mode will be awarded control of the "golden soccer ball".
-The "golden soccer ball" will be placed on a pedestal next to one of the ball corrals for the alliance. The human player occupying that particular corral will be responsible for manipulation of the "golden soccer ball" and its entering to the field.
-The golden soccer ball WILL NOT be initially entered onto the field via the trident and ball return, it will be entered onto the field directly over the alliance station wall (this will avoid issues with the scoring system). After being scored, the golden soccer ball will act as a normal ball and be returned via trident and ball return.
-Each score of a "golden soccer ball" will be worth 2 points.
-If the red and blue alliances end autonomous in a tie, the "golden soccer ball" will be entered into the midfield zone with 1:00 minute remaining in the match.
-All standard Breakaway rules pertaining to control, manipulation and scoring of a ball will apply to the "golden soccer ball" as well.



Please, if you have any questions/comments/concerns, feel free to voice them.

6 days til the Blitz!

-Brando

[Brandon Holley]

Do you have a final team list?

The list is still updating daily, but here is the team list as of 11:20 pm on 5/16/2010:

125
1519
558
1307
2423
181
1916
839
195
2877
1071
467
78
176
3126
238
2079
1761
69
121
529
348
1058
1124
3273
2713
2648
246
172
175
88
1511
1100
999
1965
61
2871
2043


It is certainly going to be a fun and competitive event!

-Brando

[Cynette]

There will be a NEMO (Non-Engineering Mentors Organization) meeting from 10am to noon (location TBD) - they can come and go as their schedules dictate - open to all adult and college-age mentors - and we'll be discussing whatever non-technical topics are of interest to everyone - team organization, teambuilding, getting parents involved, public relations, travel planning, outreach, recruiting, etc.

Often I find that the non-technical mentors don't hear about the NEMO meetings at the off-seasons so please share this info and encourage them to attend the event.

If you have any questions e-mail me!
I wish I was coming to go to the NEMO meeting!

I know that 1511 is excited to be attending their first spring off-season ever! Thunderfoot has gone through a full maintenance routine with some long distance upgrades! Thanks for inviting us back to Boston!

[ouellet348]

any idea if there will be a live simulcast or twitter updates on team's standings and scores ?

[Brandon Holley]

any idea if there will be a live simulcast or twitter updates on team's standings and scores ?

We are working extremely hard on a webcast and are hoping we can make it happen. More on that tomorrow after we get setup. As for Twitter, follow @nutrons for updates.

-Brando

[Andrew Bates]

What are people looking for in twitter updates. Unfortunately it is unfeasible for us to tweet results of every match. Let me know what you want and I'll do my best to make sure you get it.

[ouellet348]

could you try to tweet the standings every half hour or hour ? and finals scores ?

[kstl99]

We are working extremely hard on a webcast and are hoping we can make it happen. More on that tomorrow after we get setup. As for Twitter, follow @nutrons for updates.

-Brando

Any luck on a webcast?

[BrendanB]

Any luck on a webcast?

I believe they figured out something, can't wait for tomorrow! :)

http://thebluealliance.tumblr.com/

[kstl99]

I believe they figured out something, can't wait for tomorrow! :)

http://thebluealliance.tumblr.com/

Awesome!

Thanks

[esquared]

I have 7 people who just arrived at my house, T minus 7 hours till we're there :cool:

[Brandon Holley]

I believe they figured out something, can't wait for tomorrow! :)

http://thebluealliance.tumblr.com/

You got it right, I was able to slap together a webcast yesterday during setup.

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/2010-beantown-blitz

Hope everyone is ready for a great event!

-Brando

[O'Sancheski]

Does anyone have the current standings

[StevenB]

Top 20 as of about 2:20 pm:
78
2648
175
3280
1071
195
1761
467
3126
1100
1058
1519
88
1307
1124
2871
246
348
121
2079

Alliance selections (3:20 pm)
78 175 2423
2648 1519 1073
3280 1058 246
88 3126 348
195 1100 2079
1071 839 69
467 1511 121
125 1124 190
No teams declined.

[Koko Ed]

Top 20 as of about 2:20 pm:
78
2648
175
3280
1071
195
1761
467
3126
1100
1058
1519
88
1307
1124
2871
246
348
121
2079

Alliance selections (3:20 pm)
78 175 2423
2648 1519 1073
3280 1058 246
88 3126 348
195 1100 2079
1071 839 69
467 1511 121
125 1124 190
No teams declined.

Are those the final standings and could you list which alliance were eliminated round by round please?

[Brandon Holley]

Top 20 as of about 2:20 pm:
78
2648
175
3280
1071
195
1761
467
3126
1100
1058
1519
88
1307
1124
2871
246
348
121
2079

Alliance selections (3:20 pm)
78 175 2423
2648 1519 1073
3280 1058 246
88 3126 348
195 1100 2079
1071 839 69
467 1511 121
125 1124 190
No teams declined.

watch the teams compete live! http://www.ustream.tv/channel/2010-beantown-blitz

[Koko Ed]

watch the teams compete live! http://www.ustream.tv/channel/2010-beantown-blitz

I quit trying to watch the webcast due to poor quality.

[Brandon Holley]

I quit trying to watch the webcast due to poor quality.

i've been monitoring it live on a separate computer and it looks great.

[Akash Rastogi]

I quit trying to watch the webcast due to poor quality.

Coming in nice and clear for me.

[Koko Ed]

i've been monitoring it live on a separate computer and it looks great.

I'm getting choppy video quality and then it cuts off after five minutes.

[Alex Cormier]

I'm getting choppy video quality and then it cuts off after five minutes.

I've been watching for a few hours. No problem here.

[StevenB]

Alliances 1-4 have defeated alliances 5-8 in the quarterfinals.
Alliances 1 (78, 175, 2423) and 2 (2648, 1519, 1073) defeated alliances 3 and 4 in the semifinals.
78, 175 and 2423 are the champions.

[TD78]

Just got home and what an awesome time! Thanks to Team 125 for putting on such a great event. Thanks also to our teammates, 175 and 2423, for rounding out a really fun alliance. Those were some of the best elimination round matches I've seen all year! I never got to see what happened to 1073, but it was unfortunate they were not 100% for the final match. Congrats though to them and 1519 and 2648 for a great run to the finals. The semi-final matches on that side of the bracket were just plain ridiculous! Time now for a much needed summer vacation. See everyone in the fall at Bash at the Beach and River Rage!

[BrendanB]

Team 1519 had a very fun day with new drive teams and playing with old friends! All of our students had the opporitunity to experience some new tasks at competition and performed very, very well! Congratulations guys! :)

Thanks to the students on team 1058 for setting up the mentor match to include 1058,1073, and 1519, Granite State Regional memories! :) It is always a pleasure working with both of your teams and we can't wait until Mayhem In Merrimack with both of you and IRI with team 1058! :D

Thank you team 2648 for picking us and 1073, we had a great alliance and came oh so close to getting a 6 ball autonomous but 4 was a good accomplishment with the other two in front of the goal! :yikes:

Thanks to all the volunteers for making it such a great event!

~Team 1519 Mechanical MAYHEM!

[smurfgirl]

I had a great time at my first Beantown Blitz! Thanks to everyone who made this event happen. Also, congratulations to the students on 1124 who all took on new roles and did a great job with them.

[Brandon Holley]

Team 125 would like to thank all 39 teams who came out for the Beantown Blitz, it was certainly a fun day for our team, as I'm sure it was for ours.

We were able to incorporate in 1 day of competition:
-6 practice matches
-7 qualification matches for each team in attendance
-A round of mentor matches for 24 teams, including the crowning of our mentor champions
-Alliance selection
-The entire elimination tournament
-An awards ceremony

It was certainly a busy/long day, but the result was a jam packed day of FIRST action. I was very proud we were able to get all of those matches in!

The Blitz is back, and it will be for the foreseeable future. I hope all the teams in attendance join us again next year! If anyone has any comments or suggestions please feel free to leave them here!

Thanks again to everyone!

-Brando

[rdgalgano]

Special thanks to team 125 for running the Beantown blitz. It was just a wonderful day. I thought the event was very well run, and actually quite relaxing - if an FRC event can ever be described as such!

Of course, I have to say the best part was the mentor matches. As a long time mentor, after 14 robots and 40+ FRC competitions, it was a thrill to actually play in a match! Thanks to Dan's excellent maneuvering, I managed to fire one shot from the kicker -a direct hit into the goal!

Actually it was quite humbling. Not as easy as it looks. After that, we weren't so hard on the students in their next match.

So, OK, now I have scored my one point in 15 years. Time to go back to being a mentor.

[hedgehoglover]

This was my first off season competition as a team member, and it was really exciting. I can say that it was a really good experience for the entire team.

[Vikesrock]

Congrats to team 125 on putting on an excellent event!

This was my first event as a volunteer and it definitely seemed like the Nutrons kept things organized and running smoothly.

Also congrats to teams 78, 175, and 2423 for emerging victorious after some hard fought eliminations matches.

[AmoryG]

Did anyone record any of the matches, particularly the elimination rounds? If anyone could post a few that would be greatly appreciated.