View Full Version : 2011 FRC Season dates
I am trying to update our team calendar for next year. I know that Kickoff is January 8 and Championship is April 27-30. That gave us an extra week than normal and two extra weeks comparing to last year.
Does anybody know whether we are going to have 7 weeks to build and 6 weeks of district/regional or 6 weeks to build and 7 weeks of competition before World Championship? Or we will just have an idle week to get some sleep. I will vote for that.
DonRotolo
04-07-2010, 15:09
I don't "KNOW", but I can speculate that we will have 6 weeks of build. I can also speculate that there will be 6 weeks of regionals, but that's highly speculative
Nawaid Ladak
05-07-2010, 23:15
usually most regionals that are on university campuses are held during that school's spring break, that might give you an idea on some dates for regionals.
Autodesk Oregon is March 24th-26th. This was confirmed by our FIRST regional contact. We're also pretty sure that it's a week 4 regional this year, although this was not confirmed.
This is a departure, as historically, Oregon has been a week 1 or 2 event.
smurfgirl
06-07-2010, 04:33
I don't "KNOW", but I can speculate that we will have 6 weeks of build. I can also speculate that there will be 6 weeks of regionals, but that's highly speculative
This is what I'd speculate as well, but it's not like my speculations make any difference. I just have to wait for the surprise and hope my home regionals come at times when I can actually attend them. :)
Considering that RITs spring break falls between February 28th to March 7th it looks like FLR will most likely happen March 3rd thru the 5th which means week 1 (ARGH!) since FLR has always went on during Spring break.
Justin Montois
06-07-2010, 11:51
Considering that RITs spring break falls between February 28th to March 7th it looks like FLR will most likely happen March 3rd thru the 5th which means week 1 (ARGH!) since FLR has always went on during Spring break.
Ugh.
Alex Cormier
06-07-2010, 11:53
Ugh.
Double Ugh.
Paul Copioli
06-07-2010, 16:52
See you guys say, "Ugh" and I say "Awesome" because it means that Finger Lakes is the likely place the ThunderChickens will compete since it may be week 1. I really like FLR.
I don't "KNOW", but I can speculate that we will have 6 weeks of build. I can also speculate that there will be 6 weeks of regionals, but that's highly speculative
I'm not so sure about that. FIRST asked the Hall of Fame teams if we would prefer a 7 week build season. I believe other research was being done to evaluate a 7 week build season as well.
I hope it's 6.
See you guys say, "Ugh" and I say "Awesome" because it means that Finger Lakes is the likely place the ThunderChickens will compete since it may be week 1. I really like FLR.
My problem is FLR is a great regional and I hate to see it dragged down by the plague of bugs that seem to happen to all the week one events.
DonRotolo
06-07-2010, 21:07
This is what I'd speculate as well, but it's not like my speculations make any difference.
Well, yeah, of course. :rolleyes:
My problem is FLR is a great regional and I hate to see it dragged down by the plague of bugs that seem to happen to all the week one events.You guys are wimps! :D NJ has been week 1 for 6 years at least, and I'm still alive.
ttldomination
06-07-2010, 21:11
My problem is FLR is a great regional and I hate to see it dragged down by the plague of bugs that seem to happen to all the week one events.
This year, P'tree was a first week regional, and I have to be honest, we came out of the regional with a bad taste in our mouths, but the bottom line is that the experience was worth while. We took the experience to our second regional (about 3 weeks buffer), and we did well.
But I guess it is troublesome for teams who attend only one regional, especially with this year's week 1 regionals resulting in large changes.
- Sunny
We went to San Diego this year, and it was the first week 1 regional for any of us on the team. I'm sure almost the whole team would say it was the longest, hardest and most stressful regional we've ever been to: close to nothing worked on our robot; there were field problems; the rules weren't in their best shape of the season, as it seemed like every other match was a 0-0 tie.
BUT, if there's one thing it taught us was teamwork. I don't think I've seen our team work together the way it did those 3 days. Instead of complaining and arguing, we came together and decided to bank on what was working well: our drive system. We took a completely defensive approach to the rest of the competition, and found our way into the semifinals.
While week 1 regionals have their problems, I think it's worth it. The adversity really brings a team together.
Just my $0.02 on the subject
Nawaid Ladak
06-07-2010, 21:51
looking at the academic schedules for universities where regional events are held, this is what we come up with
Week 1 (3/3/11-3/5/11)
+Finger Lakes Regional
Week 2 (3/10/11-3/12/11)
+Florida Regional
+WPI Regional
Week 3 (3/17/11-3/19/11)
+Boilermaker Regional
+Las Vegas Regional
Week 4 (3/24/11-3/26/11)
+Autodesk Oregon Regional
+Palmetto Regional
+Philadelphia Regional
+VCU Regional
Week 5 (3/31/11-4/2/11)
+Silicone Valley Regional
UC Davis has a break from 3/19-3/24 so they might do a Tuesday/Wednesday thing again, possibly on 3/22-3/23. The University of Minnesota does not host their regional events during their spring break therefore they are excluded from this list. If anyone has any extra events to add to this list, please let me know and i'll make the changes ASAP
3/24-26/2011 for Hawaii. Already being advertised (http://www.hawaiiroc.org/first-robotics/) as such.
What's wrong with a 45-day build season? It's long enough, and the teams who are extremely successful keep the engineering process going after that 45 days as it is.
JOClarke
07-07-2010, 00:13
Has anybody heard about any new regionals, usually Dean gives some sort of hint at the end of champs. What about the North Carolina Regional - this was a great regional.
looking at the academic schedules for universities where regional events are held, this is what we come up with
Week 1 (3/3/11-3/5/11)
+Finger Lakes Regional
Week 2 (3/10/11-3/12/11)
+Florida Regional
+WPI Regional
Week 3 (3/17/11-3/19/11)
+Boilermaker Regional
+Las Vegas Regional
Week 4 (3/24/11-3/26/11)
+Autodesk Oregon Regional
+Palmetto Regional
+Philadelphia Regional
+VCU Regional
Week 5 (3/31/11-4/2/11)
+Silicone Valley Regional
UC Davis has a break from 3/19-3/24 so they might do a Tuesday/Wednesday thing again, possibly on 3/22-3/23. The University of Minnesota does not host their regional events during their spring break therefore they are excluded from this list. If anyone has any extra events to add to this list, please let me know and i'll make the changes ASAP
SVR and Oregon are wrong, barring dramatic changes. SVR is almost always week 3 and Oregon week 1/2.
Peter Matteson
07-07-2010, 09:05
I'm not so sure about that. FIRST asked the Hall of Fame teams if we would prefer a 7 week build season. I believe other research was being done to evaluate a 7 week build season as well.
I hope it's 6.
Seconded.
6 weeks burns most teams out enough. Any lengthening of the true build season will add to the mentor burnout factor, and mentor retention being a top priority of FIRST makes me think they would want to avaoid this.
Add me to the following lists:
- 6 week build cycle: I'm pretty burned out by Tuesday 2AM when the box is sealed shut. Another week and I think I'd be falling over. I'm not sure that the 7th week would be a bonus, I'm thinking it would be just another seven 20 hour days of panic at the end.
- people that love FLR: We went last year and had a blast, our roboteers want to go back for Ruckus in the fall.
- people that go "ugh" over FLR being Week 1. We had a good time, but wow were we burned out at the end. Maybe if it's week 2.
See you guys say, "Ugh" and I say "Awesome" because it means that Finger Lakes is the likely place the ThunderChickens will compete since it may be week 1. I really like FLR.
My HERO! I'd love to play against the ThunderChickens, but not at the expense of the soul crushing that is Week One. How about coming to Philly and I'll treat to famous Philly Cheese-steaks to make up for the longer drive?
Hey FIRST, how about a 6 week build, a two week gap and 6 weeks of events?
Hey FIRST, how about a 6 week build, a two week gap and 6 weeks of events?
Now thats actually a good idea.
Plus events like Suffield etc. Could be held during that time, instead of Build season.
SVR and Oregon are wrong, barring dramatic changes. SVR is almost always week 3 and Oregon week 1/2.
Oregon is going to be a week 4 regional event this year. It was the only week that the Memorial Coliseum could be secured.
Peter Matteson
07-07-2010, 15:15
Now thats actually a good idea.
Plus events like Suffield etc. Could be held during that time, instead of Build season.
No, they couldn't. We wouldn't have robots unless the shipping/bagging rules were changed.:D
Although a 2 week break before week one regionals would make competing then more pallatable I think the extra week will be between the final regionals week and championship like in the past when for scheduling reasons the Championship was later.
Jared Russell
07-07-2010, 15:40
My "dream scenario" (which ignores the fact that many regionals would need to find new venues if week 1 is changed dramatically as suggested below):
-6 week build
-Only one week 1 event (that rotates around the country). It would effectively be an official post-ship scrimmage. Teams who opt to attend get to uncrate/unbag their robots early and maybe get a reduced registration fee in return for having to deal with the normal week 1 issues. This lets all of FIRST keep a close eye on the competition to ensure smooth sailing for the rest of the season.
-5 or 6 weeks of regular districts/regionals (depending on the calendar configuration in a given year)
rwood359
07-07-2010, 18:06
Add me to the following lists:
- 6 week build cycle: I'm pretty burned out by Tuesday 2AM when the box is sealed shut. Another week and I think I'd be falling over. I'm not sure that the 7th week would be a bonus, I'm thinking it would be just another seven 20 hour days of panic at the end.
Hey FIRST, how about a 6 week build, a two week gap and 6 weeks of events?
I like this idea. It is probably most attractive teams that are going to week 1 events.
Last year we went to week 1 and 2 events. We don't go home between events, so we are on the road for almost two weeks.
Six weeks of build, one week to catch up after putting personal life off for six weeks, get house and yard ready to be gone two weeks, and almost two weeks of travel and competition. That's a significant part of a year for both the students and mentors. I'm retired, so I have part of my days free. I have tremendous respect for the mentors that work and spend most of their free time during FRC season with their teams. An extra week would be a lot to ask of both the mentors and students.
We're probably doing week 1 and 2 again this year. I'd love to have a week of breathing room before the first competition.
Nawaid Ladak
07-07-2010, 23:15
Autodesk Oregon is March 24th-26th. This was confirmed by our FIRST regional contact. We're also pretty sure that it's a week 4 regional this year, although this was not confirmed.
This is a departure, as historically, Oregon has been a week 1 or 2 event.
SVR and Oregon are wrong, barring dramatic changes. SVR is almost always week 3 and Oregon week 1/2.
after further review, your right on SVR, it doesn't coincide with SJSU's spring break, and it hasn't for the past two years.
please see the above post for the information about the Autodesk Oregon Regional (i wonder if this means the Seattle Regionals/Superregional will be early in the event season)
looking at the academic schedules for universities where regional events are held, this is what we come up with
Week 1 (3/3/11-3/5/11)
+Finger Lakes Regional
Week 2 (3/10/11-3/12/11)
+Florida Regional
+WPI Regional
Week 3 (3/17/11-3/19/11)
+Boilermaker Regional
+Las Vegas Regional
Week 4 (3/24/11-3/26/11)
+Autodesk Oregon Regional
+Hawaii Regional
+Palmetto Regional
+Philadelphia Regional
+VCU Regional
Week 5 (3/31/11-4/2/11)
UC Davis has a break from 3/19-3/24 so they might do a Tuesday/Wednesday thing again, possibly on 3/22-3/23. The University of Minnesota does not host their regional events during their spring break therefore they are excluded from this list. If anyone has any extra events to add to this list, please let me know and i'll make the changes ASAP
Heretic121
07-07-2010, 23:46
dunno how this hasnt been posted but week 1 = BAE... for the past 7 seasons since its true inception in 2003
Chris is me
08-07-2010, 00:32
From the US Cellular Arena website:
March 2011
FIRST Robotics 2011 Wisconsin Regional Competition
US Cellular Arena
March 10, 2011 - March 12, 2011
Wisconsin's the same week as WPI again. :/
waialua359
08-07-2010, 02:15
I'm going against the norm. I say build season should be either 6 or 7 weeks depending on the game.
This year, teams were figuring out drivetrains for the "bump", scoring into goals aka "kicker" and then an end game. IMO, that was too much engineering in just a 6 week build season. I saw too many robots that didnt do much during the week 1 and some week 2 events.
With either a 7 week build season this year, OR an extra week before a week 1 regional, that might have made for a better set of week 1 regionals across the country.
This was by far the worst build season for our team since our rookie year, hands down. I'm pretty burnt out and need a break after IRI.
rick.oliver
08-07-2010, 11:19
I like the concept expressed by Collin Fultz earlier this year. No Bag&Tag nor shipping to Regional events. Teams are able repair and modify their robots throughout the Competition season.
I would prefer that there was an extra week between the last Regional and the Championship events to allow teams to repair and finalize their robot prior to the Championship event. The Ship date would be the Tuesday of the week prior to the week of the Championship event.
This would mean that only the teams going to the Championship event would be required to crate and ship their robots. For District and Regional events, teams would be required to arrange for their own robot transportation.
XaulZan11
08-07-2010, 11:25
I like the concept expressed by Collin Fultz earlier this year. No Bag&Tag nor shipping to Regional events. Teams are able repair and modify their robots throughout the Competition season.
I think a match with 6 469-clones would be very boring.
rick.oliver
08-07-2010, 11:51
I think a match with 6 469-clones would be very boring.
Very true. Not sure I'ld say the same about the Simbotics sextuplets or a Host of Hots or a Herd of Chickens ...
Collin Fultz
08-07-2010, 11:52
I think a match with 6 469-clones would be very boring.
True, but a match where 4 - 6 robots could drive, control, kick, and hang as well and quickly as the top teams (33, 1114, 254, et al) would be some of the most exciting of the year. You'd be more likely to see those types of matches at regionals, instead of having to wait until Einstein.
True, but a match where 4 - 6 robots could drive, control, kick, and hang as well and quickly as the top teams (33, 1114, 254, et al) would be some of the most exciting of the year. You'd be more likely to see those types of matches at regionals, instead of having to wait until Einstein.
I truly don't think that this will help make robots that much more competitive. Teams that don't build good robots do it for a reason, and it's generally not because they don't have enough time. If you give them all the time in the world they're probably going to perform better initially, but I think it's just going to help them reach their ceiling more quickly. I think for a lot of them, that ceiling is going to be in the same place it was during a 6 week build period.
I'm guessing the reason poor performing robots get built is because teams are either not dedicated to the robot building process, don't have mentors to support the build, or are seriously, seriously limited by the resources available to them. None of those situations get any better with additional time. Incremental improvement, sure, but not dramatic improvement.
Work expands to fill the time allotted. If you give a Week 6 competing team (1 competition) the full time from Kickoff to Week 6 to build, modify, test, and tweak their robot, they'll still show up at their event with a robot that needs major building on Thursday.
Collin Fultz
08-07-2010, 17:23
Work expands to fill the time allotted. If you give a Week 6 competing team (1 competition) the full time from Kickoff to Week 6 to build, modify, test, and tweak their robot, they'll still show up at their event with a robot that needs major building on Thursday.
I truly don't think that this will help make robots that much more competitive. Teams that don't build good robots do it for a reason, and it's generally not because they don't have enough time. If you give them all the time in the world they're probably going to perform better initially, but I think it's just going to help them reach their ceiling more quickly. I think for a lot of them, that ceiling is going to be in the same place it was during a 6 week build period.
I'm guessing the reason poor performing robots get built is because teams are either not dedicated to the robot building process, don't have mentors to support the build, or are seriously, seriously limited by the resources available to them. None of those situations get any better with additional time. Incremental improvement, sure, but not dramatic improvement.
You're both probably absolutely correct. Even with infinite access to our robot, I'm not sure Cyber Blue would have changed our bot that much from Ship Day to Championships. I was simply stating an opposing viewpoint to the notion that everyone would have simply copied the 469 design (though it still would have been possible to do with the witholding allowance).
XaulZan11
08-07-2010, 17:37
I was simply stating an opposing viewpoint to the notion that everyone would have simply copied the 469 design
Of course everyone wouldn't change their robot midseason, but I think enough people would copy or 'get inspired by' the best ideas to make enough of the robots too similar. Just look at 2008 when several teams saw 121's buildseason video and then built a reverse hurdler. Yes, it may have made those teams more sucessful, but at the cost of orginality and robot diversity. Personally, I would have all different kinds of robots than higher scores by a couple of cookie cutter designs.
Although it may have been partially due to their style of play, all the deflectors/trampolines that teams built midseason really made the game less exciting, in my opinion. At MARC there were a couple of matches where both alliances had a deflector bot and it was just a race to see who was quicker scoring in the first zones. No variation in style and strategy makes for a boring match.
please see the above post for the information about the Autodesk Oregon Regional (i wonder if this means the Seattle Regionals/Superregional will be early in the event season)
There's been some discussion about holding two events in Seattle on two different weekends, but I'm not sure where that plan stands now.
Chris is me
08-07-2010, 18:51
Although it may have been partially due to their style of play, all the deflectors/trampolines that teams built midseason really made the game less exciting, in my opinion. At MARC there were a couple of matches where both alliances had a deflector bot and it was just a race to see who was quicker scoring in the first zones. No variation in style and strategy makes for a boring match.
For what it's worth, I think deflector versus deflector matches have a lot more interesting strategic options than simply "cycle faster"! I imagine teams like 1625 and 294 actively defending one deflector by scoring from the back zone would have made strategy interesting, as well as the general elements of "score faster with less balls, or try and control as many as possible without necessarily scoring?" would have made these matches more interesting than what was seen at MARC. After IRI would probably be a better time to evaluate if "deflector versus deflector" would be unstrategic and boring.
rick.oliver
09-07-2010, 09:42
... but at the cost of orginality and robot diversity. Personally, I would have all different kinds of robots than higher scores by a couple of cookie cutter designs. ...
As you point out, cloning happens in the current system. And I agree with the perspectives that not all would take full advantage of additional time. Perhaps there would be more cloning or more effective cloning; I'm not convinced that would significantly detract from the diversity of designs or that it would be such a bad thing. It could result in good ideas being made better.
For me there are a few advantages. The opportunity to experience and practice continual improvement by developing your own concept or combining your concept with others that you see to create an even better outcome. For me this is an extension of Coopertition. It could take the pressure and intensity off of the build season (that may or may not be a good thing). It would reduce the burden on FedEx. It would provide teams the opportunity to be in their best possible condition when they arrive at Championships.
What was this thread about? :p
What was this thread about? :p
Oh you must be new here :cool:
Just wait for the two control system posts and then it will be a complete CD thread:
Event Dates and which regionals are better
Building skills
Gracious professionalism and coopertition
Robot design
Bag and tag vs crates
Control systems - Labview vs java and how the IFI controller was better
:rolleyes:
buildmaster5000
09-07-2010, 12:09
Personally I wouldn't mind an extra week between ship date and Week 1 just because that is when we generally debug our programming and make it more than just survivable (we hold the whole control system back) espcially since we go to the DC regional which has been in Week 1.
Bethie42
09-07-2010, 13:42
Just wait for the two control system posts and then it will be a complete CD thread:
Event Dates and which regionals are better
Building skills
Gracious professionalism and coopertition
Robot design
Bag and tag vs crates
Control systems - Labview vs java and how the IFI controller was better
HAWW! :D
Oh hallelujah and raise a shout for a Week Four AOR! We've struggled through field errors for years...although the AOR is really well run, in my and my team's opinion. But static shutting the whole field down during finals during Lunacy...when I hear that problem got fixed pretty easily in later regionals...well we've all been there and done that :P
On the Seattle regional: If we [and most Oregon teams, I assume] try to go to a second regional, Seattle is probably going to be it, since it looks like Davis is going to be a Week Four event also [?]
When and where can we find more info on Seattle?
Thanks all, very helpful thread! My iCal is getting updated as we speak....
Lisa Perez
09-07-2010, 14:21
HAWW! :D
Oh hallelujah and raise a shout for a Week Four AOR! We've struggled through field errors for years...although the AOR is really well run, in my and my team's opinion. But static shutting the whole field down during finals during Lunacy...when I hear that problem got fixed pretty easily in later regionals...well we've all been there and done that :P
On the Seattle regional: If we [and most Oregon teams, I assume] try to go to a second regional, Seattle is probably going to be it, since it looks like Davis is going to be a Week Four event also [?]
When and where can we find more info on Seattle?
Thanks all, very helpful thread! My iCal is getting updated as we speak....
Pre-FIRST releasing event dates, you will probably get your best indication of when an event may actually be based on the venue's schedule (sometimes posted on its website), since that more or less shows that the planning committee has already made a contract with it for the next year.
What was this thread about? :p
I just asked a simple question and got a great deal of wonderful discussion on what is the purpose of life and everything in between.
I think reading in between the posts, it is most probably going to be 6 weeks of build, 1 week break, 6 weeks of competition, 2 weeks break and then FIRST Championship. At least this is what I hoped. I can't survive more than 6 weeks of build. We pretty much stop new development after ship date even if we get "inspired" by other teams. It is also good for teams that make it to championship at Week 6 to have more time to raise money and plan for the FIRST Championship. Without Team 33's help the last 2 years, we would not have been able to get our robot shipped out in such short notice after making the World Championship in Week 6 (5 last year)
I talked with our FRC Regional Director today, and it sounds like Seattle will be a week 3 event with two fields and up to 140 teams. Right now they're at the behest of Quest Field (Home of the Seattle Seahawks) to confirm.
If Seattle is indeed a week 3 event that will make it hard to do Portland as a second play since it's a week 4 event. You can do back to back events but shipping gets expensive and time management gets tricky. There is typically a lot of interaction between Washington and Oregon teams but this would cut down the number that do both events.
I talked with our FRC Regional Director today, and it sounds like Seattle will be a week 3 event with two fields and up to 140 teams.Woah mega regional!
I like the concept expressed by Collin Fultz earlier this year. No Bag&Tag nor shipping to Regional events. Teams are able repair and modify their robots throughout the Competition season.This would be great for some teams, but is totally impractical for others who travel long distances to regionals. Plus, it would pretty much prevent Hawaii teams from competing on the mainland (besides the Championship) and vice-versa.
Bethie42
16-07-2010, 22:36
I talked with our FRC Regional Director today, and it sounds like Seattle will be a week 3 event with two fields and up to 140 teams. Right now they're at the behest of Quest Field (Home of the Seattle Seahawks) to confirm.
This is going to be a tricky situation for OR and WA teams wishing to attend a second regional. I assume we'll have a smaller overall competition, which I personally will regret... Easier on scouts though ;) I've heard AOR has run out of room in past years [62 teams last year, I believe], so we might see more teams from farther afield.
I'll be in charge of organizing and collecting info on whether we want to attend a second regional: our team is from Oregon and we've done a second regional [Davis] a few times in the past, quite a few years ago.
What are some opinions of teams in the PNW who've had experience with second regionals? I'll try to find out more info on Davis, although I'm not keen on their probable 2-day schedule, and somebody had said it would likely be the week of AOR...
I'll be in charge of organizing and collecting info on whether we want to attend a second regional: our team is from Oregon and we've done a second regional [Davis] a few times in the past, quite a few years ago.
What are some opinions of teams in the PNW who've had experience with second regionals? I'll try to find out more info on Davis, although I'm not keen on their probable 2-day schedule, and somebody had said it would likely be the week of AOR...
We'd love to have you back at Davis again. I haven't heard any official word on the dates for Davis. I checked the ARC Pavillion calendar and the only thing on it is some event on Thursday 4/7 and Friday 4/8, but nothing reserved for Saturday. This could the two day FRC event or it could be something completely different - hard to tell.
Bethie42
21-07-2010, 23:50
We'd love to have you back at Davis again. I haven't heard any official word on the dates for Davis. I checked the ARC Pavillion calendar and the only thing on it is some event on Thursday 4/7 and Friday 4/8, but nothing reserved for Saturday. This could the two day FRC event or it could be something completely different - hard to tell.
And we'd love to come back! I was talking a few days ago with some other local teams and they [having been to Davis more recently..and took first place...one of the few teams from Oregon to EVER win two regionals...Team 997, I love 'em, gotta do a promo :D ] said they really liked the area, campus and so on.
I have a personal fondness for Davis, because I went down there with the team [my dad is a mentor] in 2006, a really good year for our team [semi-finals and Xerox Creativity Award]. I was about 13, still in junior high, hated math, never thought I'd come to love technology and so on. Well I went to the competition and I loved it...was cheering for our team the whole time...the seeds for my current FIRST-obsession were sown ;) It was two years until I actually became involved again, but I like to think back to the early days in a stadium in California, a shy adolescent was developing her insane dedication to promoting engineering.... *sigh* When observing the turn-off for Davis on a recent trip to Cal, I actually exclaimed 'Ah! Dear old Davis!' in reference to that year...
All this verbage to say that I really hope Davis works out for our second regional, assuming we get one! And probably 997 will be with us, flush from this year's trip to Championships...our two teams love each other :)
Mark McLeod
22-07-2010, 08:13
The SBPLI Regional will be March 24-26
smurfgirl
22-07-2010, 08:19
Do any insiders have an idea of when the Boston and Connecticut Regionals will fall? Or you just can plan them to be at both ends of MIT's spring break so I can volunteer at them both. ;) I'll probably find a way to make it to Boston no matter when it is because it's so nearby, but I'll be sad if I can't make it to my home regional this year.
Josh Drake
22-07-2010, 08:50
The Palmetto regional will be "in late March", so I would assume that is the 24th like last year. The venue has changed.... Closer for the Florida teams:D
kjolana1124
22-07-2010, 10:18
I don't "KNOW", but I can speculate that we will have 6 weeks of build.
That's crazy talk right there. Next thing you know we'll have watergames! And kids will actually start liking math and science and spend countless hours building robots because they actually find it fun and inspiring. Scary thoughts.
Do any insiders have an idea of when the Boston and Connecticut Regionals will fall?
I'm currently at BU and am now incredibly tempted to find out. Incredibly.
smurfgirl
22-07-2010, 10:31
I'm currently at BU and am now incredibly tempted to find out. Incredibly.
Can you also convince the team to sign up for the Boston Regional this year? It's really fantastic (not that I don't love CTR too!)
The Palmetto regional will be "in late March", so I would assume that is the 24th like last year. The venue has changed.... Closer for the Florida teams:D
Not Clemson anymore? Where's Palmetto being held then?
Josh Drake
22-07-2010, 14:31
Going down to the North Charleston Coliseum.
JOClarke
22-07-2010, 14:43
Dates for Virginia formerly VCU regional are April 7-8, this is the latest this regional has ever been.
buildmaster5000
22-07-2010, 14:57
From the Washington Convention Center website, the DC regional is March 25-26. A two day event, and much later than usual.
Chris is me
22-07-2010, 15:22
Week 1 (3/3/11-3/5/11)
+Finger Lakes Regional (break)
Week 2 (3/10/11-3/12/11)
+Florida Regional (break)
+WPI Regional (break)
+Wisconsin Regional (confirmed on venue website)
Week 3 (3/17/11-3/19/11)
+Boilermaker Regional
+Las Vegas Regional
Week 4 (3/24/11-3/26/11)
+DC Regional (posted)
+Autodesk Oregon Regional
+Hawaii Regional
+Palmetto Regional
+Philadelphia Regional
+Long Island
Week 5 (3/31/11-4/2/11)
Week 6 (4/7/11-4/8/11)
+Virginia Regional (posted)
Katie_UPS
22-07-2010, 16:54
Chris, based on the dates you just posted, that means two weeks between week 6 events and champs, right?
Chris is me
22-07-2010, 17:30
That or there's 7 weeks of regionals. There's no way FLR can be Week 1 and VCU can be week 6 without either a week 7 or a two week break.
Does anyone know when this comes out "for real"?
Vikesrock
22-07-2010, 17:42
Using the Minnesota Gopher sports calendar the dates for the 10K Lakes and Northstar can be whittled down to a few possibilites
Week 1 (3/3/11-3/5/11) Possible Men's BB game, schedule not yet released.
Week 2 (3/10/11-3/12/11) Gymnastics in the Sports Pavillion and potentially WCHA First Round hockey in Mariucci
Week 3 (3/17/11-3/19/11) Big Ten Women's Gymnastics Championship in the Sports Pavillion
Week 4 (3/24/11-3/26/11) Potential NCAA Hockey Regional in Mariucci
Week 5 (3/31/11-4/2/11)
Week 6 (4/7/11-4/8/11)
So weeks 1, 5 and 6 are possible with 5 and 6 being most likely.
Of the remaining two, I think it makes the most sense that they would stick with the same weekend as last year and be Week 5.
Also, at the MN Mentor Forum the possibility of a Week 2 event in Duluth (in addition to the 2 Twin Cities regionals) was mentioned.
Going down to the North Charleston Coliseum.
Cool. Thanks! 2415 might be making a return to Palmetto after a year at North Carolina :)
Nothing on Peachtree yet, but definitely not a week 3 like it used to be (according to the Gwinnett Civic Center's calendar). I wonder if it'll be week 1 again?
ttldomination
22-07-2010, 19:42
Going down to the North Charleston Coliseum.
Holy...that took a little bit to register...and I guess I'm kind of torn about it. I like that we're moving from Little John. I felt the flooring was horrible, and the trip from the pits to stands was less then enjoyable. But this move almost doubles our commute, and with a two hour drive, we usually have a group coming in Saturday morning, that no longer seems feasible.
Cool. Thanks! 2415 might be making a return to Palmetto after a year at North Carolina :)
Nothing on Peachtree yet, but definitely not a week 3 like it used to be (according to the Gwinnett Civic Center's calendar). I wonder if it'll be week 1 again?
Palmetto was definitely interesting this year without the onslaught of GA Teams that we had last year (1771/1746/2415).
Looking at the availability of space now @ GCC, the only weekend that wouldn't work is the one of 3/19, so they pretty much have their pick.
- sunny
Also, at the MN Mentor Forum the possibility of a Week 2 event in Duluth (in addition to the 2 Twin Cities regionals) was mentioned.
The teams from our neighbors up North across the border will LOVE a regional in Duluth. Hope they can manage not to have it on the same weekend as the Canadian regionals. Duluth is a GREAT city!
lpickett
23-07-2010, 09:57
Greater Kansas City Regional is week 1, March3/4/5.
Should be a great year.
waialua359
27-07-2010, 06:14
Having 7 weeks of regionals would be ideal for HI teams.
Do HI first, then another set of mainland events plus championships.
Our robot shipment costs would be drastically reduced to say the least.
I hope more east coast regionals pop up in later weeks after ours.
Week 2 (3/10/11-3/12/11) Gymnastics in the Sports Pavillion and potentially WCHA First Round hockey in Mariucci
Also, at the MN Mentor Forum the possibility of a Week 2 event in Duluth (in addition to the 2 Twin Cities regionals) was mentioned.
Last I had heard, a regional at Duluth this year was unlikely. Funding is the issue (so, if you know of people/companies/organizations that would like to help in that respect, I am sure Mark Lawrence would love to hear from you and them).
As to it being a week two regional, this seems unlikely for the same reason as it can't be in the Twin Cities: WCHA first round hockey is that weekend. The Bulldogs are at DECC where the robotics competition would be. I had heard early season regional as well though and there is a scheduled series for the Bulldogs during "week 1." I was pretty sure they were planning to use the ice arena, but maybe I am wrong about that.
The teams from our neighbors up North across the border will LOVE a regional in Duluth. Hope they can manage not to have it on the same weekend as the Canadian regionals. Duluth is a GREAT city!
I would be hesitant about this, but hope it would be true. My recollection is that there are not many teams from Canada that are particularly close to Duluth. That said, this may be an opportunity for teams to form in western Ontario and Manitoba (Thunder Bay and Winnipeg in particular).
specialK175
27-07-2010, 10:19
Does anybody know the dates of the 2011 Northeast Utilities Connecticut Regional?
Peter Matteson
27-07-2010, 10:57
Does anybody know the dates of the 2011 Northeast Utilities Connecticut Regional?
It has been weeks 3-5 depending on the year over the last 8 seasons. It was week 3/(St Paddy's day Weekend) 2003, 2005-2008, week 4 in 2004 and week 5 in 2009-2010 when the name was changed to the CT regional. I believe it floats with venue availability. There is no schedule posted yet for the CT Convention Center for the correct time frame next year yet. It looks like having it as a week 5 event might be the plan because until the last 2 years it was usually week 3, but only the organzers know at this point.
pwnageNick
27-07-2010, 18:59
Anybody have an idea on the Midwest Regional? Last year it was week 3, the week after Wisconsin, but they also scheduled it the same time as the St. Louis regional, as well as another regional, so I can't have any idea as to where they will have it. Anyone know?
Dargel1625
27-07-2010, 21:44
If the Midwest Regional is during UIC's spring break, it will be a week 4 competition (March 24-26th). Though last year they had it during the last days before spring break, which would make it a week 3 event again (March 15-17th).
Week 1 (3/3/11-3/5/11)
+Finger Lakes Regional (break)
Week 2 (3/10/11-3/12/11)
+Florida Regional (break)
+WPI Regional (break)
+Wisconsin Regional (confirmed on venue website)
Week 3 (3/17/11-3/19/11)
+Boilermaker Regional
+Las Vegas Regional
Week 4 (3/24/11-3/26/11)
+DC Regional (posted)
+Autodesk Oregon Regional
+Hawaii Regional
+Palmetto Regional
+Philadelphia Regional
+Long Island
Week 5 (3/31/11-4/2/11)
Week 6 (4/7/11-4/8/11)
+Virginia Regional (posted)
Not sure where you got the idea that Las Vegas Regional for 2011 is third week Chris...I am on the planning committee and I can tell you that it will take place March 31-April 2 as of this point, so feel free to adjust your list to reflect the news. Expect another well run regional again so make plans to join us! Stay up to date with our website:
http://engineering.unlv.edu/first/
Chris is me
27-07-2010, 23:54
I copied and pasted information from earlier saying it would fall on a spring break. Thanks for the update.
Does anyone know anything about Waterloo or GTR next year? My team is seriously contemplating both events.
Week 1 (3/3/11-3/5/11)
+Greater Kansas City Regional (posted)
+Finger Lakes Regional (break)
Week 2 (3/10/11-3/12/11)
+Florida Regional (break)
+WPI Regional (break)
+Wisconsin Regional (confirmed on venue website)
Week 3 (3/17/11-3/19/11)
+Boilermaker Regional
Week 4 (3/24/11-3/26/11)
+DC Regional (posted)
+Autodesk Oregon Regional
+Hawaii Regional
+Palmetto Regional
+Philadelphia Regional
+Long Island
Week 5 (3/31/11-4/2/11)
+Las Vegas Regional (posted)
Week 6 (4/7/11-4/8/11)
+Virginia Regional (posted)
pwnageNick
29-07-2010, 22:01
If I had to guess, the Midwest Regional will be a week 3 again, because they seem to like to keep it on the first half of the season. Also it being a week 3 event would directly follow Wisconsin once again this year. But, then again, you never know :P
pwnageNick
29-07-2010, 22:04
Actually, now that I think about it, week 4 would be preferable for most teams because then they would have a week in between Wisconsin and Midwest, which I know many teams attend both.
But again, you never know with FIRST :P
elemental
06-08-2010, 10:44
It looks like NC will be week six again...
"April
7-9
2011 FIRST NC Robotics Regional Tournament - a high school robotics tournament featuring competition between 44 teams from across the country and Brazil. Spectators are welcome from 9 am - 5 pm on April 8 and 9- no spectator admission fee. Sponsored by NASA, Cisco and Credit Suisse."
http://www.ncstatefair.org/events/4-11.htm
Week 1 (3/3/11-3/5/11)
+Greater Kansas City Regional (posted)
+Finger Lakes Regional (break)
Week 2 (3/10/11-3/12/11)
+Florida Regional (break)
+WPI Regional (break)
+Wisconsin Regional (confirmed on venue website)
Week 3 (3/17/11-3/19/11)
+Boilermaker Regional
Week 4 (3/24/11-3/26/11)
+DC Regional (posted)
+Autodesk Oregon Regional
+Hawaii Regional
+Palmetto Regional
+Philadelphia Regional
+Long Island
Week 5 (3/31/11-4/2/11)
+Las Vegas Regional (posted)
Week 6 (4/7/11-4/8/11)
+Virginia Regional (posted)
+North Carolina Regional (confirmed on venue website)
Cheerleader1073
06-08-2010, 11:08
Well, yeah, of course. :rolleyes:
You guys are wimps! :D NJ has been week 1 for 6 years at least, and I'm still alive.
Hahaha, yay for Granite State Regional in NH too!
waialua359
06-08-2010, 15:34
It looks like NC will be week six again...
"April
7-9
2011 FIRST NC Robotics Regional Tournament - a high school robotics tournament featuring competition between 44 teams from across the country and Brazil. Spectators are welcome from 9 am - 5 pm on April 8 and 9- no spectator admission fee. Sponsored by NASA, Cisco and Credit Suisse."
http://www.ncstatefair.org/events/4-11.htm
Week 1 (3/3/11-3/5/11)
+Greater Kansas City Regional (posted)
+Finger Lakes Regional (break)
Week 2 (3/10/11-3/12/11)
+Florida Regional (break)
+WPI Regional (break)
+Wisconsin Regional (confirmed on venue website)
Week 3 (3/17/11-3/19/11)
+Boilermaker Regional
Week 4 (3/24/11-3/26/11)
+DC Regional (posted)
+Autodesk Oregon Regional
+Hawaii Regional
+Palmetto Regional
+Philadelphia Regional
+Long Island
Week 5 (3/31/11-4/2/11)
+Las Vegas Regional (posted)
Week 6 (4/7/11-4/8/11)
+Virginia Regional (posted)
+North Carolina Regional (confirmed on venue website)
Thanks for sharing. NC and Virginia is a good possibility since our robot could get there in time.:rolleyes:
Anyone know when the new Tennessee Regional in Knoxville will be? I'm assuming that it won't be too close to Peachtree since the same person's in charge of both. On the flip side, that should make Tennessee super awesome whenever it happens!
ttldomination
06-08-2010, 22:32
Anyone know when the new Tennessee Regional in Knoxville will be? I'm assuming that it won't be too close to Peachtree since the same person's in charge of both. On the flip side, that should make Tennessee super awesome whenever it happens!
Really? Are you referring to Connie?
I know that the P'tree Regional reps have been trying to schedule the regional for either Week 3 or Week 5. But a lot of teams from P'tree and Palmetto overlap, and since our commute to Palmetto has increased almost 5 fold...this new TN regional might be something we look into...
- Sunny
rcmolloy
06-08-2010, 22:53
Got a slight confirmation from my mentor that NJ will be around the first or second week. NJ is up in the air at the moment as of the regional. Something good is in the works but more on that later.
buildmaster5000
07-08-2010, 18:25
Week 1 (3/3/11-3/5/11)
+Greater Kansas City Regional (posted)
+Finger Lakes Regional (break)
Week 2 (3/10/11-3/12/11)
+Florida Regional (break)
+WPI Regional (break)
+Wisconsin Regional (confirmed on venue website)
Week 3 (3/17/11-3/19/11)
+Boilermaker Regional
Week 4 (3/24/11-3/26/11)
+DC Regional (posted)
+Autodesk Oregon Regional
+Hawaii Regional
+Palmetto Regional
+Philadelphia Regional
+Long Island
Week 5 (3/31/11-4/2/11)
+Las Vegas Regional (posted)
Week 6 (4/7/11-4/8/11)
+Virginia Regional (posted)
+North Carolina Regional (confirmed on venue website)
On this list, week 6 has two day events and others are three days. Does anyone think that we are going to see a big increase in bag and tag, or is this just a mistake??
Just my $0.02:D
ATannahill
07-08-2010, 18:31
On this list, week 6 has two day events and others are three days. Does anyone think that we are going to see a big increase in bag and tag, or is this just a mistake??
Just my $0.02:D
Bill has expressed on his blog that there might be more bag and tag events but they will try to limit two day events.
FYI-You only give 2 cents when you express an opinion.
elemental
07-08-2010, 20:46
On this list, week 6 has two day events and others are three days. Does anyone think that we are going to see a big increase in bag and tag, or is this just a mistake??
NC might be a bag and tag (only speculation), but the building is reserved for three days.
Really? Are you referring to Connie?
I know that the P'tree Regional reps have been trying to schedule the regional for either Week 3 or Week 5. But a lot of teams from P'tree and Palmetto overlap, and since our commute to Palmetto has increased almost 5 fold...this new TN regional might be something we look into...
- Sunny
Indeed I am.
Week 5 Peachtree? I know it used to be a Week 3, but looking at the GCC's calendar, I don't think Week 3's possible. We were assuming that it was just going to be week 1 again...
See, the thing is, a lot of Peachtree/Palmetto/Tennessee regional teams would probably (alright, might--we're planning on those three, I think) overlap, and I don't think Connie would put Tennessee either right after Peachtree or the same time as Palmetto, even if it's in Charleston :/
ttldomination
08-08-2010, 12:18
Week 5 Peachtree? I know it used to be a Week 3, but looking at the GCC's calendar, I don't think Week 3's possible. We were assuming that it was just going to be week 1 again...
See, the thing is, a lot of Peachtree/Palmetto/Tennessee regional teams would probably (alright, might--we're planning on those three, I think) overlap, and I don't think Connie would put Tennessee either right after Peachtree or the same time as Palmetto, even if it's in Charleston :/
Well, I think that there was a bit of a let down at P'tree this year simply because of it being a week 1 event, and then the rules changed and stuff. So that might be something they are trying to avoid.
Right, the teams do overlap. But with P'tree, Palmetto, TN, and the NC Regional all in the same general region, there are going to be at least two that are back to back.
- Sunny
Tennessee - Week 2 - March 10, 11, 12
Georgia - Week 3 - March 17, 18, 19
ttldomination
08-08-2010, 22:41
Tennessee - Week 2 - March 10, 11, 12
Georgia - Week 3 - March 17, 18, 19
How official is this? I'm not seeing this on the GCC Calendar...
But wow....making P'tree, Pametto, and TN Regionals back to back to back is tough....Really tough...
- Sunny
I'm in the 10,000 Lakes regional in MN, and my team was thinking about doing a second regional, which is the best time (and distance, drivable preferably) friendly option?
Oh, and will FIRST compensate for extra travel expenses, like I've heard?
Or are we doing something against the rules? :o
(Confessions of a sophomore team captain)
Thaine
ATannahill
09-08-2010, 22:26
We can't tell you for sure what regional would be best for your second event. Wisconsin might be helpful as a week two event.
It will (probably) cost an extra 4,000 dollars and you will be on your own for team transport and you should read section 4 of the manual to learn about robot transport. You might need to learn about Bag and Tag rules.
How official is this? I'm not seeing this on the GCC Calendar...
But wow....making P'tree, Pametto, and TN Regionals back to back to back is tough....Really tough...
- Sunny
The ONLY official word is from FIRST headquarters.
Having said that the Peachtree date is posted by the RD here (http://gafirst.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=30:peachtree-regional-dates-announced&catid=5:news)
.
Chris is me
09-08-2010, 23:36
I'm in the 10,000 Lakes regional in MN, and my team was thinking about doing a second regional, which is the best time (and distance, drivable preferably) friendly option?
Oh, and will FIRST compensate for extra travel expenses, like I've heard?
FIRST never compensates for travel or anything like that. Extra regionals "only" cost $4000 more though, I guess.
Second regional for you guys is pretty much Wisconsin. It's a few weeks earlier and the one that's not ridiculously far away. Kansas City is probably the other semi reasonable regional.
FIRST never compensates for travel or anything like that. Extra regionals "only" cost $4000 more though, I guess.
Second regional for you guys is pretty much Wisconsin. It's a few weeks earlier and the one that's not ridiculously far away. Kansas City is probably the other semi reasonable regional.
I think the Robettes (2177) have gone to both St. Louis and Kansas City in the past (though not the same year to my knowledge). Lots of teams have gone over to Milwaukee (especially before the days of the Minnesota Regional(s), all of four years ago(!)). Honestly, Chicago (Midwest) isn't that much further than Milwaukee if scheduling doesn't work.
Chris is me
10-08-2010, 11:49
I'm assuming that if they were looking for compensation they don't have a ton of money for travel, and I think Wisconsin is probably the only event that's easy to bus to... Midwest is probably only an hour or two more though.
A reminder that any of these are unofficial and you shouldn't do any serious planning with them.
Week 1 (3/3/11-3/5/11)
+Greater Kansas City Regional (posted)
+Finger Lakes Regional (break)
Week 2 (3/10/11-3/12/11)
+Florida Regional (break)
+WPI Regional (break)
+Wisconsin Regional (confirmed on venue website)
+Tennessee Regional (posted)
Week 3 (3/17/11-3/19/11)
+Peachtree Regional (event site)
+Boilermaker Regional
Week 4 (3/24/11-3/26/11)
+DC Regional (posted)
+Autodesk Oregon Regional
+Hawaii Regional
+Palmetto Regional
+Philadelphia Regional
+Long Island
Week 5 (3/31/11-4/2/11)
+Las Vegas Regional (posted)
Week 6 (4/7/11-4/8/11)
+Virginia Regional (posted)
+North Carolina Regional (confirmed on venue website)
I'm in the 10,000 Lakes regional in MN, and my team was thinking about doing a second regional, which is the best time (and distance, drivable preferably) friendly option?
Oh, and will FIRST compensate for extra travel expenses, like I've heard?
Or are we doing something against the rules? :o
(Confessions of a sophomore team captain)
Thaine
As noted, Wisconsin or Midwest is your best bet for a second regional.
FIRST does not compensate teams for travel. Better find a few sponsors to help cover the bill. (Or a lot of sponsors...)
There are no rules on how many events a team can do. If you wanted to and had the money, you could do an event per week through the entire competition season. (Note that doing more than one event per week is physically impossible and doing one event per week all season will likely bring down parental or district wrath.)
Suggestion: Instead of going to a second regional, see if you can raise the funds for a trip down to St. Louis for the Championship. It's $5K entry, plus travel (plan on staying 4 nights), but you get exposed to a lot more teams and a higher level of play--and don't forget meeting all the folks from CD, if you want to. Then, if as a team you decide to go to a second regional instead of the Championship, you can use the extra for a) a practice robot, b) next year, c) lots of aluminum to build a frame later, d) tools, e) whatever else you can think of that you'd need money for.
I'm assuming that if they were looking for compensation they don't have a ton of money for travel, and I think Wisconsin is probably the only event that's easy to bus to... Midwest is probably only an hour or two more though.
Rough numbers from the St. Louis Park (according to google maps): 6 hrs to Milwaukee, 7 to KC, 7.5 Chicago, 9.5 to St. Louis. That said, I have done all of them (except St. Louis) in less time, but with a bus it probably isn't too far off.
Eric,
Any chance you have heard anything about dates for San Diego or Los Angeles regionals? Nothing is posted on either regional's venues yet...
Nope, I know nothing about L.A. or S.D., not even a rumor. (Well, other than I think I know who the L.A. FTA will probably be, but things can change...)
However, I can use elimination at Los Angeles. April 2-3 is out. March 9-13 is out. March 19 is out. (Those are due to other events having the arena booked.)
That means that L.A., if it is at Long Beach again, must be Week 1, Week 4, or Week 6. Going by history, Week 4 is most likely, but all of those weeks are possible.
waialua359
13-08-2010, 17:02
Can anyone confirm NYC and/or NJ?
I'm assuming NJ is week 1 again.
ATannahill
13-08-2010, 17:06
Can anyone confirm NYC and/or NJ?
I'm assuming NJ is week 1 again.
If you want confirmation I suggest you ask the Regional Director. We are just rumor mongrels.
waialua359
13-08-2010, 17:55
True,
but I'm not asking for an official one.
Many wont confirm yet anyway................its just something for us to ponder on for planning purposes on the possibilities.
FYI, many regional directors (committee) have posted here before. ;)
Josh Drake
20-08-2010, 12:16
A Charleston, SC newspaper ran an article today about the Palmetto regional. It will be March 24-26 at the North Charleston Convention Center. The convention center is next to the colliseum. It's a flat open space, so I imagine Palmetto will be similar to Peachtree in that regard.:D
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2010/aug/20/striving-for-first/
Billfred
02-09-2010, 20:29
I'm trying to figure some things out and can't find this information anywhere: Does anyone have any information (particularly location) of this new Tennessee regional? It may be within reach for us, but the answer depends on which end of the Volunteer State volunteers itself.
Tennessee regional is supposed to be held in Knoxville...
yarden.saa
05-09-2010, 12:21
Just posted to the israeli teams:
Israel Regional dates: 14-16 March at NOKIA Arena.
I think it is on week 3.
Arizona looks like Week 3...
http://www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp722954.jsp
Volunteers (ages 13 - to adult) for a regional robotics event March 16-19, 2011
Akash Rastogi
07-09-2010, 02:42
Tennessee regional is supposed to be held in Knoxville...
UT Knoxville?
I assume the XBOTS have it on good authority that Seattle will be Week 3...
http://xbotrobotics.org/
March 17-19, 2011 XBOT ROBOTICS FRC Team #488 competes at Seattle/Microsoft Regional
JohnBoucher
07-09-2010, 09:15
Plus events like Suffield etc. Could be held during that time, instead of Build season.
Robot is already bagged or shipped.
Please remember that until FIRST releases the official information, nothing is a confirmed date or location (just look at Connecticut last year if you doubt this - we were switched twice in a matter of days leading up to the official announcement).
Chris is me
07-09-2010, 13:41
Fun fact: FIRST finally deleted all the 2010 events from the TIMS, but they haven't replaced them with tentative 2011 event dates yet. I think that means they're "Coming Soon".
I assume the XBOTS have it on good authority that Seattle will be Week 3...
http://xbotrobotics.org/
Yes, we do. :) Seattle is very likely going to be the largest event in the world in 2011, save for the Championship.
Peter Matteson
07-09-2010, 14:37
Please remember that until FIRST releases the official information, nothing is a confirmed date or location (just look at Connecticut last year if you doubt this - we were switched twice in a matter of days leading up to the official announcement).
Why doesn't that surprise me? I think it's been every week but week 1 since I've been a mentor. I'm actually hoping it's not week 5 again this year.
Why doesn't that surprise me? I think it's been every week but week 1 since I've been a mentor. I'm actually hoping it's not week 5 again this year.
You and me both. While we wernt going to Atlanta, I felt we almost had to much time inbetween ship and CT to get things done. Plus with it falling on Easter weekend (even though Easter was early this year) most of 1071's members lives couldnt have been more hectic.
Andrew Schuetze
09-09-2010, 08:17
Yes, we do. :) Seattle is very likely going to be the largest event in the world in 2011, save for the Championship.
Does this mean it will be a double field FRC event or are you talking about a combined FRC/FTC/FLL event? I am curious from a planning perspective.
Mark McLeod
09-09-2010, 14:09
FIRST has sort of published some of the important 2010-2011 dates at:
http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Community/FRC/FRC_Documents_and_Updates/Reg_Planning_Guide/RPG_Section_17_Calendar(1).pdf
This was indirectly linked to by Bill's 9/8/10 Blog (http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/content.aspx?id=17876)
Event registration is slotted for October 7 for instance.
The Season Calendar hasn't been updated with this information yet, so take it as you will.
ATannahill
09-09-2010, 14:24
September
Wed 15
VIMS goes live (tentative)
2011 FRC Competition dates/locations announced on FIRST website
Alan Anderson
09-09-2010, 14:43
FIRST has sort of published some of the important 2010-2011 dates at:
http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedFiles/Community/FRC/FRC_Documents_and_Updates/Reg_Planning_Guide/RPG_Section_17_Calendar(1).pdf
That shows six weeks of regional FRC competitions, with a two-week break before the FIRST Championship. Good to know.
(The rescheduling of the VEX world championship puts it the week after the last FRC regionals, yay.)
Mark McLeod
09-09-2010, 16:32
Perusing the Regional Director contact list I see two new Regionals referenced as of August 12:
Alamo Regional, San Antonio, TX
Tennessee as a TBDNo surprises there.
waialua359
09-09-2010, 16:39
That shows six weeks of regional FRC competitions, with a two-week break before the FIRST Championship. Good to know.
(The rescheduling of the VEX world championship puts it the week after the last FRC regionals, yay.)
Now I have to rethink this out.
If we attend a week 6 regional in Virginia or NC, we could then make it a back to back trip to the VEX Worlds CMP to save on cost......hmmmmmm.:rolleyes:
Does this mean it will be a double field FRC event or are you talking about a combined FRC/FTC/FLL event? I am curious from a planning perspective.
Seattle will be a double field event held week three with a capacity for 100+ teams.
Travis Hoffman
15-09-2010, 12:42
September
Wed 15
VIMS goes live (tentative)
2011 FRC Competition dates/locations announced on FIRST website
So...let's see if today's the day. Nothing posted yet.
So...let's see if today's the day. Nothing posted yet.
Bill (http://frcdirector.blogspot.com/) said he'll try to get them out quickly. Apparently not all contracts are signed yet or something like that...
Mark McLeod
15-09-2010, 13:43
Bill did say "FRC team registration will open September 30th at noon ET (that’s official)."
That's a week earlier than the August draft calendar listed.
VIMS seems to be open.
Chris is me
15-09-2010, 13:49
VIMS seems to be open.
It's the same as it's been for the past month. Working, but no events listed in signup.
Mark McLeod
15-09-2010, 13:52
It's the same as it's been for the past month. Working, but no events listed in signup.
That makes sense.
Well, speaking of what Bill said...
http://frcdirector.blogspot.com/2010/09/2011-frc-event-schedule-is-here.html
Note that some dates are still tentative.
New or split-up events:
Alamo Regional (San Antonio, TX, Week 1)
Lake Superior Regional (Duluth, MN, Week 2)
Cascade/Olympic Regionals (Seattle, WA, Week 3--appears to be the split of MSR)
New district event (Still on TBD status)
GTR is now GTR East and GTR West (Week 5)
Smokey Mountain Regional (Knoxville, TN, Week 5)
4 brand-new events and 2 split ones.
Fletch1373
16-09-2010, 11:09
just to help everyone out... I have compiled a google calendar with all the regional events, as well as a few others(kickoff, ship date, champs)...
google provides 3 different formats so I will provide them all to you:
HTML (http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=1u7kjeo5etjvv8u2lfthj4jm04%40group.calen dar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York)
ICAL (http://www.google.com/calendar/ical/1u7kjeo5etjvv8u2lfthj4jm04%40group.calendar.google .com/public/basic.ics)
XML (http://www.google.com/calendar/feeds/1u7kjeo5etjvv8u2lfthj4jm04%40group.calendar.google .com/public/basic)
Let me know if you have any issues viewing it or if you'd like anything added. It should be set to public, so I don't anticipate anyone having much trouble viewing it.
ENJOY!
Francis-134
16-09-2010, 11:43
Well, speaking of what Bill said...
http://frcdirector.blogspot.com/2010/09/2011-frc-event-schedule-is-here.html
Note that some dates are still tentative.
New or split-up events:
Alamo Regional (San Antonio, TX, Week 1)
Lake Superior Regional (Duluth, MN, Week 2)
Cascade/Olympic Regionals (Seattle, WA, Week 3--appears to be the split of MSR)
New district event (Still on TBD status)
GTR is now GTR East and GTR West (Week 5)
Smokey Mountain Regional (Knoxville, TN, Week 5)
4 brand-new events and 2 split ones.
Looks like the emergence of the famed "double regional" (what does it mean!). I'm a huge fan of having the New England regionals on the first two weeks and the last two weeks of the season if only so I can have two weeks off between events!
Ouch... Lake Superior (Duluth) and Milwaukee on the same weekend. In the past a lot of great folks (individuals and teams) from Wisconsin (and northern Illinois) have come to the Minnesota (Minneapolis) regional(s) to help.
That said, I am excited to see that the regional is happening!
ATannahill
16-09-2010, 12:25
I created a map of Week 5 events at http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=101046354013569997697.000490624efe58c7eee99&ll=28.825425,-82.705078&spn=4.599909,7.064209&z=7 .
Andy Baker
16-09-2010, 13:55
Here is an Excel spreadsheet (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2408), showing the 2011 FRC schedule.
Andy B.
AdamHeard
16-09-2010, 15:36
San Diego is going to be absolutely stacked!
How big is the SMR(Tennessee) gonna be?
So I guess GTR East will have 1114 and 2056 and GTR West will have everybody else.
San Diego is going to be absolutely stacked!
Very good chance 987 will attend SD again!
Don't see anything identifying additional bag n tag sites yet...
robodude03
16-09-2010, 17:12
San Diego is going to be absolutely stacked!
I know 399 will definitely consider attending San Diego as it is a week 2 event.
Travis Hoffman
16-09-2010, 19:15
How big is the SMR(Tennessee) gonna be?
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/frc/regionalevents.aspx?id=430
Click the event name for further details.
Smoky Mountain is listed as having a capacity of 40.
JaneYoung
17-09-2010, 00:00
Just got my first gander at the regional dates. Hopefully, I'll pick my jaw up off the floor soon and won't say anything like, "Remember the Alamo!"
yeah... nah.
We have a week 1 regional in Texas?!? AWEsome!
Jane
smurfgirl
17-09-2010, 00:21
I'm excited the list came out on VIMS! I just signed myself up to volunteer at the Connecticut Regional and the Boston Regional. I might end up visiting the Dallas Regional for the first time over my spring break... we'll have to see if that one works out.
Fletch1373
17-09-2010, 12:53
I'm excited the list came out on VIMS! I just signed myself up to volunteer at the Connecticut Regional and the Boston Regional. I might end up visiting the Dallas Regional for the first time over my spring break... we'll have to see if that one works out.
I have spring break the same week(providing Dallas stays on week 4), let me know if you'd like some company(or just get good fares). I'll need something to do that week.
I just looked on the FIRST website list for the regionals, and isnt Smokey spelled with the "e" in between the "k" and the "y"? cause they have it listed as Smoky Mountain Regional
ttldomination
17-09-2010, 14:46
I just looked on the FIRST website list for the regionals, and isnt Smokey spelled with the "e" in between the "k" and the "y"? cause they have it listed as Smoky Mountain Regional
A quick google search says that it should be spelled without the 'e'.
- Sunny
Andrew Schuetze
18-09-2010, 11:01
Just got my first gander at the regional dates. Hopefully, I'll pick my jaw up off the floor soon and won't say anything like, "Remember the Alamo!"
yeah... nah.
We have a week 1 regional in Texas?!? AWEsome!
Jane
Though we don't "yet' have a double field / 'split' FRC event in Texas, the Alamo FRC event will also be the co-location for the Alamo FTC Championship event. FTC on Thursday during FRC practice. We are still working the venue layout and plans so stay tuned but we promise to have the light shining on all FRC and FTC teams and make it one big FIRST FIESTA:D
As soon as the Dallas event gets confirmed, Texas teams can plan for a Texas two step or maybe an in-state 3 event season.:D
I wish they would do a late season, week 4 or week 5 or even week 6, 2nd regional in Florida
DonRotolo
18-09-2010, 18:04
We have a week 1 regional in Texas?!? AWEsome!
Yeah, good luck with that, we can compare note on how that turns out :rolleyes:
*cough*NJ is week 1 for the 7th time in memory*cough*
Lil' Lavery
18-09-2010, 18:09
At least VA and MD are no longer the same weekend, but VA and NC being the same weekend could actually be worse. :(
The good news is that I can see the Godspeed reunion show without it interfering with a regional I go to this year. :D
edit: Woah, the Philly regional is at Temple instead of Drexel? :(
Just got my first gander at the regional dates. Hopefully, I'll pick my jaw up off the floor soon and won't say anything like, "Remember the Alamo!"
yeah... nah.
We have a week 1 regional in Texas?!? AWEsome!
Jane
Trust me, Jane, Once you experienced the "joys" of a week one event the enthusiasm for it will diminish after the first field crash which should happen within the first 15 minutes of the event.
JaneYoung
18-09-2010, 18:30
Though we don't "yet' have a double field / 'split' FRC event in Texas, the Alamo FRC event will also be the co-location for the Alamo FTC Championship event. FTC on Thursday during FRC practice. We are still working the venue layout and plans so stay tuned but we promise to have the light shining on all FRC and FTC teams and make it one big FIRST FIESTA:D
As soon as the Dallas event gets confirmed, Texas teams can plan for a Texas two step or maybe an in-state 3 event season.:D
:eek:
That's going to be some party. :D
Edit: Ed and Don, I'm looking forward to observing a one week event, at the very least. All the other options will be discussed, explored, and looked at. One thing I know - San Antonio is a great place for this. Another thing I know is that people like Andrew Schuetze are committed to making this happen - apparently in a big ole Texas-fashioned way. Right now, I'm feeling mighty proud. (It may be hard for folks who have had options available for a number of years, to understand the sheer magnitude of being totally overwhelmed and impacted by the options and selection choices being made available. It is stupifying.) I've always wanted to see a week 1 regional.
Trust me, Jane, Once you experienced the "joys" of a week one event the enthusiasm for it will diminish after the first field crash which should happen within the first 15 minutes of the event.
While I can see where volunteers (and eventually teams) may not enjoy the crashes, at least the rookies learn how to dance. Builds stamina.
Does anyone know about the status of the colorado regional? I didn't see it on the list.
Does anyone know about the status of the colorado regional? I didn't see it on the list.TBD, both date and venue. Tentative Week 6.
Andrew Schuetze
19-09-2010, 10:16
:eek:
Edit: Ed and Don, I'm looking forward to observing a one week event, at the very least. All the other options will be discussed, explored, and looked at. One thing I know - San Antonio is a great place for this. Another thing I know is that people like Andrew Schuetze are committed to making this happen - apparently in a big ole Texas-fashioned way.
Thanks for the vote of confidence Jane. Kudos also go to Mike Henry founder of 457 Grease Monkeys who has been serving in the role of FIRST Senior mentor these last two years. He along with Patrick Felty the San Antonio RD are working hard to put together a strong volunteer crew to deal with potential field issues. With that said, any long-time regional volunteers from Houston, Dallas, OKC, KS, AZ, ... are all more than welcome to help us make this event a huge success. I can tell you that the likelihood of snow and freezing temperatures is very low and there is a better possibility of 75 - 80 degree days for enjoying a candle light dinner on a river boat cruise (http://www.sanantonioriverwalk.com/Riverwalk%20Dinner%20Cruises.html) down the SA river with 23 of your closest friends. :)
waialua359
22-09-2010, 16:52
which one fills up faster?
NYC or Colorado?
If I remember correctly, the 2 years our team went to Colorado (2008 and 2010) never entirely filled up, there are usually 2-4 spots open
Mark McLeod
22-09-2010, 17:11
Here are graphs of last seasons registrations for Colorado and NYC. The lower colored line is the initial open capacity, while the upper line is the final available capacity.
NYC can full up, but there's a lot of space to add more teams.
I don't know that you'd have real trouble getting into either event.
P.S.
Left is Colorado, right is NYC -- sorry about forgetting to label them. I'll fix that oversight.
Here are graphs of last seasons registrations for NYC and Colorado. The lower colored line is the initial open capacity, while the upper line is the final available capacity.
NYC can full up, but there's a lot of space to add more teams.
I don't know that you'd have real trouble getting into either event.
For clarity, is that NYC and then CO or the opposite?
waialua359
22-09-2010, 17:18
Thanks guys!
We intend on doing both, but wanted to sign up on Sept. 31st for one of them, wondering if they would fill up quickly.
Its tentative, but it looks like we're doing week 2, 4, and 6 this year with Hawaii in between. We're just waiting for a couple of crucial sponsorships to get back to us, and hopefully by the time we sign up for the second one.
Bob Steele
22-09-2010, 18:02
Well, speaking of what Bill said...
http://frcdirector.blogspot.com/2010/09/2011-frc-event-schedule-is-here.html
Note that some dates are still tentative.
New or split-up events:
Alamo Regional (San Antonio, TX, Week 1)
Lake Superior Regional (Duluth, MN, Week 2)
Cascade/Olympic Regionals (Seattle, WA, Week 3--appears to be the split of MSR)
New district event (Still on TBD status)
GTR is now GTR East and GTR West (Week 5)
Smokey Mountain Regional (Knoxville, TN, Week 5)
4 brand-new events and 2 split ones.
Yes join us for the event so BIG it had to be named after the two mountain ranges that sit on either side of Seattle!!! No longer the Microsoft Seattle Regional (don't ask...) We will be under the stands at Quest Field (where Seahawks and Sounders play..) (By "under the stands" I actually mean in the Quest Exhibition Center.....it is HUGE!!!)
Two regionals in the same house... double the fun... double the prizes..!!!
A two ring circus!!!
(but you only get to play in one ring....)
We have had such huge expansion in the State of Washington that this was necessary...
Probably adding another 20 or more teams this year...
5 years ago we were the 16th team in the State...
Now we will have 80+ teams!!!
World domination... our motto
Come join us!!
We can promise it won't rain.... (inside)
Fletch1373
23-09-2010, 14:14
just to help everyone out... I have compiled a google calendar with all the regional events, as well as a few others(kickoff, ship date, champs)...
google provides 3 different formats so I will provide them all to you:
HTML (http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=1u7kjeo5etjvv8u2lfthj4jm04%40group.calen dar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York)
ICAL (http://www.google.com/calendar/ical/1u7kjeo5etjvv8u2lfthj4jm04%40group.calendar.google .com/public/basic.ics)
XML (http://www.google.com/calendar/feeds/1u7kjeo5etjvv8u2lfthj4jm04%40group.calendar.google .com/public/basic)
Let me know if you have any issues viewing it or if you'd like anything added. It should be set to public, so I don't anticipate anyone having much trouble viewing it.
ENJOY!
I have updated the calendar. It now includes the latest competition info(per Bill's Blog and the FIRST website), including which events are Bag and Tag. I also added many off-season events(from posts on CD as well as the calendar found on the NEMO website)
Feel free to contact me or post a reply here if you have any requests
Andy Baker
24-09-2010, 09:01
All,
Per Bill's Blog update on Wednesday (http://frcdirector.blogspot.com/2010/09/bag-and-tag-and-so-much-more.html), I have updated the 2011 FRC Events Excel file (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/papers/2408) for folks to use as they wish. I created this file for us at AndyMark to figure out which events we are going to, and figured that you may want to use it too.
Enjoy,
Andy
Pjohn1959
24-09-2010, 09:28
Thanks for the spreadsheet.
We get to see you in San Antonio this year! Cool! :)
Andy Baker
24-09-2010, 10:31
Thanks for the spreadsheet.
We get to see you in San Antonio this year! Cool! :)
Ummm... oops. I meant to delete that part of the spreadsheet. I have uploaded another spreadsheet that does not have our initial travel preferences. By no means have any of us decided on where we are going, other than Boilermaker Regional. With that said, the Alamo Regional does look very attractive.
Sincerely,
Andy
Mark McLeod
24-09-2010, 10:37
And here I thought you could be in two places 2000 miles apart at the same time...
And here I thought you could be in two places 2000 miles apart at the same time...
I don't think that AndyMark sells cloning devices...yet. (when they begin selling them, you can bet your bot that I'll be one of the first to order one)
--
So Ann Arbor has been moved to week 4...I can only imagine that it's because of state testing. It will be interesting to see which week 4 MI event will fill up faster, assuming that Niles actually happens.
And here I thought you could be in two places 2000 miles apart at the same time...
His ability to do that and other minor items has been discussed here Andy Baker thread (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45474). Please remember to use the search function to find out that Andy could actually be at all the regionals (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?p=471606&post471606) and has done so in the the past.
Oblig Andy Baker: FIRST schedules regionals across the county every week at Andy's request. This means as he goes from regional to regional Andy-Mark doesn't need to use standard shipping, Andy just delivers the parts between matches.
Fletch1373
04-11-2010, 01:15
just to help everyone out... I have compiled a google calendar with all the regional events, as well as a few others(kickoff, ship date, champs)...
google provides 3 different formats so I will provide them all to you:
HTML (http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=1u7kjeo5etjvv8u2lfthj4jm04%40group.calen dar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York)
ICAL (http://www.google.com/calendar/ical/1u7kjeo5etjvv8u2lfthj4jm04%40group.calendar.google .com/public/basic.ics)
XML (http://www.google.com/calendar/feeds/1u7kjeo5etjvv8u2lfthj4jm04%40group.calendar.google .com/public/basic)
Let me know if you have any issues viewing it or if you'd like anything added. It should be set to public, so I don't anticipate anyone having much trouble viewing it.
ENJOY!
I have updated the calendar to include any offseason competitions that currently have dates set and made edits so it matched the official event schedule posted on the FIRST website.
Please let me know if you find any discrepancies or if you have an event that you would like added.
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