Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Team 1153 is deciding where to go for their second regional competition. We have the usual New England places, but we’d like to try places outside our corner of the universe. What we’d like to know is what makes your favorite Regional “sizzle”? Why is it better than the rest? Bonus points for local hotels, nice arena, easy airports. Probably more bonus points if it isn’t snowing.

There are some limits. It has to be a Week 1, 2, 6, or 7 event. We’re signed up for Boston and the school doesn’t want the students out the week before or after. Just for ease of logistics, we’d like to stay in the US, unless you can give a convincing argument otherwise. It can either be a day’s drive (via 15-seat vans) or by airplane.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

We had great time at Baltimore last year. The event staff were great and the pits area was not cramped. Lots of things to see within blocks of the event. We stayed 4 blocks from the event. Unfortunately week 7 is a no go for our team. We will be at SVR for week 6.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

How about the new Northern Lights regional in Duluth MN? It's a double (along with Lake Superior) with 40 teams per regional. The DECC is awesome, with plenty of hotels and restaurants in walking distance (we take a bus up there and one back, but everything else is walking while we're there), and it's all right on the lake with a great view. Besides, you never know what you're going to get... 20 degrees below 0, or 10 feet of snow!

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

This thread made me smile.
OK, here it goes...

Interesting week - 7. The dynamics around this week are going to be fun to watch.

Pros:

• An 8-9 hour drive. Or,
• Airport with direct (non-stop) flights from Boston (or Manchester or Providence) on SWA, or others.
• Easy transport from airport to downtown.
• Venue is a big convention center downtown, within easy walking distance to numerous sites that are popular with visitors. Natl. Aquarium, MD Science Center, Pinball Museum (really), Inner Harbor. In the shadow of both Camden Yards (Go O's!!!!!) and M & T (Go Ravens!) Holds 60+ teams and plenty of pit space.
• Lots of eating choices, including chains and local places.
• Lots of choices of hotels, both through Steele Meetings and others. Choices within walking distance to venue or if you have a vehicle, lots of choices near airport. Drive from airport to downtown is 20 minutes.
• This event has historically attracted teams from up and down the east coast, and usually 1 or 2 come from a distance. Last year we had teams from CA and FIM. http://www.mdfirst.org/programs/firs...2-results.html
• By week 7, the daffodils will be up. No guarantees on snow, but historically unlikely.
  • A committee and volunteers who work very hard to make it a fun, fair and friendly regional. (Thanks for the shout out Seth. It was fun having 192 join us last year.)
  • And it's Balmer, hon. As quirky a city as they come.

Cons:

• It will cost you to park your vehicle.
• The convention center food is pricey and you cannot bring food into the venue.

The Chesapeake Regional.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

I would like to say when I opened this thread based on the title, I thought something totally different. Especially since we are in the midst of fundraising for the QCR event.

Since QCR is Week 4, I doubt I can convince you to comeout.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Week 2 - Lonestar.

Plenty of space in the pits. Never overcrowded.

And it NEVER snows in Houston!

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

I want to put a second plug in for Chesapeake, we had an awesome time last year.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Week 6 - Silicon Valley Regional

Teams 148 and 118 are coming, as well as the usual 254 and 971. It's a huge party in the San Jose Event Center. Great teams, great competition, and always a ton of fun. Plus, you get to visit sunny California!

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

SVR has the best dancers.



https://picasaweb.google.com/1045493...18510355360034

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

SVR is so good, it's full already.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

I'll second this. Duluth last year was probably overall the best regional experience I've ever had. In addition to the great city/venue, the volunteers there were fantastic. From my perspective everything seemed to run incredibly smoothly.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

FLR is my favorite regional for obvious reasons (it's my home regional) but I cannot honestly sell a week one regional to anyone. I don't like week one regionals but someone has to take the bullet and work out the bugs so everybody can enjoy the season.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Midwest (6) always has a nice competitive pool of teams

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Let me add to Ed. FLR is a fun filled event with a wide range of teams who have attended in the past. Teams such at 1507,2056,217, and 610 have attended in previous years, and they add a competitive aspect to the regional.

FLR is about a 7 hour drive from Walpole MA. I think its worth the drive if your looking for a mid size(40) fun, yet competitive regional.

Feel free to pm me any questions you have. :)

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

On behalf of all the volunteers, thanks for your support! Even though VIMS hasn't opened yet, I've been told I'm already signed up to help out again - that's how dedicated the volunteers in Minnesota are to ensuring everything goes as smoothly as possible!

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Orlando - Week 2

• Average March high is 78

• Less than an hour from the beach

• Great teams

• Oh, yay this thing called Disney World

Done, we'll see you in March

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Las Vegas, week 6.
150,000 rooms available, lots of Springtime sunshine (+/-83 degrees), convention center near downtown with huge pit, practice area, likely only 40 or so teams, major airport with all major carriers including Southwest Air that flies direct out of Manchester...we are called the Entertainment Capitol for a reason:D

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

and Universal Studios.
I always try to make it down to Orlando because after a winter of cold gray and windy I need an infusion of sunshine (though ironically your spending all of your time indoors playing with robots) plus the Florida teams are some of the nicest teams to hang with.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Lived in Houston for 12 years and I can assure you that it does snow in Houston...http://www.dailyworldbuzz.com/snow-i...history/5112/;)

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Palmetto almost sells itself:

-First year in Myrtle Beach, SC
-Tenth year of the event (and a lot of the key people have been there for nearly all of it)
-Week 1, so you're no worse off than anyone
-Palmetto normally draws a mix of Mid-Atlantic and Florida teams on top of your expected NC/SC/GA crowd, which means some stronger-than-average competition.

I'm excited for it, personally, and I've seen 'em all! ;)

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

I would like to add Duluth as well - I've been taking summer trips ever since I can remember to Duluth and now I take a yearly FIRST trip up there as well.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

I'd have to agree, Duluth is well worth going to. Duluth is beautiful, it's right next to lake superior and everything about Duluth is fantastic. Now that there are two regionals up there it will be a fantastic area during the regionals.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Inland Empire.... New regional, great location (arena.csusb.edu), week 5, and I can guarantee NO SNOW.

30 minutes from Ontario Airport (ONT), close to mountain resorts in case you do need a snow fix, close to Palm Springs (check out the Palm Springs tram), close to Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Hollywood, universal Studios, and other so cal locations.

And don't forget, wild card spots favor later regionals.

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Sacramento. Tons of team spirit. Lots of coopertition. Conga lines that stretch the length of the building. Lots of dancing. Short drive from the airport. Tons of places to eat and stay and hang out. The teams here are great! It's a little chilly here in March and windy with a possibility of rain, but it's way too much fun anyhow.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

New York City Regional
-It's New York, come on.
-We got JFK and LaGuardia.
-It's New York, need I say more?

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Or BOTH...

Wait a second... The beach in March or Duluth Minnesota? Are you kidding me? Maybe in 40 years when global warming has done its thing, but for now it is darn COLD up there.

That being said, NYC has some pretty good action. No beach though.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

I'm going to fifth (or sixth?) Duluth. The whole experience there as a student was one of the best I've had for a regional, with maybe Midwest somewhere close.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Manhattan Beach :)
Brighton Beach
Coney Island

Kayaking in the Hudson is a stones throw.

All rather chilly in March I admit.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

To Continue about Orlando:

We always have international teams again this year; Brazil, Germany, and Dominican Republic. You may never meet them anywhere else.

180 and 233 the Captains of the Einstein Finalists compete there

No shortage of hotels since it is Orlando. International Airport. Disney, Universal, Sea World.

The Goodies. Hacky sacks, inflatable aliens, bouncy balls, buttons, lanyards, beads (and that is just what 1523 gives away:D )

The Bacon Bash (if it continues)

Teams from Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Texas are also attending.

Always a learning experience for out of state teams to improve (Ask 118, and 25)

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

I know that 2648 would LOVE to have 1153 at Pine Tree. Although I can't guarantee there won't be snow, I can guarantee it will be an awesome time!

It's a new regional, it's week 6, and you definitely won't want to miss it!

Come up to Maine!

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Team 157 is also looking at Pine Tree for our second regional. We'd love to see 1153 there, as we had a fun time with them in Boston last year. :)

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Ok..

I'm sure all of these places are great, but I don't think you will find a regional more culturally inspired and exciting than the Bayou. Take a stroll along the Mississippi, grab some beignets, find out your team's fortune from the palm readers in the French Quarter, and then come check out the eclectic mix of Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, and others as they parade their bots through a great facility. Gotta come to the N.O.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Or you could go crazy and try a regional in ANOTHER COUNTRY!

GTR West is a wonderful regional. Considered Canada's premier event, it attracts the best teams from, well everywhere. In the past we have had everyone from the Thunderchickens to Delphi ELITE, to some homegrown favourites, namely our local powerhouses.

Currently we have team 190 registered, all the way from Worcester. Very spacious regional, great volunteers, AND WE HAVE KOKO ED.

Also due to its large capacity, there is no worry about signing up for it as your second or third regional, as it rarely (if ever?) fills up.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Washington, DC....OK, This is actually a question as we are thinking of going here for the first time. Anyone going to recomend DC? Anyone?

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Bratwurst.

*drops mic*

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

The Duel Down Under! It is after championships right here in Sydney. We've got a great airport, hotels around the area, and the best news is it is in Australia!!!

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

DC always attracts a collection of out of town teams, its easy for people to justify extending the trip to see the nations Capital. We aren't going this year as its Easter weekend and during our schools spring break.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Thanks for the many wonderful responses!

There are many that were also on our list, so its good that we’re both thinking the same way. Now it gets down to the details, such that RoboMom gave. What kind of venue is it? Nearby hotels and restaurants? Airport and transport to/from? Fun things nearby?

Though for shame, RoboMom! Our high school is less than 5 miles from the Patriots!

While Bayou, GTR, DC, and Wisconsin (I assume that's for bratwurst? Yum!) all would be fun, we’ve already signed up for Boston (week 4), and school rules don’t want the students out too often, so week 3 and 5 are out.

Koko Ed is a big plus for FLR. We’ve been there once before and had a fun time (in spite of the field not working all day Thursday). We liked the arena. It was actually a straight run with vans, and a nearby hotel and restaurants. We’d go again, but we’re looking for new places like FLR that we haven’t gone to yet.

Can we get more info on all your suggestions? Duluth, Palmetto, Lone Star, Orlando, NYC – Las Vegas, Midwest, SVR, and Chesapeake. C’mon, sell them!

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

The Orlando regional is held at the UCF arena which can hold over 9,000 people. Inside the arena are several of the normal arena food places, along with a jimmy johns, but being in the heart of the campus within walking distance are a Papa Johns, Starbucks, Burger King, and more all on Campus. Though I am not entirely familiar with all of the restaurants in the area we have never had issues with finding a place to chow down for dinner (Bubbalou's is always popular after Saturday with between 3-8 teams showing up)

There are more than 10 hotels within two miles of the arena and all are used to us all showing up, and the Orlando International airport is a 20 min drive from the arena. My team has never had to utilize public transport but depending on the size of your team it might be more convenient to rent vehicles, which isn't very expensive for the convenience it gives.

It is Orlando do I really need to tell you what there is to do in the area? Though if you are worried about money :http://myoldtownusa.com/
Is free to enter has a lot of shops to browse and has several rides that are pay per rides

Anymore questions? (Initial registration has only 11 slots of our 54 left so time is ticking)

Edit: I just now noticed your team location 125 and 348 are going from Massachusetts this year if you want someone to split costs with I am sure they would be more than willing

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

I like DC. That is where I am from. Team 1885, ILITE Robotics, has gone every year since the regional started (since it is our closest regional) and the venue is great. It is huge. And for those teams who have never been to DC, the city is great for tourists. Lots to do and see. The regional also tends to attract alot of politicians and important people, being at the capitol of politics and near alot of HQ's for US Engineering Companies.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Some more details on Duluth (and yes, I'm shamelessly copying Robomom's format, since you praised it so highly... maybe this will help you compare them side by side?):

Pros:

• 1-stop flights, with a layover in Chicago (personally, I love the Chicago airport! I fly east a few times every year and always stop there for an hour or two.)
• Decent transportation from the airport to the competition area - and a TON of teams (80 team limit in Duluth this year!) who can help you out if you need it.
• Tons of super friendly teams (the saying "Minnesota Nice!" is here for a reason!)
• Venue is a massive convention center right on the lake
  • There are TONS of hotels a couple of blocks away, all decently priced (as you would expect with a convention center this big!)
  • Last year, Lake Superior regional took up a convention hall and an arena, with a hockey tournament going on at the same time. Unless you wanted to go over to watch a game, you never even saw the hockey players. It's just that big.
  • There are plenty of great restaurants in the area - so many, that with 64 teams there last year, we didn't see any other teams in the restaurants we went to, except for the big all-you-can-eat team social!
• This event has already attracted teams from as far away as Hawaii! If they can brave the cold, can't you?
• TWO all-girls teams will be in Duluth this year.
• By week 2, the likelihood of snow is pretty high (have you ever walked down a street with 6+ feet of snow on either side?). In fact, I had a friend up in that area a couple of weeks ago, and he said they had some snow flurries every morning while he was there!
• A committee and experienced volunteers who work very hard to make it a fun, fair and friendly regional (as you've already heard about on here). Trust me, you want as much experience as possible in your volunteers - last year, we had 4 LRI's in Duluth!
• It's a double regional this year. The pits are in separate convention halls, while the fields are co-located. Easily watch matches from either regional, or visit pits from either side!
• More room than you could possibly want in the pits. Seriously. The convention hall last year held 64 teams, a practice field, and a semi trailer with a machine shop in it, with room for some tables and chairs, wide alleys, and concessions right in the pits. I've never seen pits laid out with so much space! And this year, the number of teams in each convention hall drops to 40!

Cons:

• 24 hour drive from Boston (although much of that drive is beautiful, I've done it before!)
• Ok, I'll add Snow and temperature on here for completeness sake. But only if it bothers you!

The Northern Lights Regional

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Thanks, MARS_James and Jon Stratis, that's the info they want to see. I got a special request for more about Baltimore and Chicago. Okay, I'm curious about Las Vegas. Remember, other teams I'm sure are looking at this too!

I'd like to try Sydney, but that is probably outside our budget and time. My company does work there and my boss flies down for the day. (Yes, he's there less than 24 hours.) It would be nice for me to see what we've built.

By the way, Jon, have you seen my photo a month before Boston? :)

And I'm not forgetting Pine Tree, for those keeping track. We've already have that on the list, having heard much about it from our fun time at Mainely SPIRIT!

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

More? Anything in particular? You are tough! ps. Duluth sounds awesome. I love reading the "ownership" and pride that is evident in these posts.

The past few years the Chesapeake has held a team social. Low cost - simple food and "entertainment". NOTE: NO idea about funding for this in 2013 so not sure if this is a go.

NASA drives their awesome machine shop right into the pits.

The Chesapeake has a proud tradition of featuring students from any team singing the National Anthem. As a result, each year we have a group of assorted shirts on center field. It is wonderful. The group does practice a little and needs to audition each year, but they have always passed the test. Photo on the link I included in other post.

The Chesapeake also has a proud tradition of featuring an active Student Ambassador program. Have a student who is not on the field or pit crew, or otherwise assigned, but wants to represent FIRST and their team? They come to a short training and sign up for time slots to be the representatives/tour guides for the VIPs and the public.

The Chesapeake has many FRC alumni now running the show – as it should be!


We will need to save the sports talk for later, but how is that baseball team doing? ps. I grew up in Mass. ;)

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Virginia Regional

Pros

• Best venue, bar none, in all of FRC. Absolutely rockin' atmosphere in the place when the matches get exciting
• Comfortably sized pits with large aisles
• Great team social at the Science Museum
• Richmond has a Krispy Kreme
• Tons of food options within walking distance of venue
• Pre-ordered lunches available for teams
• Jeff Seaton

Cons

• Level of competition has dropped off in recent years with the creation of the DC and North Carolina regionals and fewer out of town teams
• Steep loading dock ramp can be a pain to load in and out of
• Few hotels within easy walking distance (10+ minute walk away)
• No outside food inside venue

Okay, I'll bite.

Washington DC Regional

The Good

• Historic city with plenty of attractions, including free Smithsonian Institute museums
• Easily accessible venue with it's own metro stop and with designated school/charter bus drop-off areas
• Hotels within walking distance
• Massive convention center halls leaves copious amounts of space for pits, gargantuan aisles, walking around, college/scholarship booths, and food
• Plenty of food choices both inside convention center and within walking distance. Including Five Guys, in the city where the chain started.
• Two international and one national airport in the metro region provides plenty of options for teams who fly
• Plenty of out of town flavor among attending teams each year. A team from Israel is already registered.
• Within walking distance of the Verizon Center, home to the Washington Capitals and Wizards
• Within walking distance of Chinatown
• Jeff Seaton.
• What a great opportunity to schedule an appointment with your congressman to pitch FIRST ;)

The Bad

• Portable bleachers can get uncomfortable for those who spend their days in the stands
• Food prices inside venue tend to be expensive
• Unpredictable weather

The Wetzels

• They're everywhere. You can't escape them.

@Jon Stratis
Numerous regionals can claim having multiple all girls teams. Until Philadelphia dissolved into MAR, 433 (The Firebirds) and 709 (Femme Tech Fatale) frequented that regional. Canadian events have played host to both 771 and 1547.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

and my curiosity is sated. Thanks for the info! I removed the question from my original post so people don't get the wrong impression reading it :)

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

And, I might add, just a few blocks to the beach.

Week 1 is after spring break, and before the tourist season kicks into high gear. Myrtle Beach has tons of hotel rooms and are usually affordable in non-peak season. Broadway at the Beach is nearby and offers plenty of dining, shopping and tourist attractions to keep everyone entertained. So come on down for some Southern Hospitality!

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

I think this would be a deal-breaker :( Won't anyone think of the scouts and parents? This is probably the things they are looking for, in venues. After all, if you're going to be there for 3 days, what to expect. An arena style vs convention hall.

I also have to think about NYC, though we'd drive there. The drive from LaGuardia to downtown is longer than the drive from Walpole, isn't it? :D But if I was going to the beach it would be Jones Beach on LI. (Nearer to where I grew up!).

One thing that is great about the southern events is how much sooner spring is. The bad thing (luckily not for me) is the earlier allergy season.

Oh the choices to be made!

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

No one's mentioned one of my favorite things about the Orlando Regional.....

OINK! OINK!

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Might as well keep pitching how great orlando is:

Seats are very comfortable since they are seats not bleachers

Orlando has both Ambassadors and Safety Ambassadors to bring around company executives (In the last 3 years we have handled NASA twice, UCF board of administrators, UTC, and ASME 3 times)

I can honestly say in the history of the Orlando/Florida Regional that it has never snowed, ever :D

Hall of Fame team 103 has attended the event regularly since 2008

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Since people are talking about seats... Northern Lights has seats, not bleachers, as the field is in an arena. I can't personally attest to how comfortable they are though... they don't let us volunteers ever sit down!

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Sorry, bleachers brought into the convention center in Baltimore. It's not an arena.

Best wishes on your search and the season!

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

BOOM!

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Thanks again for all the answers. But I have to ask, nobody has anything to say about Chicago?

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

I go to the Midwest regional alot. High level of competiton. Chicago is a great city. Take the public transportation. Do not drive. Terrific food. The arena is a dump and it's tight.

The stadium food is hit or miss depending on what you get, and there isn't much within walking distance of the stadium (you can't just let students go get food). There are many restaurants that deliver to the stadium, but you cannot bring outside food in.

I wouldn't say that the level of competition is high as much as I would say that it's a hard regional to win. There are always some powerhouse teams (111, 71, 1625, 2451, and a few others) making it hard to get onto a championship alliance, but the level of play drops considerably after that. 2 of the powerhouses are almost guaranteed to team up and win it all. In the last few years, 16 and 148, 118 and 111, 16 and 1732...

The regional itself, is always very well run. The judges and volunteers are friendly, and all of the teams are a joy to work with.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

AH...but the brightness of the smiles on the volunteer, staff and participant faces far outshine the Pavilion's "dumpiness" - you won't even notice!

Yes it is tight - but hey, think of it as an "intimate atmosphere" where you can't help but meet lots of people and make many new friends! However, we do love streamlined, efficient robot carts - right Ed? The competition is always fierce and may be even more so this year since MWR is Week 6.

The Pavilion is just a little West and South of the center of the City and on a clear night when you are leaving the arena after a intense day of competition, the skyline is awe-inspiring! The Pavilion borders on the Little Italy neighboorhood which is home to many GREAT restaurants (a short walk from the Pavilion), plus Greektown is just down the road. Public transportation is easily accessible and will get you anywhere you may want to go.

Last year the team social was at the Museum of Science and Industry, where FIRSTers basically had half of the museum to themselves including the Omnimax Theatre and the Submarine. Right now the MWR Planning Committee is working hard on putting together another memorable team social at a world-class venue for everyone.

Don't know for sure how many (if any) spots will be open for second round of registration, so if you decide on MWR be prepared to be very quick on the send button.

As the man said, "Chicago is my kind of town..."

Lori Hall
MWR Planning Committee

Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Any chance they'l finally do something about the fault line that goes right down the middle of the lead queing area?

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

One thing I love about the Pavilion at Midwest is that if you get a border pit your programmers can easily program from the stands behind the pit. :cool:

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Since I actually live in Duluth, MN, I'll let you in on a little secret, that's not much snow in the picture. :D However, given our unique physical location with respect to Lake Superior, I can not predict anything with regard to the weather for March 2013. We have already had our first snowfall of the season and tonight is cooking up another (however I think it is going to land in Canada this time). The flip side is it was over 70 degrees today. Yes, summer weather at lunch and winter weather for midnight snack.

My lamenting about the weather aside, I'll let you know more about Duluth. For the weekend of the Northern Lights/Lake Superior Regionals, you should expect:

--The nationally ranked UMD Bulldogs hockey team playing a weekend series with Nebraska at the same location as the regionals. Tickets are cheap and the arena still has that new ice smell.
--Several hotels within easy walking distance to the venue.
--Shipping season may be starting back up so big lakers (ships) could be coming into port right next to the dual FIRST fields.
--The option of a hotel with a fabulous waterpark just down the road.
--The easiest access to a US interstate anywhere (yes, I-35 starts in Duluth, MN at a STOP LIGHT :eek: ).
--Oh, and three local (from Duluth, MN teams) who could all tell you more about things to do, places to eat, and beds to sleep in.
--The MC for Northern Lights is Blair, need I say more?
--And finally, I will predict between 0 and 35 inches of snow that weekend (with our weather you just can't get much closer than that).

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Honestly, I believe that FLR is the best regional. It is in an incredible venue in terms of the actual site, and logistically it is very easy as there are hotels and highways very close to RIT where the regional is held (Rochester is also a pretty cheep city to stay in). We have some of the best overall competition anywhere in FIRST. In the past, 2056, 217, and 67 have shown up, and lost (or nearly in 2056 and 217's case. They were one tube or minibot away from losing). You will face up against a solid group of teams from Rochester, including 1507, 1511, 340, 191, 1126 and more. We also draw the Canadian powerhouses, such as 180 and hopefully 610 this year. I'm trying to avoid saying 3173, but I believe that we are a pretty good bot every year as well (;

I don't think you will regret any part of FLR, except maybe on site food prices.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Team Blizzard is team 188. not team 180.
:)

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Because Orlando is almost always the next week after FLR I doubt any of those teams would ever com eup here (except maybe 233 who goes everywhere).FLR does attract a pretty versatile bunch of teams from other areas.

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NYC is also in a convention center and has bleacher seats. Unsure about the Long Island regional.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Long Island is in an arena with regular seats.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

I think it's almost difficult to go to a regional without Koko Ed at this point.


Fingerlakes Regional is the best regional there is. There is no competition. The familial atmosphere of the teams, the free WiFi, the power in the stands, the comfortable seats, the best referee in FIRST, the best announcer in FIRST (The one and only Jon Darr), good (and different) MC's every year all add up to the gold standard in regional events.

Every year I've gone to a regional, there is something about it that isn't as good as Fingerlakes. Pennsylvania (2010, at Drexel) had cramped pits. Boston has that crazy staircase to talk to scouts from the pits. The lack of internet, power, and poor seating at DC.

Not to mention that anywhere without Jon Darr just can't be as good as Fingerlakes. We might go to Buckeye and see how it compares. I hear he also shows up at Queen City too.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

I too have to say Finger Lakes is a good regional. Nice location, building, pits, seating. Hotels and restaurants nearby. A quick and easy highway drive to/from Walpole. Probably not on the Team's list only because we'd like to try something new. Now we're looking at airplane costs. Las Vegas anyone?

...heh. It was a little too free in 2011, when the Field electronics thought the building was just another robot. Took all day to untangle that!

I've come to expect the inside food prices to be $$$.

I'd like to go back home to see the LI regional. Always a conflict. Pity -- I can even pronounce Hauppauge correctly. :)

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

yeeeeahhhh...we don't talk about that day anymore... :/

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Fun fact... when you purchase food at the UIC Pavilion you are supporting students from local colleges, not just UIC. A percentage of the money goes to the groups who are working the stand. One year a lot of the funds raised went to send a bunch of Columbia kids to New Orleans to clean up after Katrina.

Midwest is sweet, the venue is nice it's my home regional. I've traveled to A LOT of regionals (nowhere near koko ed's level) but here is what I have for the one's I have been to recently.

Midwest - Pro: Location close to city, great team social, big name teams. Con- location borders sketchy neighborhoods (they've gotten MUCH better in the last four years). Traffic is a beast.

Pittsburgh - Pro- intimate setting, great volunteers, great venue, nice location in the city. Con - The hill you walk up is HORRIBLE. Competition level is hit or miss.

Boston - Pro - Your show of shows. Seriously, if you want a show on par with some of the stuff you will see at Champs go to Boston. Great town for seniors to check out colleges. Con - Steps of doom to pits. Competition level hit or miss.

Connecticut - Pro: Great volunteers, great competition usually. Very efficient. Con : In a convention center so there are bleachers not stands.

NYC - Pro: It's NYC, there is a ton to do. FLL and FTC are usually there. Con: Not really in walking distance to much stuff without going through sketchy neighborhoods. Bleachers not arena seating.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Chicago is rated the city in the US with the nastiest traffic so when I go I avoid driving at all cost. When Kelli gave me a ride back to my hotel a guy going 70 in a 40 mph zone almost slammed into my side of her car in the right lane but stopped just short of crushing us. This year it looks like I'll have to man up and drive around since I plan to go from Mississauga to Chicago.
This'll be my first time going. The only new regional(for me) I'm checking out this year. Pretty short drive from home so that's cool.
The Boston regional is the best run regional I have ever been to in FIRST. The climb up the stairs at the arena is BRUTAL. You need mountain climbing equipment to get to the top!
Connecticut come into competition with GTR West and often DC which both have priority over Connecticut so sadly I probably will never be able to go.
I had a great time at NYC with The Crew (Kelli, Wayne Penn, Jessjank, Dandon among others. I'll admit the need to flag down a limo to go to Jillians on 42nd street was fun) but what I most remember was the $40 parking fee to volunteer and the need to find something to drink because the event can't afford to provide it for the volunteers (I heard it was something like $9 a bottle).

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Boston is always good. Woodie Flowers comes. Parking underneath, good cheap (college town) restaurants up and down the street (I recommend Otto Pizza, but they are one of our tenants ;) , and T Anthony down the other way). I get my exercise hiking those stairs.

Boston does have a wide range of teams, lots of in-town schools plus international teams too.

I had talked to our team about New York. They said Rochester? I said, no, that's Rochester -- up state. Long Island? No, that's Long Island. New York. Can't make myself more clearer, can I? :D But to me Yonkers is upstate. Many years ago I was with my boss at his hotel near Times Square. He sent me down to get a couple of sandwiches and gave me a $20. That didn't even pay for one sandwich. Nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to eat there.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Pronouncing it wasn't your problem.:)

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Apparently I don't need to sell Chesapeake.
Despite the crazy week it's sold. Out.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

OK, I need to weigh in for NORTHER LIGHTS and LAKE SUPERIOR, the two regionals in Duluth, MN. Team 2530 has been going up there for the past 2 years, and we consider it our home regional despite the fact that there are 3 regionals that are geographically closer.

We have enjoyed very high levels of competition with some great teams like 93, 1625, 1714, and 2052 (many others as well).

The pit area is unequalled anywhere in FIRST. Nowhere else will you have such spacious pits.

Last year, at Lake Superior, was my first experience volunteering as a Robot Inspector. Because there were so many SUPER-EXPERIENCED inspectors there, I had to actually tell them to let me try to help some teams!::safety::

Outside of the arena, you won't find nicer people anywhere. If you need a ride, directions, or information, ask anyone you see. They don't even have to be from the FIRST community, they'll still help you. I don't know if Orlando, Baltimore, and NYC can compete with that.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Welp, there goes Buckeye! :p

This guy. I had the chance to take a high school program at a community college that he taught, and also served about a year in his Civil Air Patrol squadron. He's a great guy, and is always passionate when it comes to announcing matches.


Cleveland has been clawing its way up in terms of tourism attractiveness. The hotels located smack dab in the middle of downtown Cleveland are generally nice (I recommend the Embassy Suites, though they can be a bit pricey since high-status people use them often).

The pit areas have been generous in most years, giving about 10x10 on average. We have a full indoor machine shop within a minute walk (or thirty, depending on how many people are crowding the walkway) from the pits. In that same area, there's also a nice-sized space where a practice field or field elements are setup. Power is a standard power strip, which has never failed us (and we used to add another strip ourselves). WiFi is hit-or-miss. Coverage is spotty, and when you can log on, it's usually mind-freezing slow. Even the Ethernet connection for the webcasts and FMS Twitter stream is unreliable. You're better off having a Verizon 4G hotspot available (not T-Mobile or Sprint).

Team spirit is definitely present most years I've gone. Your usual blend of mascots dancing, weird drive team hats, and chants throughout Friday and Saturday. Can't beat the mascot dance line on Saturdays!

Food in the venue is OK. The selection is your usual college sports fare: Hot dogs, nachos, pretzels. Prices are about what you'd expect, maybe a little less. Within a few blocks of the arena, there's a Marco's pizza, Subway, another pizza place, and some sort of Mexican food spot. With the stadium being pretty much minutes from the heart of Cleveland, though, your options expand with little added time. Winking Lizard, Hard Rock Cafe, Tilted Kilt, Charley's Subs, and tons more, along with the usual suspects (McDonald's, Arby's, Asian places, etc). Hop on the freeway for a few minutes and you'll hit the Steelyard Commons, where there's even more choices, including Chipotle and Steak N Shake.

On your off-time, there's plenty to see and do. Visit the Cleveland Public Library. The Great Lakes Science Center or Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (whichever one they aren't using for the social this season). A three-story indoor underground mall with a movie theater.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Well ill sell you our district. Waterford district last year we had 67 469 68 503 573 not to mention we had the first double triple in the world not to many people can say that.this year we have 67 33 548 573 1 2137 and many more great teams

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Thanks for all the replies. I'm sure you are all wondering where we ended up :) . It was a kind of "if we go here, we can't go there" situation, (like what they do on "Big Bang Theory") so it ended up as Boston (our had-to-go first choice), Manchester (wait-listed, then quietly pushed to, er, listed), and Pine Tree ( :D ). I was rather hoping for someplace further away and very different -- okay, "exotic" -- but there is always next year. Again, thanks.

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

Hey, we'll see you at Pine Tree! :D

Re: Sell Me Your Regional!
 

I can confirm that The Wetzels will be everywhere at DC again. Whilst showing full at 58 teams, I would expect a few, maybe 6, more teams to be brought in off the wait pool. Jump on it and get a good spot in the pool!

Wetzel