Volunteers going to Champs
 

Hey everyone.

I've made this post every year for the last couple years, and figured it's about time I do so again. I'm planning to go to St. Louis again this year and need a place to stay since I will not be going with a team. If any teams wants to adopt me for the week, or any other volunteers wanna split the cost of a room, please let me know!

I'm also looking for a way to get there at the moment. If any Rochester, NY area teams have extra airfare at a group rate, I would be eternally grateful. I would prefer to fly so I don't have to miss a full day of classes, but I'm willing to carpool if that's what it takes(and saves me a significant amount of money).

If there are any other volunteers from different parts of the country that are planning to go without teams, please feel free to comment and network a bit.

Thanks!

Re: Volunteers going to Champs
 

I am planning on attending without a team this year, I will not be arriving until Friday night though. Still working on lodging arrangements as well.

Re: Volunteers going to Champs
 

I'm heading down a week in advance but I may have room if you don't mind staying at a hotel closer to the airport (I will have a rental car).

Re: Volunteers going to Champs
 

Ed, I might take you up on that. I'd prefer to stay closer to the dome(last year I was at the Hampton Inn, and at the Holiday Inn Select the year before), but that's mostly because of convenience and me trying to avoid public transit.

Re: Volunteers going to Champs
 

I'll have a rental car.

Re: Volunteers going to Champs
 

Arriving on Wednesday.

Going to the Cardinals game on Friday night.
Foul ball seats in the front row of the upper deck.

Re: Volunteers going to Champs
 

I'm there Saturday.

Re: Volunteers going to Champs
 

This is my first championship event. I signed up to be a volunteer for Friday and Saturday (trying to mitigate days lost at school and not imposing on the people I will be staying with in St. Louis). I have a few questions.

This being my first Championship event, I am hoping to get the full Championship experience, but I also want to be a volunteer. I am concerned that these are not completely mutual. As a volunteer (I was assigned Practice Field Attendant), I will have responsibilities and a specific job. Will I still have a good amount of time to explore the pit and see all the amazing robots? Will I be able to watch the Einstein matches? Has anyone worked as Practice Field Attendant, and if so, what are the hours like? Should I cancel being a volunteer in order to make more time for watching matches and exploring the pit?

EDIT: Sorry, I thought this was a general Volunteer thread -- Apologies if this wasn't the place for asking questions.

Re: Volunteers going to Champs
 

Hey there! I'm a Championship Volunteer Coordinator. I'm in charge of field volunteers, but I can help with some advice:

What is great about being on the Practice Field is that you will get to see tons of great robots, and you can work out breaks with your manager so you can visit a little during lunch. I don't know the specific hours for CMP, but usually practice fields close during elimination matches. You'll be able to jump to the stands for Einstein once you are relieved from duty.

Good for you for realizing that by agreeing to volunteer it is your top priority - your job is super important. You will get to see a whole different side of FRC - volunteering is addictive and you'll see why once you get there!

There's orientation meetings that I recommend you go to - two virtual, one on site. You should get an email from HQ about it soon.

If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.

Re: Volunteers going to Champs
 

Practice Fields close at noon--before even division elims start, and 4 hours prior to Einstein. I'm not sure if you'd (Moriarty) be involved in packing up the practice field, but division matches as scheduled until 2:30.

Thanks for volunteering!

Re: Volunteers going to Champs
 

Excellent. That sounds perfect. Not only will I get the satisfaction and experience of volunteering, but I'll also be in for an amazing spectacle AND have time to tour the pits! Thanks for the information

Re: Volunteers going to Champs
 

Just submitted my signup tonight, since 2815 didn't qualify. This will be my first teamless Championship since 2008, so it'll be a change of pace. :)

I'd be interested in splitting a room--in Wednesday, out Sunday. (It's cheaper to stay over than fly out Saturday late!)

Re: Volunteers going to Champs
 

I will be there as a Robot Inspector. This wil be my 7th year in a row.
I will be there without a team :(
I'm looking for a room, near the venue, for around $100.00 a night. I snore rather loudly so I'm not a good roommate :D

Re: Volunteers going to Champs
 

I can vouch for Eric, having offered up a space to him (and it seems like a dozen other people in a very small room) one year in Atlanta.

Sadly, this will be the first Championship I will have missed since I started 16 years ago. I play keyboards in a rock band and we have are playing at an outdoor arts festival in town that weekend. I considered flying in for Wednesday and Thursday just to help inspect but I've been pushing it too hard for the last 3 months and I've just got to learn when to slow down. I'll miss seeing everyone.

Re: Volunteers going to Champs
 

With these restrictions, it sounds like your best bet may be a cardboard box behind the Roberts Mayfair.:D