Re: Whacky Einstein Layout Proposal
 

At events, the Field Crew is instructed to use new and untouched game pieces whenever possible during the finals matches. This is to help simulate a 'perfect game state' and limit any variance between alliances for the most critical matches. While highly used game pieces won't affect game in a drastic way, its good peace of mind to the players that they are using fresh game pieces that will optimize their designed systems.

In the same way, Einstein Field is unused so teams have a fresh carpet, clean plexiglass, and unbroken field tape that perfectly simulates the field as described in the game manual. It makes sense for the championship matches to be played on the most optimized field as possible so all that determines the outcome is the robots and their teams.

Can this tradition be dispensed with? Possibly, but that's a question for those who are not me to answer.

Re: Whacky Einstein Layout Proposal
 

I think it would be cool if there were some sort of infield - like you see at race tracks - with bleacher seating. Perhaps the sixteen teams competing on Einstein could be invited to sit there.

Re: Whacky Einstein Layout Proposal
 

I definitely remember our team playing one or two qualification matches on the Einstein stage in 2001 (the first year of divisions). I believe the setup was the one field on the Einstein stage, and three others in the tents. Each division played a set number of their matches Einstein field, and the rest were played on one of the other fields. I don't remember this happening in 2002, but I could be wrong.

Re: Whacky Einstein Layout Proposal
 

It also means that the general wear and tear that is visible on fields isn't present and as such looks more pristine. This looks better in photos.

Re: Whacky Einstein Layout Proposal
 

Also not for nothing, it's also part of the honor of getting to this point, getting to say you played on a brand new pristine field. These are the most watched matches of the season, so not only do you want the field being pristine for playing purposes, you want it to look good in terms of showmanship. (Some year's a new field vs. old field was pretty obvious, even from a distance).

Edit: Andrew beat me to it.

Edit 2: The other thing to note is that the field used for Einstein's main reason for existing is it serves as the back-up field for the rest of the year. It's on stand-by for the rare case something happens to one of the fields (i.e. a truck get's into an accident during transit) so this way the events still can continue on. FIRST won't be getting rid of that any time soon, so if we have to have a field that more then likely won't be used all season, I see no reason to not use it for Einstein.

Re: Whacky Einstein Layout Proposal
 

I know it's heresy - but get rid of Einstein as a stand-alone field. It has the dual benefit of saving a lot of realestate, and removing the need for a long 'test' period to insure that the field is running smoothly.