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BSV 27-05-2015 16:56

2016 regional dates?
 
We're trying to get some things on the school schedule this summer, including FTC and FRC events for the next year.

We know when our local (1-2 miles from school) regional is suppose to be scheduled, and can't attend due to a conflict, and so have to look elsewhere in the region. Unfortunately there are currently zero FRC events listed on the FIRST web site. Does anyone know when the event database starts to populate with next season's information? Thanks!

Jon Stratis 27-05-2015 17:41

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
If it's like last year (http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...-being-posted), events will start to be posted about a month from now. And then it'll take a couple of months until all events are posted, since they aren't posted until they are confirmed (generally means contracts are in hand and signed).

If you want to get tentative info on a schedule now, your best bet is to contact the RD or regional planning committee for the events you're considering and see if they can give you some unofficial guidance. For example, I know that The scheduling of the MN events is almost settled, but is by no means assured yet. Besides venue availability, we also have to consider other nearby events (Milwaukee and Chicago, for example), and how scheduling for all of those events will impact a new event in.... But I've said too much already. I'll leave that as a teaser for all of the teams who have been clamoring for another event somewhere in the upper Midwest :D

Billfred 27-05-2015 18:06

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
What Jon said. I know Palmetto's dates have already been discussed among the teams, because it's possible that we'll have to shoehorn it into a Wednesday-Thursday-Friday format.

(I hope they find a way to fit it in the regular window, but if they don't: any team that's bold enough to do Palmetto and then a Saturday-Sunday district event the two days after gets a cookie.)

JB987 27-05-2015 18:25

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Week 5 for Vegas...contract signed I believe (I'm on planning committee).

Hallry 27-05-2015 18:27

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by JB987 (Post 1484468)
Week 5 for Vegas...contract signed I believe (I'm on planning committee).

Glad to hear that the Las Vegas Regional will be returning again after the concern over its existence this past year.

orangemoore 27-05-2015 18:31

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
I think Midwest will be week 4 this year. The regional usually falls on UIC's spring break which is a week earlier this year And the season starts 1 week late.


This is total speculation and could very easily be wrong

Andrew Schreiber 27-05-2015 18:47

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfred (Post 1484462)
What Jon said. I know Palmetto's dates have already been discussed among the teams, because it's possible that we'll have to shoehorn it into a Wednesday-Thursday-Friday format.

(I hope they find a way to fit it in the regular window, but if they don't: any team that's bold enough to do Palmetto and then a Saturday-Sunday district event the two days after gets a cookie.)

Week 1? Possibly challenge accepted. :P

MikLast 27-05-2015 19:10

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
anyone have an idea if the PNW champs are going back to Portland next year? It would be nice to have a general idea now to get some funds before the rush.

lynca 07-06-2015 09:35

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Why is the kickoff on Jan. 9th 2016 ?

It seems the kickoff should be Jan 2nd 2016 ?

LDiDomenico 07-06-2015 09:38

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Why is the kickoff on Jan. 9th 2016 ?

It seems the kickoff should be Jan 2nd 2016 ?
I think that if Kickoff is too close to New Year's day, FIRST will move it back a week so it doesn't conflict with people's travel plans.

lynca 07-06-2015 10:20

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by LDiDomenico (Post 1486037)
I think that if Kickoff is too close to New Year's day, FIRST will move it back a week so it doesn't conflict with people's travel plans.

Do week 1 events still begin on the last week of February ?

Jon Stratis 07-06-2015 10:39

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by lynca (Post 1486039)
Do week 1 events still begin on the last week of February ?

Nope, everything gets pushed back a week. Week 1 this year will be the first weekend in March. I doubt we'll ever see kickoff held before Jan 3, unless there is a big redesign in the way FRC works (like a big change in how everything is scheduled)

Part of the problem with having kickoff too early is shipping the KoP. With there being so many holidays in there where nothing moves and shipping organizations being overwhelmed by the holiday rush, it's difficult to get stuff to the kick off locations on time as it is. And just shipping everything earlier isn't that great of an option, because then you need to arrange for storage at all those different kickoff sites, with the possibility of having to store off-site and then use a rental truck and volunteers to move it to the kick off site... The logistics are just messy all around.

EricH 07-06-2015 12:26

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by LDiDomenico (Post 1486037)
I think that if Kickoff is too close to New Year's day, FIRST will move it back a week so it doesn't conflict with people's travel plans.

This is correct, at least as far as what happens. It's happened before, and will happen again.

Billfred 07-06-2015 12:29

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis (Post 1486042)
Nope, everything gets pushed back a week. Week 1 this year will be the first weekend in March. I doubt we'll ever see kickoff held before Jan 3, unless there is a big redesign in the way FRC works (like a big change in how everything is scheduled)

Part of the problem with having kickoff too early is shipping the KoP. With there being so many holidays in there where nothing moves and shipping organizations being overwhelmed by the holiday rush, it's difficult to get stuff to the kick off locations on time as it is. And just shipping everything earlier isn't that great of an option, because then you need to arrange for storage at all those different kickoff sites, with the possibility of having to store off-site and then use a rental truck and volunteers to move it to the kick off site... The logistics are just messy all around.

This. 4901 hosted Kickoff this year for South Carolina, and it was hard enough since the USC campus was shut down for winter break. The regional committee had to rent a storage locker, I had to go when the pallets arrived and break it all down to get it inside the locker, then we rented a U-Haul to get it from the locker to USC and staged. Far from ideal, and with so many institutions shut down on January 1 even if they're open during break? I see why they do it.

Jacob Bendicksen 07-06-2015 14:57

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by MikLast (Post 1484478)
anyone have an idea if the PNW champs are going back to Portland next year? It would be nice to have a general idea now to get some funds before the rush.

Last I heard, PNWs were going back to Portland, but I heard a rumor that they might be in Seattle. Either way, I'm pretty sure they won't be in Spokane, but I'm not positive as to Portland or Seattle.

Navid Shafa 07-06-2015 15:37

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob Bendicksen (Post 1486061)
Last I heard, PNWs were going back to Portland, but I heard a rumor that they might be in Seattle. Either way, I'm pretty sure they won't be in Spokane, but I'm not positive as to Portland or Seattle.

I am under the same impression. Last I knew there was a contract in place for Portland 2016. I'll be happy to return to the Coliseum and certainly hope this is still the case.

MikLast 07-06-2015 16:44

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob Bendicksen (Post 1486061)
Last I heard, PNWs were going back to Portland, but I heard a rumor that they might be in Seattle. Either way, I'm pretty sure they won't be in Spokane, but I'm not positive as to Portland or Seattle.

I think they should switch off every year between something more eastern (not exactly Spokane east, maybe CWU east, or still just Spokane, just somewhere east) and then go to the west side (portland/seattle, i would bet portland based on what i heard from you and Navid and some other scouring) to help make sure people get a fair chance of going.

Kevin Pardus 24-06-2015 12:35

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
A year ago, dates for 2015 events began to be officially posted.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hallry (Post 1391150)

2015 Events are Being Posted!
Blog Date: Wednesday, June 25, 2014 - 17:58
Event Dates
Check it out: http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...egional-events
We’ve just started posting event dates and locations for which we have confirmed information. ‘Confirmed’ means either
that FIRST HQ has a signed agreement with the venue, or that District organizers have passed along to us firm
information on their events. Please keep in mind that even though we may have signed contracts with the venues,
things still can change! It’s very unlikely, but still possible. We have a few more event dates and locations ready to post,
we’ll be getting those up shortly....
...Another FRC Season is in the air! I’m getting really excited!
Frank

Will we start seeing official posts for 2016 events anytime soon?

Carl C 24-06-2015 12:55

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
The first few events just started popping up. I expect an official announcement soon:

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...egional-events

AllenGregoryIV 24-06-2015 13:44

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Lone Star is booked for Apr 7th-9th according to the GRB calendar, making it a week 6 event.

http://www.houstonconventionctr.com/Attendees/CalendarofEvents.aspx

PayneTrain 24-06-2015 13:51

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfred (Post 1484462)
What Jon said. I know Palmetto's dates have already been discussed among the teams, because it's possible that we'll have to shoehorn it into a Wednesday-Thursday-Friday format.



That's straight fire.

Koko Ed 24-06-2015 14:26

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl C (Post 1487852)
The first few events just started popping up. I expect an official announcement soon:

http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...egional-events

I wonder which room the Alamo Regional is gonna be in this time.

AllenGregoryIV 24-06-2015 14:36

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Koko Ed (Post 1487858)
I wonder which room the Alamo Regional is gonna be in this time.

Hopefully in the new space I would think, it's scheduled to open in January. More information.

Abhishek R 24-06-2015 22:51

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by AllenGregoryIV (Post 1487860)
Hopefully in the new space I would think, it's scheduled to open in January. More information.

Wow, that looks awesome. I really liked the setup they had at the 2014 Alamo Regional though, in case this doesn't pan out.

BSV 24-06-2015 23:11

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Abhishek R (Post 1487929)
Wow, that looks awesome. I really liked the setup they had at the 2014 Alamo Regional though, in case this doesn't pan out.

Looks like it's March 9-12 and the FTC South Super Regional is March 9-11 in the same building. Cool. (But if you have the same kids on both FTC and FRC teams, that isn't gonna work too well if the FTC team qualifies).

AllenGregoryIV 25-06-2015 11:32

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by BSV (Post 1487930)
Looks like it's March 9-12 and the FTC South Super Regional is March 9-11 in the same building. Cool. (But if you have the same kids on both FTC and FRC teams, that isn't gonna work too well if the FTC team qualifies).

That's been that way at Alamo for the past several years. None of that is changing. We are just discussing which part of the convention center it will be located in, since they are finishing up renovations in January.

Koko Ed 06-07-2015 02:42

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Many Canadian dates got added.
GTCR week 1.
GTER week 2.
North Bay week 4.
Waterloo week 5.
WEGLR week 6.

Koko Ed 08-07-2015 17:04

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
PNW has listed their dates.

Navid Shafa 08-07-2015 17:19

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Koko Ed (Post 1489355)
PNW has listed their dates.

I created a spreadsheet to better visualize this year's PNW schedule changes.

*Notes: Weeks are skewed thanks to the moved kickoff date. No more Shorewood district either.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navid Shafa (Post 1486065)
Last I knew there was a contract in place for Portland 2016. I'll be happy to return to the Coliseum and certainly hope this is still the case.

Return to Portland 2016 Confirmed.

MikLast 08-07-2015 18:10

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Navid Shafa (Post 1489360)
I created a spreadsheet to better visualize this year's PNW schedule changes.

*Notes: Weeks are skewed thanks to the moved kickoff date. No more Shorewood district either.



Return to Portland 2016 Confirmed.

west valley is week one, thats going to be... yeah...

Thad House 08-07-2015 18:21

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Navid Shafa (Post 1489360)
I created a spreadsheet to better visualize this year's PNW schedule changes.

*Notes: Weeks are skewed thanks to the moved kickoff date. No more Shorewood district either.



Return to Portland 2016 Confirmed.

I would guess that just like last year, they will add shorewood at the last minute again. We are right on the bubble between 9 and 10 events.

Honestly, I don't like the Portland events being weeks 2 and 5. It means that a Portland team either has to travel, or do back to back events. Both of which have downsides. And since there is no washington event week 4, it means the only Travel event for oregon teams to not go back to back is philomath. If a week 4 washington event doesn't get added, there is going to be some major congestion in Oregon at Wilsonville and Philomath.

Jacob Bendicksen 08-07-2015 18:51

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Thad House (Post 1489380)
I would guess that just like last year, they will add shorewood at the last minute again. We are right on the bubble between 9 and 10 events.

Honestly, I don't like the Portland events being weeks 2 and 5. It means that a Portland team either has to travel, or do back to back events. Both of which have downsides. And since there is no washington event week 4, it means the only Travel event for oregon teams to not go back to back is philomath. If a week 4 washington event doesn't get added, there is going to be some major congestion in Oregon at Wilsonville and Philomath.

I'm with Thad here...not a huge fan of the Week 5/Week 6 turnaround. I'd imagine that Week 5 is the only date that works for Oregon City, but still, not perfect.

Kingland093 08-07-2015 21:29

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Any information out there on the MN regionals? Will they be going back to their normal weeks 2 and 5 dates?

jajabinx124 08-07-2015 23:30

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingland093 (Post 1489402)
Will they be going back to their normal weeks 2 and 5 dates?

*crosses fingers that they go back to their normal week 2 and 5 dates* :D

Tyler Olds 08-07-2015 23:39

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jajabinx124 (Post 1489414)
*crosses fingers that they go back to their normal week 2 and 5 dates* :D

I really hope that Minneapolis stays week 6. With Wisconsin generally being week 4 for the last few years, teams like mine haven't been able to participate at the Minneapolis regionals being back to back.

jajabinx124 08-07-2015 23:46

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tyler Olds (Post 1489415)
I really hope that Minneapolis stays week 6. With Wisconsin generally being week 4 for the last few years, teams like mine haven't been able to participate at the Minneapolis regionals being back to back.

I understand. Back to back regionals doesn't sound that feasible, although some teams have done it, but I can see why most teams don't want to.

I'll be fine if the Minneapolis regionals stay week 6, but what I really want is the Duluth regionals to move back to week 2 again because I would like to avoid the idea of attending a week 1 regional at all costs..

Jon Stratis 08-07-2015 23:48

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingland093 (Post 1489402)
Any information out there on the MN regionals? Will they be going back to their normal weeks 2 and 5 dates?

Nothing official yet... I know there has been difficulty scheduling venues so Duluth, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and a new regional (which I don't think has been officially announced yet) don't overlap has been difficult.

I will, however, point you to the list of NCAA Championship sites, which has a Women's Gymnastics event in the Sports Pavilion (where the 10,000 Lakes pits are) Saturday April 2, 2016, which is week 5. So, it's a safe bet the Minneapolis events won't be week 5!

Navid Shafa 09-07-2015 00:05

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Thad House (Post 1489380)
I would guess that just like last year, they will add shorewood at the last minute again. We are right on the bubble between 9 and 10 events.

Knowing last year's number and accommodating for only a small amount of growth, there really isn't an option to not have a 10th district. Last year, quite a few teams would have been extremely geographically inconvenienced without it. Unless there is other information in the wings, I'd bank on it popping up again. Let's just hope it's before everyone starts registering this time...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thad House (Post 1489380)
Honestly, I don't like the Portland events being weeks 2 and 5. It means that a Portland team either has to travel, or do back to back events.

Yep, that sucks. Some venues are unavailable or unwilling to change time slots. While the FRC schedule has shifted, the available calendar dates for some places cause a struggle with planning. I'm sure that wasn't easy to account for this year.

dlom 09-07-2015 01:31

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Only one event in Eastern Washington? This is a tragedy.

MikLast 09-07-2015 10:33

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by dlom (Post 1489426)
Only one event in Eastern Washington? This is a tragedy.

CWU is close enough to eastern washington...

Shrub 09-07-2015 11:15

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Whenever someone says a regional date is confirmed, I can only think its confirmed for Smash. I'd love to see Minneapolis on week 6 again.

Bryan Herbst 09-07-2015 11:24

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis (Post 1489419)
Nothing official yet... I know there has been difficulty scheduling venues so Duluth, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and a new regional (which I don't think has been officially announced yet) don't overlap has been difficult.

I will, however, point you to the list of NCAA Championship sites, which has a Women's Gymnastics event in the Sports Pavilion (where the 10,000 Lakes pits are) Saturday April 2, 2016, which is week 5. So, it's a safe bet the Minneapolis events won't be week 5!

Wait, the gymnasts don't want to compete in the robotics pits!? I just see it as an added challenge!

Kevin Leonard 09-07-2015 11:33

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
I really hope the upstate New York events aren't back-to-back weekends again. That was terrible this year. No time for improvement between events and a ton of burnout. It also caused some of our Rochester friends to not compete at the Tech Valley event this year, which was unfortunate.

Normally both colleges do their events on one of the weekends of their spring break. In 2016, RPI's spring break is 3/14-3/18, and RIT's is 3/21-3/25. So as long as RPI does the first weekend of their break again and RIT does the 2nd weekend of their break, we should be fine. Tech Valley could be 3/10-3/12, while Finger Lakes could be 3/25-3/26.

Navid Shafa 09-07-2015 15:52

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by dlom (Post 1489426)
Only one event in Eastern Washington? This is a tragedy.

This is nothing new though. There's only been one qualifying event there since the Spokane Regional started in 2012. There aren't even enough teams as is to fill a single district event in Spokane without others coming in for third plays.

Kingland093 09-07-2015 18:33

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis (Post 1489419)
Nothing official yet... I know there has been difficulty scheduling venues so Duluth, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and a new regional (which I don't think has been officially announced yet) don't overlap has been difficult.

I will, however, point you to the list of NCAA Championship sites, which has a Women's Gymnastics event in the Sports Pavilion (where the 10,000 Lakes pits are) Saturday April 2, 2016, which is week 5. So, it's a safe bet the Minneapolis events won't be week 5!

Where will this new regional be and do you know what week? Is that even known yet?

ehochstein 09-07-2015 18:52

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kingland093 (Post 1489490)
Where will this new regional be and do you know what week? Is that even known yet?

You'll be able to find out as soon as it is posted here http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...egional-events

:)

Koko Ed 09-07-2015 19:38

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Lone Star just got listed!
Looks like it's week 6!

Jon Stratis 09-07-2015 20:37

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by ehochstein (Post 1489494)
You'll be able to find out as soon as it is posted here http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...egional-events

:)

What Evan said :D

rockychat3 12-07-2015 13:08

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis (Post 1489419)
Nothing official yet... I know there has been difficulty scheduling venues so Duluth, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and a new regional (which I don't think has been officially announced yet) don't overlap has been difficult.

When I was calling hotels to book a block for Duluth, they told me the Duluth events would be Mar 3-6 (which is week 1 again). I don't know how official that is, but they told me that after I tried to hold a block for the week before (which would be the down week after stop-build since I didn't realize kickoff was moved to the 9th).

mwmac 13-07-2015 12:29

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
LA and Sacramento now posted...
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...egional-events

PayneTrain 13-07-2015 12:40

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Palmetto confirmed for February 24-27.

AllenGregoryIV 13-07-2015 12:53

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Bayou confirmed for week 3 March 16-19th, on the FIRST website.

D.Allred 13-07-2015 13:25

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by PayneTrain (Post 1489998)

I'm not sure if it is a bold strategy, but it sure will be interesting.

Looking at the bright side:
All other week 1 events just got an upgrade.
All the FRC tracking applications just got another scenario to track.
The bag and tag seal will be extra fresh.
Should get good FRC community exposure on the webcast.

In reality, it was the better deal to handle venue scheduling conflicts. I hope the event will still be attractive to teams outside of SC.

David

PayneTrain 13-07-2015 13:38

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by D.Allred (Post 1490007)
I'm not sure if it is a bold strategy, but it sure will be interesting.

Looking at the bright side:
All other week 1 events just got an upgrade.
All the FRC tracking applications just got another scenario to track.
The bag and tag seal will be extra fresh.
Should get good FRC community exposure on the webcast.

In reality, it was the better deal to handle venue scheduling conflicts. I hope the event will still be attractive to teams outside of SC.

David

The seal is only going to be on the bag for around 32 hours. That's pretty crazy.

Kevin Leonard 13-07-2015 13:50

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by PayneTrain (Post 1490012)
The seal is only going to be on the bag for around 32 hours. That's pretty crazy.

Wait is this legit? I thought it was just Wil Payne being funny again.

Does this mean there will be 8 weeks of pre-championship competition now instead of 7?

I would hate to go to the new week 1.

Thad House 13-07-2015 13:53

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Leonard (Post 1490014)
Wait is this legit? I thought it was just Wil Payne being funny again.

Does this mean there will be 8 weeks of pre-championship competition now instead of 7?

I would hate to go to the new week 1.

Yup. It's official.
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...metto-Regional

Honestly, since teams have never had that large of turnaround, I wonder if FIRST would consider letting those teams not bag their robots. Having only a day to work on spares and other stuff seems like those teams would be getting screwed more then normal. Not requiring bag for only those teams could be a nice way to increase the fairness.

robochick1319 13-07-2015 13:58

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by D.Allred (Post 1490007)
I'm not sure if it is a bold strategy, but it sure will be interesting.

Looking at the bright side:
All other week 1 events just got an upgrade.
All the FRC tracking applications just got another scenario to track.
The bag and tag seal will be extra fresh.
Should get good FRC community exposure on the webcast.

In reality, it was the better deal to handle venue scheduling conflicts. I hope the event will still be attractive to teams outside of SC.

David

That is looking at the bright side! I don't think we'll get a lot of non-SC teams with GA, NC, and Chesapeake districts happening.

Poor Ohio and Canadian teams would have to bag their robot and immediately get on the bus to make it in time!

Billfred 13-07-2015 14:10

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by D.Allred (Post 1490007)
Should get good FRC community exposure on the webcast.

In reality, it was the better deal to handle venue scheduling conflicts. I hope the event will still be attractive to teams outside of SC.

David

Their game announcer had better not suck at his job. :rolleyes: As a team leader operating without the benefit of even field trip status, I am incredibly relieved to see Palmetto back on a Thursday/Friday/Saturday schedule.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Leonard (Post 1490014)
Wait is this legit? I thought it was just Wil Payne being funny again.

Does this mean there will be 8 weeks of pre-championship competition now instead of 7?

I would hate to go to the new week 1.

Yep. Week 0 (or are we going with 0.5, since Week 0 is a thing?) will be a unique challenge for us all, but I'm excited with the possibilities. Will South Carolina influence how the world plays next year's game? I can't rule it out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thad House (Post 1490016)
Yup. It's official.
http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprogr...metto-Regional

Honestly, since teams have never had that large of turnaround, I wonder if FIRST would consider letting those teams not bag their robots. Having only a day to work on spares and other stuff seems like those teams would be getting screwed more then normal. Not requiring bag for only those teams could be a nice way to increase the fairness.

I'm not on the committee, but I fully expect us to have to bag and tag. Though if someone comes in with a log where the ink hasn't fully dried on the lockup, they might get a cookie. (That's a joke.)

Spare-making and all that isn't ideal, but having done Week 1 for the past three years: we are usually so tired/burnt out/behind on other work that we don't go back into the shop for most of that time except to clean up and pack the trailer. This change doesn't really change much.

Quote:

Originally Posted by robochick1319 (Post 1490018)
That is looking at the bright side! I don't think we'll get a lot of non-SC teams with GA, NC, and Chesapeake districts happening.

Poor Ohio and Canadian teams would have to bag their robot and immediately get on the bus to make it in time!

I think Week 0 Palmetto creates a unique opportunity for district teams, if they can manage the logistics. If you go to Palmetto and win, you have the most time of anyone in FIRST (save for pre-qualified teams) to make Championship travel plans. If you go to Palmetto and tank, you go into district play with everything shaken down.

robochick1319 13-07-2015 14:30

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfred (Post 1490020)
I think Week 0 Palmetto creates a unique opportunity for district teams, if they can manage the logistics. If you go to Palmetto and win, you have the most time of anyone in FIRST (save for pre-qualified teams) to make Championship travel plans. If you go to Palmetto and tank, you go into district play with everything shaken down.

Seems kind of unfair for district teams to come to regionals and qualify for World Champs. But I believe that may be a :deadhorse:

Koko Ed 13-07-2015 14:40

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by robochick1319 (Post 1490023)
Seems kind of unfair for district teams to come to regionals and qualify for World Champs. But I believe that may be a :deadhorse:

It's a loophole that they take advantage of. It aint their fault. FIRST could easily put a stop to it but they don't so it is what it is.

PayneTrain 13-07-2015 14:40

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by robochick1319 (Post 1490023)
Seems kind of unfair for district teams to come to regionals and qualify for World Champs. But I believe that may be a :deadhorse:

Don't know how many district teams are even going to be able to register for the event. Sure, the surrounding areas all moved to districts, but that event still filled up in less than 5 minutes after 2nd event registration last year and the year before.

Anupam Goli 13-07-2015 14:55

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfred (Post 1490020)


I think Week 0 Palmetto creates a unique opportunity for district teams, if they can manage the logistics. If you go to Palmetto and win, you have the most time of anyone in FIRST (save for pre-qualified teams) to make Championship travel plans. If you go to Palmetto and tank, you go into district play with everything shaken down.

Depending on the team list going, I wouldn't be opposed to getting in a regional play before everyone else in our district...

AllenGregoryIV 13-07-2015 15:31

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
I actually really like this week 0.5 event. I know I'll be watching for sure. Can someone start planning for a high quality webcast now.

Hopefully we do see some district teams at the event. That will increase the competition level for everyone watching.

TDav540 13-07-2015 15:55

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Anupam Goli (Post 1490028)
Depending on the team list going, I wouldn't be opposed to getting in a regional play before everyone else in our district...

This is actually a fantastic opportunity for most teams in the Chesapeake, NC, and GA districts. An opportunity to qualify for worlds before your events even begin. Even if you don't qualify, Palmetto's extra practice. I wouldn't expect many team from 8+ hours away, but representation from surrounding states will still be pretty good.

Billfred 13-07-2015 15:58

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by AllenGregoryIV (Post 1490036)
I actually really like this week 0.5 event. I know I'll be watching for sure. Can someone start planning for a high quality webcast now.

Hopefully we do see some district teams at the event. That will increase the competition level for everyone watching.

I've never watched the Palmetto webcast (obviously, I'm at Palmetto), but from the tweets I've gotten it's usually pretty good quality.

That said, if someone wanted to set the bar for The RoboShow I'm sure I could get you connected with the right people. ;)

JohnFogarty 13-07-2015 16:35

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
RIP Build Season Week 6 sleep schedule.

dodar 13-07-2015 16:52

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnFogarty (Post 1490061)
RIP Build Season Week 6 sleep schedule.

What is sleep :confused:

Koko Ed 13-07-2015 16:53

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Bayou(week 3) and Greater Pittsburgh(week 2) got listed!

dodar 13-07-2015 16:54

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Koko Ed (Post 1490064)
Bayou(week 3) and Greater Pittsburgh(week 2) got listed!

Man, all the southern regionals seem to be landing on the same weeks; or back to back atleast.

PayneTrain 13-07-2015 17:27

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by dodar (Post 1490065)
Man, all the southern regionals seem to be landing on the same weeks; or back to back atleast.

At least there are a lot of regionals in the Southeast to choose from.

Ha.

Brian Maher 14-07-2015 10:46

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by robochick1319 (Post 1490023)
Seems kind of unfair for district teams to come to regionals and qualify for World Champs. But I believe that may be a :deadhorse:

Yeah, district teams that qualify at a regional take a CMP slot from regional teams AND count against the district's CMP allocation.
Qualifying for CMP as an district team at a regional should either not count for a district's slots or generate a wildcard to not take a spot from regional teams.

Koko Ed 14-07-2015 13:03

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
So far I have a solid idea of what week one, two, five,six, seven and obviously eight look like for me. I'm curious to see what three and four look like.

Kevin Leonard 14-07-2015 13:05

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Koko Ed (Post 1490167)
So far I have a solid idea of what week one, two, five,six, seven and obviously eight look like for me. I'm curious to see what three and four look like.

Hopefully 3 will be TVR. (Fingers crossed)

Koko Ed 14-07-2015 13:09

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Leonard (Post 1490168)
Hopefully 3 will be TVR. (Fingers crossed)

If Orlando stayed week three and TVR stayed week four like last year it would make me quite happy. If there's no flight to Orlando I may give the week zero Palmetto regional a serious look.

Kevin Leonard 14-07-2015 13:11

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Koko Ed (Post 1490169)
If Orlando stayed week three and TVR stayed week four like last year it would make me quite happy. If there's no flight to Orlando I may give the week zero Palmetto regional a serious look.

Please FRC gods no back to back regionals again

1493kd 14-07-2015 13:32

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Leonard (Post 1490168)
Hopefully 3 will be TVR. (Fingers crossed)

A little bird told me that TVR most likely will be during week 3 this year which falls on RPI's spring break. So basically the same dates as this past year but moved up to week 3 instead of 4 because of the late kickoff.

Koko Ed 14-07-2015 13:36

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by 1493kd (Post 1490175)
A little bird told me that TVR most likely will be during week 3 this year which falls on RPI's spring break. So basically the same dates as this past year but moved up to week 3 instead of 4 because of the late kickoff.

If that's the case then Orlando may be out of my plans but Waterloo would be back in play.

Chief Hedgehog 14-07-2015 21:55

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jajabinx124 (Post 1489414)
*crosses fingers that they go back to their normal week 2 and 5 dates* :D

I would be fine with Duluth staying week 1. However, it would be nice if MPLS could get back to week 5.

jajabinx124 14-07-2015 23:30

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Hedgehog (Post 1490249)
I would be fine with Duluth staying week 1. However, it would be nice if MPLS could get back to week 5.

Any reasons you want Duluth to stay week 1 and Minneapolis to go back to week 5? I'm just curious on why you think that would be nice.

Chief Hedgehog 14-07-2015 23:47

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jajabinx124 (Post 1490265)
Any reasons you want Duluth to stay week 1 and Minneapolis to go back to week 5? I'm just curious on why you think that would be nice.

For FRC 4607 the dates work out better. This will be the first time that we will compete in Duluth and I want a quick turnaround for my team after the build season is finished.

For those of you that were unaware of our debacle at Northstar in 2015 with connecting to the FMS, I want to find out early if we will have problems. This robot was our most complete in terms of autonomous, field play, and total team prep. Our practice robot played flawlessly by week 4 and we felt we were ready to competes with the best (2826 and 3130) - I am not saying we would be at their level, but we would have been in the mix. We were stacking 3 sets of 4 totes and capping in practice. We were also 7lbs underweight which would have allowed us to use our strafe. I feel having a week 1 Regional will give us great feedback to work with.

As for the week 5 Regional - it falls better in Becker's school calendar. Week 6 would work - but it means much more hurried planning if we make it to Championships.

So I throw it back to you - why not week 1 and 5?

jajabinx124 15-07-2015 00:18

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Hedgehog (Post 1490270)
For FRC 4607 the dates work out better. This will be the first time that we will compete in Duluth and I want a quick turnaround for my team after the build season is finished.

For those of you that were unaware of our debacle at Northstar in 2015 with connecting to the FMS, I want to find out early if we will have problems. This robot was our most complete in terms of autonomous, field play, and total team prep. Our practice robot played flawlessly by week 4 and we felt we were ready to competes with the best (2826 and 3130) - I am not saying we would be at their level, but we would have been in the mix. We were stacking 3 sets of 4 totes and capping in practice. We were also 7lbs underweight which would have allowed us to use our strafe. I feel having a week 1 Regional will give us great feedback to work with.

As for the week 5 Regional - it falls better in Becker's school calendar. Week 6 would work - but it means much more hurried planning if we make it to Championships.

So I throw it back to you - why not week 1 and 5?

I'm sorry about 4607's problems at North Star with FMS, it's heartbreaking to hear about the issues you guys had with FMS at North Star. I hope you guys don't run into that issue again.

As for attending 2 regionals, that's a great idea. I understand why you guys want Duluth to be week 1, because you guys can expose yourselves to gameplay as early as possible, test/tweak issues with the robot, and use the experience you guys gained at Duluth to improve your robot even further at your second regional.

The reason I dislike week 1 regionals, even though they provide a tremendous amount of learning experience and tremendous amounts of things to improve upon, is because I'm not sure what I'm going to expect during the regional. I'm not sure what strategies will be successful or not successful, I haven't seen other regional webcasts and observed what strategies win other regionals or what type of robots I'll expect at regionals, I'm not sure whether all the metrics we've created for the scouting team will be useful, etc. I could go on a large tangent about how unprepared teams can be when tackling week 1 regionals, but at the same time it may not be as bad next year because the Palmetto regional will be hosted a week before all of next year's week 1 events, thus giving week 1 teams an opportunity to view a regional webcast to absorb everything they can from watching that regional. That's the reason I don't want Duluth to be week 1, but it won't be the end of the world if it still is week 1 next year.

I'm not really opposed to having the Minneapolis regionals being week 5, I'm fine with either week 5 or 6.

Chief Hedgehog 15-07-2015 00:35

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jajabinx124 (Post 1490272)
I'm sorry about 4607's problems at North Star with FMS, it's heartbreaking to hear about the issues you guys had with FMS at North Star. I hope you guys don't run into that issue again.

As for attending 2 regionals, that's a great idea. I understand why you guys want Duluth to be week 1, because you guys can expose yourselves to gameplay as early as possible, test/tweak issues with the robot, and use the experience you guys gained at Duluth to improve your robot even further at your second regional.

The reason I dislike week 1 regionals, even though they provide a tremendous amount of learning experience and tremendous amounts of things to improve upon, is because I'm not sure what I'm going to expect during the regional. I'm not sure what strategies will be successful or not successful, I haven't seen other regional webcasts and observed what strategies win other regionals or what type of robots I'll expect at regionals, I'm not sure whether all the metrics we've created for the scouting team will be useful, etc. I could go on a large tangent about how unprepared teams can be when tackling week 1 regionals, but at the same time it may not be as bad next year because the Palmetto regional will be hosted a week before all of next year's week 1 events, thus giving week 1 teams an opportunity to view a regional webcast to absorb everything they can from watching that regional. That's the reason I don't want Duluth to be week 1, but it won't be the end of the world if it still is week 1 next year.

I'm not really opposed to having the Minneapolis regionals being week 5, I'm fine with either week 5 or 6.

And there is no wonder why you are the lead strategist on 2052. I completely agree with you in terms of strategizing - a week 2 event greatly benefits the scout/strategy teams.

However, because MN as a whole is a relative new comer to FRC, week 1 event allows for some teams to surprise the competition (especially the more established teams). With a week 2 these established teams have some time to adjust.

A week 1 event, especially since Duluth has two Regionals, puts MN in the spotlight and allows for teams to showcase strategies straight away. This is an advantage for us as we (MN) can set the tone for the rest of the season.

It also allows FRC to train in a lot of volunteers that will then go on to other Regionals. It also allows for fields to start in Duluth and then head elsewhere rather than try to figure out how to get two fields back to MN. For these reasons alone I think that those in charge will try to keep Duluth week 1 - but that is just my opinion.

It will be interesting to see where the 5th "MN" Regional will be placed and how that effects teams choosing Duluth. I know my team would like a chance at gaining the first Winners Banner at the new regional!

See you at SRS weekend!

jajabinx124 15-07-2015 00:54

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Hedgehog (Post 1490274)
However, because MN as a whole is a relative new comer to FRC, week 1 event allows for some teams to surprise the competition (especially the more established teams). With a week 2 these established teams have some time to adjust.

A week 1 event, especially since Duluth has two Regionals, puts MN in the spotlight and allows for teams to showcase strategies straight away. This is an advantage for us as we (MN) can set the tone for the rest of the season.

It also allows FRC to train in a lot of volunteers that will then go on to other Regionals. It also allows for fields to start in Duluth and then head elsewhere rather than try to figure out how to get two fields back to MN. For these reasons alone I think that those in charge will try to keep Duluth week 1 - but that is just my opinion.

It will be interesting to see where the 5th "MN" Regional will be placed and how that effects teams choosing Duluth. I know my team would like a chance at gaining the first Winners Banner at the new regional!

See you at SRS weekend!

MN certainly got some spotlight during week 1 this year. Northern lights regional was certainly one of the most competitive regionals this year, 3130 and 525 lit up the score boards early on in the season and showcased successful strategies that many teams probably emulated later on in the season.

I can't wait until they reveal where the 5th MN regional will be placed and when it'll be held week wise during the competition season. I wonder what they'll name the 5th MN regional as well. Minnesnowta regional? :D

See you at SRS too, I'm sure it'll be a fun event!

Brian Maher 15-07-2015 01:58

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Leonard (Post 1490168)
Hopefully 3 will be TVR. (Fingers crossed)

I'm just hoping the Tech Valley Regional is not the same weekend as the Mount Olive or Bridgewater-R arctangent District Events. As an aspiring mentor starting at RPI in the fall, I don't want to have to choose between my college team's event and my high school team's event.

1493kd 15-07-2015 13:16

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by BMSOTM (Post 1490278)
I'm just hoping the Tech Valley Regional is not the same weekend as the Mount Olive or Bridgewater-R arctangent District Events. As an aspiring mentor starting at RPI in the fall, I don't want to have to choose between my college team's event and my high school team's event.

What team are you planning on mentoring in the region?

cadandcookies 15-07-2015 13:31

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jajabinx124 (Post 1490275)
MN certainly got some spotlight during week 1 this year. Northern lights regional was certainly one of the most competitive regionals this year, 3130 and 525 lit up the score boards early on in the season and showcased successful strategies that many teams probably emulated later on in the season.

I can't wait until they reveal where the 5th MN regional will be placed and when it'll be held week wise during the competition season. I wonder what they'll name the 5th MN regional as well. Minnesnowta regional? :D

See you at SRS too, I'm sure it'll be a fun event!

I've heard rumors that instead of MN getting a 5th regional, Iowa will be getting its first. Just rumors, though. Personally I'm hoping for both. Preferably both on different weeks from each other and Duluth/Twin Cities/Wisconsin.

Jon Stratis 15-07-2015 13:51

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by cadandcookies (Post 1490309)
I've heard rumors that instead of MN getting a 5th regional, Iowa will be getting its first. Just rumors, though. Personally I'm hoping for both. Preferably both on different weeks from each other and Duluth/Twin Cities/Wisconsin.

In addition to fulfilling all your wishes, the regional planning committee has arranged for every team to get their own unicorn at kickoff this year!

I'll be back in a few months after I've figured out how to get these 3D printed horns to stick to the forehead of a caribou....

Jscout11 15-07-2015 13:56

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by BMSOTM (Post 1490278)
I'm just hoping the Tech Valley Regional is not the same weekend as the Mount Olive or Bridgewater-R arctangent District Events. As an aspiring mentor starting at RPI in the fall, I don't want to have to choose between my college team's event and my high school team's event.

Unofficially, I've heard that Mount Olive will likely be Week 1 next year.

jvriezen 15-07-2015 14:52

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis (Post 1490310)
In addition to fulfilling all your wishes, the regional planning committee has arranged for every team to get their own unicorn at kickoff this year!

I'll be back in a few months after I've figured out how to get these 3D printed horns to stick to the forehead of a caribou....

Surely these will be Pink Fluffy Unicorns dancing on Rainbows, right?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky3Ordfqn88

MikLast 15-07-2015 15:25

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jvriezen (Post 1490315)
Surely these will be Pink Fluffy Unicorns dancing on Rainbows, right?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ky3Ordfqn88

Accidentally had speakers plugged in at almost full volume, got weird looks from family, was worth it.

jajabinx124 15-07-2015 15:40

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by cadandcookies (Post 1490309)
I've heard rumors that instead of MN getting a 5th regional, Iowa will be getting its first. Just rumors, though. Personally I'm hoping for both. Preferably both on different weeks from each other and Duluth/Twin Cities/Wisconsin.

I'm sure Iowa teams would appreciate having a home regional. It would also attract some teams from MN, IL, and MO as well.

PayneTrain 15-07-2015 20:27

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jscout11 (Post 1490311)
Unofficially, I've heard that Mount Olive will likely be Week 1 next year.

@hallry

Hallry 15-07-2015 21:28

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by PayneTrain (Post 1490342)
@hallry


SoftwareBug2.0 16-07-2015 12:52

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Navid Shafa (Post 1489360)
I created a spreadsheet to better visualize this year's PNW schedule changes.

*Notes: Weeks are skewed thanks to the moved kickoff date. No more Shorewood district either.



Return to Portland 2016 Confirmed.

Here's a picture.

Navid Shafa 16-07-2015 16:46

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by SoftwareBug2.0 (Post 1490408)
Here's a picture.

Perfect, glad we managed to clear up any confusion :p

carpedav000 16-07-2015 17:06

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by SoftwareBug2.0 (Post 1490408)
Here's a picture.

Whaaaaat did I just look at?

MikLast 16-07-2015 18:47

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by carpedav000 (Post 1490435)
Whaaaaat did I just look at?

a picture representing how events have changed from 2014 to 2016.

jajabinx124 18-07-2015 19:33

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
They've released the dates for the Lake Superior Regional and the Northern Lights Regional, looks like it's week 1 again.

Chief Hedgehog 18-07-2015 23:30

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by jajabinx124 (Post 1490565)
They've released the dates for the Lake Superior Regional and the Northern Lights Regional, looks like it's week 1 again.


Not everything I wanted. Mark Lawrence let us know that MPLS regionals are Week 6 - but I will take it.

He also stated the most likely date for the (probable) Iowa Regional would be Week 4. I think if that is the case it does not align well for the WI, MN, IL, and MO teams that want more variety in the dates offered (as it would be the same week as WI). Hopefully in future years they can get the Iowa Regional on week 3 or 5 away from WI and MN Regionals.

2016 is starting to take shape! Gotta love it!

jajabinx124 18-07-2015 23:45

Re: 2016 regional dates?
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Chief Hedgehog (Post 1490575)
Not everything I wanted. Mark Lawrence let us know that MPLS regionals are Week 6.

He also stated the most likely date for the (probable) Iowa Regional would be Week 4. I think if that is the case it does not align well for the WI, MN, IL, and MO teams that want more variety in the dates offered (as it would be the same week as WI). Hopefully in future years they can get the Iowa Regional on week 3 or 5 away from Madison or MPLS.

2016 is starting to take shape! Gotta love it!

Yeah, I heard Mark say it as well(At the MN First API presentation, Mark was there and mentioned it. I'm assuming you heard the news from the community round table at SRS?).

Mark gave it 50 or more % chance of that a Iowa regional would take place at the University of Northern Iowa- Cedar falls. Even though it's the same week as Wisconsin and possibly even Central Illinois, it certainly is exciting news for Iowa teams that a Iowa regional may take place next year.

It's certainly exciting that 2016 is starting to take shape. Now lets wait and see when Wisconsin, Central Illinois and Midwest regionals will release their dates.


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