I hope there will be an elevated "driver's stand" or alliance station. Even a foot or two above the field would be much easier to see what's on the other side of the ramp, goal, etc.

Hhmmmm. I had heard we were going back to a hexagon-shaped field (Dean's favorite shape - just look at his house), with four different levels and a moat. I could find that believable, but I am not sure about the aligators in the moat...

-dave

I heard that the field would be octagonal (sp?) in shape.

Mike Rush (an extremely gifted engineer and an outstanding guy) made an interesting observation last year at LA. We were gathering ideas for the Arizona Regional and he made the observation that the field size and shape would stay the same because so many teams now have fields. He also said that the robots would stay the same size so the spectators (whose numbers are growing) would be able to watch all the action.

Every fall for the past five years, I have tried to figure out the new game and every year the "Twisted" minds at FIRST come up with something I never expected. Keep the guesses coming. They make the time until 1-4-03 go quicker.

Ken Loyd

The playing field is going to have a moat with alligators!? WOOO! (Sorry...it's late...and you ended your parentheses too early :D)

Sweet!!

And the driver station is over the moat, right? Of course, the alligators have to be fed, so a trapdoor opens and the losing team's drivers become lunch.

Ok this could just be my crazy patriotism showing through, but what about a pentagon shaped field???
Do you think any of the future first games will have a patriotic theme and or dedication to the shape of the pentagon due to 9-11??? Just a thought......

Hmmmm......It's a nice thought. But I kinda doubt it since there weren't any people at DEKA (Dean's company accross the street from FIRST) that we know of that did anything special (moment of silence etc.) on 9-11. On the other hand, the people at DEKA are so obsessed with their work, that they hardly notice anything going on in the outside world.

FIRST might be a little different considering their contact with the teen element now that I think about it.

Not a bad idea Mr. Clock.

A hexagonal field. Hmm it could be robotic sumo if its a cirular shaped field but what would be the fun in that unless the robots are autonamous.

I've been listnening to you guys for a little while, perhaps I can be of some assitance:
I WAS AT THE FORUM!
Ha.
Ok sorry.
SInce I got to prticipate in FIRSTS First Summer Camp, We also got to hear the rusults from the Forum event. The Forum was a time where Rep's from first came in and answered questions, as well as listned to convers/comments from team leaders.
I can confim the following:
1. The music will still make your ears bleed:
FIRST Has made it clear that, and I do quote, "Dean Likes His Music Loud. It Keeps the crowd excited and brings a certain energy to the competition."
2. (Ok, you might actually make something of this one) The Game will be very simple:
Let me start out with a story:
Since Dean had such a fun time at kickoff not directly answering teams questions, the Nationals turned into a nightmare. Because of this, FIRST is kicking him in the Butt. Now, instead of Dean Coming up with the game every year, there is now a Game Commitee within first, Assigned to come up with the game each year. Dean will be included, however the comitte will have more influce, and will be watching dean with hawk's eyes.
Since the Past few yeas have been a bit complex (especially for rookies), first has said that the 2003 season's game will be simple. Here's another Quote:
"Dean Kamen's Mother should be able to enter an elevator with another person, and explain the 2003 season's game before the exit to their destination." It was noted that this was on a basis of an average 5 minutes.
Now, that's 2 things for you, here's number 3 (And I Don't like it):
There is the Possibility that there will be no Pneumatics.
Yep. It's true folks. First has said that since the events of 9/11 they have had a strain on money, and that Pneumatics may be out of the picture if they continue to have money issues.
So, Think of it like this:
A game that has been made by a "Comitte" of people (who haven't made a FIRST game before), that can be explained in roughly 5 minutes, and might not involve pneumatics.
I know it's a tough cookie to chew guys, but this is the Face of FIRST you don't see.
Now:
I'm NOT saying that first will not have a different field and the possibility of the teeter-totter, ect. Think about it, you can still use all those field elements with just motors...
And you could make a fairly simple game with them.
So, beware 2003 teams. We are now being ruled by a New Kind of FIRST...

HeHe.
Sorry about all the spelling mistakes, I try to type REALLY fast. Just ignore them...

BREAKING NEWS GUYS
Sure Enough, I beleive you were right on the Ball about FIRST hinting! If you look under the Veteran Info you will find this:

"To those of you who attended our Team Forums, we want you to know that we have listened to your feedback and are implementing many of your suggestions. We hope you find the following introductory information evidence of that. "

That Introductory information could also lead to the Rookie Section...
I think we are on to something guys, and we ought to examine more FIRST resources a little more closely...
Here's a good question to ask:
Has anyone noticed FIRST hinting the game in earlier years?

I'm assuming you mean a little more in advance than during the kickoff but before the game is actually revealed?? Or even before they hand out a parts list like they did last year???

Personally I find this is no big deal. Just convert whatever extra motors you have into linear acuators. Most of the stuff we used on our robot that involed pneumatics last year probably could have been replaced with a motor alternative.

Yeah, I know. But still Pneumatics are a little more fun to tinker with :) (Gives more of a challenge)