The screens are absolutely neccessary in places like Drexel where there are walls between the pits and the fields-

What I was trying to say is that teams should chip in- most teams could easily get a few volunteers and cameras- I'm sure others could donate a projector and a white sheet- there's no reason to let a shortage of money stop us

SOAP relies on the video feeds from the camera crews. This would pose problems for us as well. Also for those who mention the use of cheap overhead fixed camera, FIRST already does this at nationals for the indoors fields. Even on the large screens it can be hard to figure whats going on. I would recommend a fixed overhead camera and 1 roaming cameraman. Then you can keep tabs on the overall amtch as well as still catch the details. Even without the screens, at the very least we can set up some lcd projectors (most high schools have plenty of them) and the nearest convenient walls in the pits. Then we are down to the cost of 1-2 people to run the cable and camera. Except for the cameras and cabling equipment, teams can volunteer to loan first equipment. It may not be the most professional looking setup, but itd be better then nothing.

Dont Worry
 

Personally I dont think we really have to worry because FIRST knows what they are doing and they will get things straighted out. Im sure they will pull through with an A/V wall and video feed. As for team parties I couldnt really care less... I liked the team party last year at MMR but if there is no dancing or anything that people could get hurt at, what fun could it be? I think this year will be just as fun as years in the past and we shouldnt worry about it.