San Diego vs Central Valley (California Week 2)
 

Hello CD.

Team 4276 is registered for the Orange County Regional for Week 5, and are trying to figure out which event to register for as our 2nd event. (We're only going to 2 regional events)

We'd prefer to attend a Week 2 event, which would mean either San Diego or Central Valley, if we're not traveling cross-country... which we're not.

Having never been to these venues I was hoping those who had could give us some feedback on the following qualities:

• How the event was run
• Number of matches
• Ease of pit-to-field movement
• Level of competition ("big" teams aren't a negative!)
• anything else you can think of

SDR is close, but at an open-air fairgrounds arena. And CVR is far and in a high school gym and adjoining buildings. I'm sure both have their ups and downs. So, let me hear what you've got! We have a week to decide.

Re: San Diego vs Central Valley (California Week 2)
 

As far as the San Diego Regional goes, in my experience it's an extremely well organized and run event, with a great mix of international teams, rookie teams and veteran teams. The only issue is there is quite a bit of natural light in the new venue which can be pretty rough for vision processing. It's a huge venue though so getting from the pits to the field and whatnot is a easy, plus they have great volunteers running the process.

One other thing worth mentioning is that SDR always has a waiting list, so make sure you're on top of it for the second round if you're hoping to get in.

Re: San Diego vs Central Valley (California Week 2)
 

My opinions:

The venue at CVR is actually fairly nice.
Yes the pits are in a separate building, but the covered walkway between the two provides good shelter from rain, if there is any, but usually from the sun. It's about a 75-100 yard walk, but all smooth concrete.
The atmosphere is excellent and the volunteers are treated very well!
The level of competition is usually on the upper end. Multiple world class teams compete here regularly. You will likely see 254, 973, 1671, and 1678 just to name a few.

Over all, I think you will enjoy CVR.

Re: San Diego vs Central Valley (California Week 2)
 

San Diego is already on waitlist, while Madera has lots of spots available.

Re: San Diego vs Central Valley (California Week 2)
 

We're applying to CVR (preferred week 2 to 3 since SVR is week 5 this year, and as said above, San Diego is full). Hard to believe we've never been there before, but we're excited for it!

Re: San Diego vs Central Valley (California Week 2)
 

Yes, join us!

Re: San Diego vs Central Valley (California Week 2)
 

Zookie I might go! See ya there. :P

Re: San Diego vs Central Valley (California Week 2)
 

Given that CVR is smaller, you will likely have 1 or 2 more plays than SDR, though I don't remember offhand how many there were last year. Both events are well run, though seeing as San Diego was my home regional for many years, I may be a bit biased towards the crew there. Your pit-to-arena trip is longer in CVR due to how the facility is set up, much more like Inland Empire used to be (or OCR, if there was a longer path between pits and arena). San Diego is much more of the traditional regional layout, though with the open air venue (open sides, really). Level of competition is fairly comparable, though there is a higher likelihood of out-of-state teams showing up at San Diego than Madera.

Re: San Diego vs Central Valley (California Week 2)
 

We'll be seeing plenty of out-of-state teams... AT CHAMPS (south)!!!

You may have sealed the deal Megan. For which regional will have to remain a surprise. :p

Re: San Diego vs Central Valley (California Week 2)
 

Tom,

Both are great events, I've volunteered and competed at both.

CVR - Fewer teams so more plays. Further drive. Competitive teams. Fewer local hotels. Easier to register
SDR - More teams so less plays. Closer drive. Competitive teams. More local hotels (if you even need them). Harder to register

Re: San Diego vs Central Valley (California Week 2)
 

We have been going to cvr for a while now. It's a great competition, great venue, and overall a good competition.

We'd love to compete with y'all.

Re: San Diego vs Central Valley (California Week 2)
 

Bro, Zook - you know you wanna come party with us up at CVR this year. We'd love to have 4276 come play with the real powerhouses of FRC. ;) Besides, you've yet to try out Player's BBQ, and that's something San Diego just can't offer.

Re: San Diego vs Central Valley (California Week 2)
 

*incoherently babbles something about San Diego fish tacos*

Re: San Diego vs Central Valley (California Week 2)
 

This is, of course, only a temporary problem. Once California goes districts (LOLing at the fact I'm LOL) we'll never go too far north or south.

Ha. Nice try.