Championship attendance
 

Our team came into view the year the major championship attendance rules were put in place. I had heard that the FRC use to have WAY more teams and people. Any way to all you who remember is it better now with less teams or should First allow more teams to enter?

That would be this year, they started it last year.
There is still roughly the same number of teams (Within 20 I would assume) as before. They put the restrictions in because the venue was not large enough to hold the massive amount of teams that would be there. Probably just half of the teams did not get to go to nationals because they were odd numbered and didn't hit the right performance at [the] regional(s) they attended.

I can't say whether or not the experience is different, I have been to nationals twice, 00 and 01, last year my old team 247 came very close to making it to nationals (Finalist, Semi-Finalist, and Quarter-Finalist at different regionals) but we didn't qualify (Last year was even number teams). This year, I am with 470 and being even and it being an odd year we may not be going. It all depends on how well we can build and drive our machine. I'm hoping, and going to be working hard to go to Texas.

In 2000, I think the number of teams at championship was about 251. In 2001, it was about 341. Last year, 2002, was the first time for the limit with about 288 teams. 2001 was the first year that divisions were created.

In terms of total number of teams competing at regionals and championships, the number has been increasing steadily every year.

I felt that the 2001 championship was the biggest, best, and most inspiring. There was a feeling of growth and celebration that seemed to be lacking or subdued last year. There could be a large number of reasons, other than the fewer number of teams and the change in philosophy (from open chmp to competitive chmp). For instance, the 2001 was the 10th year anniversary, which made it special all by itself.

Andrew, Team 356