I remember reading somewhere that Houston Has Nationals for at least the next 3 years.

At Epcot, they put up tents and raised seating for some arenas, but the biggest area was outdoors except for the robot playing field which was covered. Tents should work at many places in the LA Area, even Dodger Stadium. However my vote would be to talk to the people at Disneyland. I think they could whip up a dynamite venue, especially after getting a few tips from Walt Disney World. They might even co-ordinate with the Anaheim Convention Center.

Ooohh, I think it would be fun to have it in LA!! But that will probably never happen...I can't imagine....but yeah, EPCOT was at the point where they knew how to run things smoothly and it was wonderful there...:'( I wanna go back. I dunno...perhaps Houston will become just as great--who knows??

I have heard some rumors that there is a three year lisence for Houston. I don't know if anyone knows for sure though who is going to hold it next year. I say leave it to the experts back in Florida.

Good Luck to everyone at their invitationals

At work a few days ago, there was a lady wearing one of the 2001 anniversary shirts, so I told her I was in FIRST. Turns out she had the shirt because she works at Disney and helped out with it when it was at EPCOT. Then she went on to tell me that she was told it would be held at Disney's Wild World of Sports next year. Of course, that's only where it could potentially be... but it's one of the top choices. It's a really nice complex though, it'd be a great place for nats. It's actually where I'm having my graduation... in six days... pwned.

It seems like it'd be slightly unwise for a group like FIRST with a direly uncertain financial situation to engage in multi-year contracts with anyone.

I think that you are most likely correct. I have heard from a lot of teams that there is a 2 or 3 year contract for Houston. Although it is most likely a rumor, you never can tell what first might have agreed to. I think that they would at least have 1 year in Houston before agreeing to any contract deal with them.

Agreed. I find it highly unlikely they would have signed a multi-year contract for Houston. I don't think they ever had a contract with Disney, and FIRST was there for 5 or 6 years. I'd almost guarantee next year's championship is still up for grabs, so to speak. I'd love to see it go back to Epcot, though there are some other locations that would be great, too (like Anaheim... I still think that's a great plan).

Well spoken Jeff.

Back in Florida hopefully :)

Not Disneyland... yet. Wait till 2005 for the 50th Anniversary! That's going to be fun....

Anyway, I have herd some things and most say that no contracts have been signed. Also from what I hear, the FIRST heads (not the que-ers, but more like VIPs) liked Houston and would like to go back again next year. But I would not be surprised if WDW is next years location. Also to add, Universal has minimal on-site hotels, and those cost a lot. And I doubt that many teams will find a competition on I-Dive much better than Houston.

yes... houston was nice... but epcot was so much better. i REALLY hope it will go back there for my senior year. BTW, does anbody know when FIRST is going to make their final decision and anounce it publicly about the location of the nationals?

I'd be soo happy in Nationals was at Epcot... Disneyworld is such a magical place hehehe.

Didn't they announce this years nationals location in november?

No. Add like 3 months to that and do a search for Championship location. We went nuts here.

Sorry... FIRST didnt announce the location in february... I think it was ariund november. And as to when FIRST will announce next years venue, Id imagine it depends on whether nats stays at Houston(an earlier announcement) or moving somewhere else(a later announcement)

Cory

From what I hear it is now, the top three are Atlanta, Walt Disney World, and Houston. Most of you probably won't believe my information but I guess you'll see soon enough :). Oh, and from what I hear, the location they pick will be for the next three years. Digest this info as you like :D