Lexan talk
 

You are correct about LEXAN.

However, what was laid on the floor was MASONITE, not Lucenite or LEXAN (or any other derivative). Lexan is expensive. Putting sheets of LEXAN on the floor would protect it, but at a huge cost. We spent a few hundred dollars and purchased about 70 4' by 8' sheets of masonite.

If a simple tarp will work for you and your school already has one for your gym and is okay with just a tarp, that is the best option.

We used the NASA Goddard Field for the Duel and Ramp Riot and the Brunswick Eruption last year. Teams 365/316, 341, 25/303 shared the field, the rubber matting (341 owned) and the masonite (365/316 owned). We also shared transportation costs. This made for a nice triad of competitions where, as OneAngryDaisy stated, we "shared the wealth."

Since the NASA Goddard field came in square, carpeted pieces last year, we wanted some extra protection in case a robot stuck an appendage through the field. The gym for the Duel did not have a tarp and, based on the MD State Fair experiences, we wanted something a bit more structural to protect the gym floor [NOTE - BadBrad222 - if we damage the gym floor, we either pay big time or need to find another venue or both] We decided to put down sheets of masonite. They are fairly light, inexpensive, and can serve as sufficient protection.

For walking tracks and the pit area, we used rubber matting, which is VERY HEAVY, but is perfect for protection and non-slippage. The matting Wissahickon High Schoo has is perfect. You do need a number of people to carry the rolled up pieces of it. I would suggest at least two people per heavy roll, unless you are looking forward to hernia surgery.