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POLL: How do you feel about Nationals being in Atlanta??
Well guys, now that we know...what do ya think?
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I love it, three diffrent venues in four years,(Counting 2004) Totally awsome
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I agree the venue changes over the years is a good thing to do.
Although I would say that agreeing to a 3 year deal with Atlanta might me a mistake. I think that they should have a one year trial of the location to make sure that the location is suitable. I have been to Atlanta before, and in the area of where the stadium is, and I would say that it is a very good choice for the FIRST competition. Although I was in favor of an Epcot return, I believe that Atlanta will be a very good choice for a FIRST event. The city re-constructed the highways (in '96 I believe) for the Olympics and I noticed in 2001 that they were still in good shape, which will make for decent transportation. They have a very nice city, and I would be more than happy to go there next year. |
Its going to be weird to have nationals in my backyard (Georgia Tech is a long walk or very short drive from the GA Dome) but very exciting none-the-less. Atlanta should prove to be a very good choice for nationals, both in terms of entertainment and logistics. There are TONS of hotels in walking distance of the competition, and while we can't really compare to Disney, there will be plenty to do in the days during the competition.
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Its been awhile since I last posted.
Though I am not part of a team any more. I feel that FIRST should keep changing the venues for the nationals for a couple of reasons. 1) For all the states that Does not have a FIRST team will get a chance and good look at what these schools can have their students and teachers / businesses involved in. 2) Why hold the Championship in one spot. Many sports hold their last game in one area Let FIRST be different and have their last game in many spots so that It keeps the level of excitment to highest. 3) Prices change all the time now a days. And guranteed next year the prices for using good ol houston astrodome as a venue would have increased some bit. It best to start doing some negotiating now all major venues like WDW, or the people at Astrodome in Houston before the nationals even comes around so that by at least march theres a definite site and teams won't have to wait as long as they did for a location and planning material. Ummmm, I think thats it over from my point of view |
I absolutely love it! Mostly for personal reason.
My brothers and sisters live in Atlanta and I know the city already (and it's a big beatiful city) with alot to do. I like Six Flags Over Georgia much more than I liked Astroworld . I like the pick! |
I don't like it.
Why do all these locations have to be so far South!????? I mean, there's so many great teams in the Great Lakes area plus, it's closer to the CENTER of the country. |
Great Choice
Excellent Choice
I think Atlanta will be great logistically - Major hub for airlines, infrastructure to handle masses of people, Indoor Arena and Pits, loads of stuff to do and see besides the competition. Now if FIRST can get Coca-Cola to be the "Official Drink" of FIRST Robotics Thanks to the FIRST staff for getting this information out so soon! |
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What does it matter if it's cold? It's colder at the Canadian Regional but hey, we're not outdoors! And, if FIRST could get a large enough arena or connected arenas, there'd be no need to walk outside....
Or perhaps I think this way cause I live in a very cold/rainy place in NY. |
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You are just going to have to accept that FIRST is going to have their championships in warm weather locations. |
Well said Koko Ed.
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Bring your raingear
Atlanta's normals for April:
Mean temp: 62 F Avg. rainfall: 3.6 in. For comparison: Orlando, FL: 72 F, 2.4 in. Seattle, WA: 50 F, 2.4 in. sources: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/ |
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However, if this helps with costs to teams and seems like the best venue, I'll trust FIRST and say that it'll be great. |
Hear me, people! The Championship event should be held in Oregon!
A great change of scenery for nearly everyone, reasonable hotel rates, and close to a large cluster of FIRST teams that could help with the event. Certain venues have expressed interest in holding a regional here, why not the Championships? :D :eek: But seriously, I think oregon would be a good choice. |
Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah......
You know what?? I am sick of people posting polls about the location as soon as it is released?? How do I know if I like the location?? How do I know if I hate it?? And then there are the people who just disregard the polls and say, "well I think the championships should be in X place", or "It would be better in Y place" Will you all just chill out and see how it is before you judge the locale?? The only thing I am going to say about Atlanta as of now is, I wish they just told us that it was going to be there this year and held off the fact that it will be there for the next #th years for a while... It adds to the mystery and surprise.... Although I am disappointed that the locale these next few years is again a stadium with a huge maximum capacity.. It was kind of depressing when we were watching the matches, or the opening and closing ceremonies this year and seeing all those empty seats. Is this something we can change this year?? Maybe a new competition structure rule will be announced to include all the teams like it used to be, and should be to set FIRST apart from all the rest of the sports and competitions??? And pssst..... I heard it was going to be a water competition this year... LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL :rolleyes: |
I like the location. However, if the pits could be right next to everything else. That would be the best. Our cart is a beast and it is not fun to lug around uphill and for a 3 min walk.
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Well, if you had 1000 teams wanting to attend nationals and who qualify, have 5 championship qualifying tournaments at various cities and have the top 40 from each attend the actual nationals. It does seem unrealistic to fit all the teams who want to go to nationals in 10 or 20 years into one facility.
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big concerns about atlanta
I have major concerns about Atlanta, what to do in the downtime and the issue of security to let kids roam. It also hurts our recruiting efforts for a new team at an additional school. A 3 year commitment seems a mistake.
Spent lots of time in Atlanta and know the site well. Yeah the tournament stuff is fine, but that's not my issue here. My main issue is being responsible for young and older teens (age 13-18) who will want to go off for activities in the downtime (only so many will be in the pit all the time) and the security issues for this location are questionable. Disney was a place that parents and schools thought had an acceptable level of security mixed with many options for fun. When we were at DIsney groups of 3 or more could go off during the day on their own and we had confidence no harm would come to them - you have to work to get into trouble there. What can they do in downtown Atlanta with similar confidence? I have a feeling kids will be stuck with chaperones all the time. Will it be like regionals where we won't allow them to leave the building? THis is more days and will be worse to manage. As for recruiting, we are working on adding a team at a new school. The DIsney trip in exchange for all their free hours for 6-8 weeks seemed an attractive offer for newbies to get them hooked. Atlanta does not help me at all in recruiting kids who have never been to a match. Disney was also a nice thank you to the spouse and kids we coaches/mentors neglect for the season - a convention center is no treat for them. Disney gave us a whole lots of advantages in addition to a place to have the competition. A Mom I told about this venue responded in horror and said you mean where they had the bombing - what kind of security are they going to have? Very helpful in recruiting. SHe strongly suggested we just stay at regionals for a year and see if Atlanta pans out. This is going to be a hard sell and whether it works out or not we have it for the next 3 years. If not Disney, then 3 years is too big a commitment, especially for an untested venue. If we are going to settle for a convention center site, I'd rather have rotations - an east, midwest, south and west rotation, at least kids could see a little more of the country. - I agree with the message earlier, that if we are inside a convention center the weather hardly matters. |
too bad we dont have any big enough venues in NH. It would be great to bring championships to the place where FIRST all started in 1992.
Atlanta shouldn't be too bad though. Just my $.02 |
Eh, the bombing was 7 years ago and was just because the Olympics were here. Every friday of the summer for the past few years, Centennial Park has had more people in it than on the day of the bombing, yet none of these people have been killed. As to letting the little kiddies out on the streets alone, last year I walked a few miles through downtown Atlanta from the MARTA station to Georgia Tech to go to robotics meetings and never once even saw so much as a single crime (and our police ride around on segways:D).
If a 14 year-old can wander the streets alone at night, I believe groups of 3-4 high schoolers can manage in the middle of the day. |
Don't really kow if I have a right for an opinion or not, as I probaby won't go to nats for another 9 years due to college and med school..... however,
... I greatly appreciate it returning to the east coast. ... I wouldn't mind seeing something farther north, but it would be impossible at that time of the year. In my four years there were several complications of not being able to leave PA or return to PA due to the weather. ... I'm not fond of the city of Atlanta. Spent almost a week there prior to Nats in 2001, and neve found anything overly excited, and was deathly afraid of the 'locals' (that may just be because Im a native country/farm girl). Perhaps with the addition of 20,000+ FIRST'ers.... Atlanta will be transformed into our world.. and a good time will be had by all. |
The 3 year thing, yea... I wonder if they'll have to rethink that. As for location... I think that FIRST will be able to do more than they have at Epcot, just because of the planning time they have and now they don't need to pay for all of the big tents at Epcot, since we have the indoor venue. I also believe if FIRST plays its cards right, since they're right near CNN, we can get alot more promotion then we have in previous years, because CNN won't have to pay to travel, and if they actually see it, they might help us in the future. Just my thoughts.
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Well, I miss Orlando, that's for sure. But, somewhat selfishly, I'm glad they picked Atlanta. It's only a 3 and a half hour drive for me, and I can get a "FIRST Fix" for nationals. It's even better than the 6 hour drive I made to attend the VCU Regional not long ago..... That said, I think it will be a good tool to encourage more teams to be formed in the deep south, south east, and mid south.
~ lora |
I think that if Atlanta can attract the Olympics to there, I think there has to be the infrastructure and everything else we could possibly want down there.... plus, Atlanta's a cool place.....
Aaron Knight Graduating member of Team 891 Syracuse, NY http://first891.topcities.com |
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2. Such a system is already in place. Instead of 5 championships, there are 15 regionals. From each regional, the champion alliance gets to go (about 3 teams). Then there's the 5 technical award teams. Lastly, there's the regional Chairman's award winner. You have to remember, not every team can afford to go to 3 events. Travel, food, and hotel costs a lot of money, in case you didn't know. Many teams just opt for 1 regional and nationals. |
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bah. I'm just happy that it's close to me so I can see all of my friends in spam. I moved out of state, so I wont be able to see them unless I visit atlanta for nats...
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I like Atlanta as the site for the nats. It is only a 2 hour drive for Team 343. Yea Atlanta!
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Re: big concerns about atlanta
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Not to push any buttons or step on any toes, but I don't think you know the city well if you feel that you need to worry about your kids. Especially if they're in groups and not just wandering through random alleys alone. Bombings aren't a regular occurrence. It's just something that sticks in your head. DC has had a bombing more recently, yet I'm sure that the mother wouldn't've cited that as a bad reason to go to DC. |
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- Katie |
I am excited
As a coach for one of the metro Atlanta teams I am excited to bring the Championships to our city. I worked with the city to put together the bid and I think everyone will be excited about the venues and the hotels that we have lined up for the teams. As the Olympic City we are planning to bring the Championships as the Olympics of Robotics. I can not wait to have everyone involved with FIRST here. See you in April
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nationals
I think that by moving the venue around, it gives teams a better opportunity to attend. While funding is always a major consideration at the beginning of each season, the movement gives teams in different areas a more fair advantage to have the opportunity to attend nationals.
Plus, being from Florida, it's exciting to travel out of the state, rather than just driving 3 hours to the National competition. |
Re: big concerns about atlanta
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1) Spouse/Kids: - In my two years at Disney with 247 (and knowing about their rookie year).. No spouses or non-team kids went with the team, even though they were "neglected." - Other teams I've spoken to don't take "guests" along either, most can't afford it. Conclusion: Take a trip to Disney with the Husband/Wife and Kids. FIRST for FIRST, Nationals should be a celebration for the team members who worked so hard. 2) Mom scared of the bomb. - Does this mean she'd rule out New York City? Washington D.C.? Oklahoma City? Orlando's not all that safe either, worse than national average on all accounts but murder. No where is 100% safe. A kid on 247 nearly died at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, should we get rid of the Cleveland Regional too? Sorry man, but I don't think that Mom is too well educated on the matter. Go Atlanta! woo. |
HELP!
Year 2003 might be my last year if I can't get students involved in USFIRST after 5 years participating. But without knowing if the Atlanta location would attract the attention of high school students, WHY DID USFIRST CONTRACT FOR 3 YEARS? What are the available after hour activities nearby the national competition site for high school students during that time? I looked at the location and found info about the areas proudly advertised which match the time of the competition. 1 -> An exhibition center with a "Home Improvement Display" during that time. No High School student interest here! 2 -> An open park with an average temperature "too chilly for many outdoor activities", with an average of 62°F daytime. I looked at these sites for some after hour activities: http://www.sixflags.com/parks/overgeorgia/parkinfo/ http://www.webguide.com/attractions.html http://www.atlanta.net/visitors/seed...de=ATTRACTIONS Found out that the few attractions which interested students were closed during that time. On another note=> USFIRST also noticed a reduction of teams participating in the 2003 Nationals due to the timing of the announced location. This past year the Houston Nationals proved that USFIRST could move this activity around the USA. For the first time in 5 years I saw a display that announced the USFIRST National Competition event for many people to see. Thanks Houston! Houston and it's people did not fail the USFIRST organization failed. USFIRST knew Houston was a location for failure, because USFIRST did no planning, just contracted out the meager accommodations and food venues! Many many things could have been done better and USFIRST knew it! It was a little far to walk, but USFIRST could have provided info of the layout for us to prepare a solution to that problem! NONE and USFIRST knew it! What avenue could follow upon the WDW site amenities in short notice? NONE and USFIRST knew it! Nationals at Houston failed due to USFIRST's poor planning and lack of interest to return. THERE IS NO JUSTIFICATION! Another note=> Having WDW as the National Competition site for many years with all it's amenities one gets pampered, there is no comparable site on the east coast. Why not try a west coast National Competition site for two years straight getting even more students involved from that side of the USA? Another note=> USFIRST also noticed many teams wishing to return to WDW even if it cost a little more, once again USFIRST ignored the team's comments. Why? One always works harder if one can have fun later, and that's what the WDW site provided. One more note=> Why do we not get feedback on the team forum information which USFIRST collects? If it is available, why is it hard to find in the USFIRST site? Conce Miami, Fl |
Re: Re: big concerns about atlanta
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You're in no position to tell them when and where they should bring their family. In 5 years, I've never been with a team that did not take family and children of teachers and team members along. They each paid their own way, but then, I've never been fortunate enough to be with a team that can cover the students' travel costs. The Championship should be a celebration for the team members who worked so hard? How about the teachers and engineers who neglect their families so that you can have the opportunity to compete? How about their families that have gone 6 weeks or more with measurably less contact with a loved one? I think they deserve the even just as much as you do. They're not selfish and work their behind off so you can be there -- show the same courtesy. Quote:
In Houston, I did not feel safe, and I'd like to consider myself among those "intelligent" people that you speak of. I was unaware of the good neighborhoods or the bad neighborhoods in the city and was very, very apprehensive about going anywhere alone. In Atlanta, the same is true. "Downtown" might be safe, but I really don't where "Downtown" ends and a bad neighborhood begins. I might notice, I might not. It might be too late, but it certainly won't be because I'm stupid. Teachers are responsible for the welfare and safety of their students, so whereever there isn't the same style of gated community that exists in Walt Disney World, with limited options for entry, exit and transportation, the teachers will worry more, perceive a greater risk, and thus, limit the experience. Before you run off and try to pick apart their concerns, I think you'd be wise to wait a bit until you're responsible for the safety of a group of kids. Maybe then you'll understand the benefits of a contained environment and the concerns we harbor about moving to a new city. |
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I thought it was pretty darn swell that we were able to play in probably the world's best athletic stadium for 3 days. Some people like riding on Space Mountain, I liked playing in Reliant Stadium... call me silly. Everyone is different, and that is a good thing. Also, it's FIRST, not USFIRST. It has been called FIRST for the past 6 years and it has not been called USFIRST since 1997. Many teams make this mistake. Andy B. |
There have been alot of emotions from all over the spectrum presented on the decision of having the Championship Event in Atlanta, but by working together and planning, I'm sure we can make this awesome for even the most pessimistic. I'm in charge of a metro Atlanta team that will most likely not by competing in the Championships next year, but we will most definately be attending the event. I would be happy just chilling outside my hotel room and talking with other FIRSTlings as an activity after the competition ends each day, but there are probably some of you who would rather do other more exciting things. With the help of any ideas you have, those of us who live in and near Atlanta can prepare for the Championships by collecting and sharing knowledge and planning, whether it be something like organizing teams and planning out an Ultimate Frisbee tournament during lunch or after closing ceremonies one day in Centennial Park, measuring the distance and grade of the terrain between the GWCC and the field inside the Dome, or scouting out good restaurants for a stressful lunch or a celebratory dinner, we'll be happy to help.
I encourage you to start a thread about any idea you have for activities so everyone can contribute their thoughts on it and I'l try to organize several more of the locals to help with this. Together we can make this fun for all! :D |
New thread
I just started a new thread:
Atlanta - activities/ammenities I'd like to see |
avg temp of 62F in April where did u guys get that? .... i lve like 6min from 6flags..... and pretty close to ATL.. i dont rember it getting that cold in ATL.... during april ...... And if ur wondering i dont live in marietta .... thats just where my school is
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You are correct on the name, but there was no mistake. The reason why I utilize "USFIRST" in my coments instead of "FIRST" is to make it easier for me to remember their site address: www.usfirst.org Try=> www.first.com or www.first.org Now try conveying this info to newbies. A few weeks ago the "FIRST" organization was pondering the thought of changing the "FIRST" name to something else. Conce:) ] |
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Then again, pretty much the entire year is shorts-and-a-tshirt weather for a runner. :] |
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It's FIRST, and I have conveyed that info to newbies for the past 6 years, since the name change. Just because they have not offered the money to buy the www.first.org website, it doesn't mean that the name is USFIRST. Andy B. |
Actually....
Actually Andy, an email was forwarded by some Regional Coordinators a few weeks back about this supposed name change. FIRST is looking into it and asking for suggestions but nothing has been decided yet. I'll see if I can find the email when I get home.
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Re: Actually....
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I was just happy to help share some info and give "FIRST" a swift kick to let them know we care about the program. I thought everyone knew about the naming. "Failure is not an option, if it happens lets learn and continue." Conce |
Re: Actually....
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Maybe I think Old-School but I prefered Epcot. No place can compare to the arrangements there. If you stayed in a Disney hotel, you never had to leave Disney. Schools like that cause its safer than wondering around a city. Secondly it was really easy to escape for an hour if you had break between matches and need to release some tension.
There really aren't any other venues that can offer all that. As for walking between stadiums last year. Its not that it was a pain but ya didn't have to do it at Disney. Atlanta probobly has all FIRST needs because of the olympics, I'd just be worrried about entertainment. As for changing the name, true its confusing for someone to read 'FIRST ROBOTICS COMPETITION 10th ANIVERSARY'. But after a quick breakdown of the acronym people get it. If ya ask me its a bunch of youngin-hoo-haa-J-Lo-cargo-pant-wearin shenanigans(in the voice of an frizzled old guy). |
Atlanta is going to ROCK!
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I think Atlanta will be really, really FUN!!!! Texas last year was fun.. but I think Atlanta will just be that much MORE!! I also like being able to see different places and traveling around... it's cool.
And of course.. there's the chance for a ROAD TRIP!!!!!! Gotta love a long trip with team!! WOOHOO!!!!! "Yeah Yeah... Yanno!!!" |
Personally i would like to see a national competion held on the west coast, since they have been in the east, and texas is sorta in the middle......las vegas would be a nice city
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Secondly, there were 23 regionals in 2003, not 15. |
Ok, sorry to post twice but just found another thing to respond to.
Along the lines of what Elgin Clock sad. 1) why bother juding the location now, nne of us know what it will be like to have championships there. Wait to judge it until after the event 2) Why do so many people care so much about where it is. IT'S THE FIRST CHAMPIONSHIPS!!! The point is not what is there to do in Atlanta during downtime. You go to championships to go to championships, not to hang out in Atlanta. FIRST could hold championships in a parking lot and it would still be awesome because it is still the FIRST championships. Atlanta will rock, although it is a bit far south, a pain for northern teams, and its gotta be a bit inconvienient for th western teams. Maybe they should hold it in Indiana, seems to be a popular place (IRI) and its close to the middle of the country. |
I think that its nice to know so much in advance but I guess since I went to Epcot for 2 yrs I'm spoiled. I like having the pits and fields so close together....less *pant pant* walking for us scouters...
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hmmm....
hmmm.....well this seems to be a bit of a loaded question because there is nothing that can be done to change it regardless for the next three years and i think we should all be happy that we have a place solidified for the next three years and we don't have be held in limbo as to where the next location for the nation championships is gonna be....i think we need to enjoy what we have here and personally i think its awesome...i think its a great move to have a place that is willing to hold such an event because it is quite an arduous task.....i really think that Atlanta has no idea what they're in for :p
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Dave K |
Since the word is out, yes, FIRST is considering a name change, but not where you think. :)
Also, I'm a Disney fan and love the parks and think they are the safest place, I really like the idea of Atlanta. It's much nicer than Houston and has better facilities. I mean really, we paid more at Houston and got less than if we went to Disney! I live Atlanta a |
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Anyway I can't wait for Atlanta, and since ill be a roamer just walking around seeing me wont be as hard to do this year :D |
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