More sketches.
 

More ideas.

Okay, since another thread was started earlier today that showed interest in the development of an exhibit dedicated to bringing FIRST to the public while we're in Atlanta, I went ahead and made another quick sketch of a larger, more involved pavilion-type structure.

The concept, again, is that the newcomers and visitors are welcomed into the folds of the FIRST family and, as senior team members mentor freshman, and veteran teams mentor rookie teams, the participants of FIRST will look on as the visitors learn what our program is all about.

The entrance and subsequent hallway surrounds the exhibit, traveling in a large 3/4 circle before entering into the center of the circular exhibit space. On the right side, alternating red and blue panels are peppered with photographs, text descriptions and quotes detailing the evolution of FIRST. These panels will act as a quick introduction to the history of our competition before the visitors are exposed to our present and their future.

The left side will be made of an acryllic-sheet wall that is entirely transparent. This acryllic will act as our "signing wall," as all of the event's participants will be asked to sign their name on the outside of this wall.

This, of course, is symbolic of the goal I stated earlier -- welcoming visitors by surrounding them with FIRST participants and teaching them as they walk along.

At the end of the hallway, they will turn a 180* corner to be greeted with the 2004 game. In this center exhibit space, there could be a robot on display (many teams build a practice robot, right?) and there will be video of matches and explanations showing how the game is played. Another idea might be to have a roaming video camera at the event that feeds directly to a monitor in this exhibit space. It'll tie the visitors into what's happening at that very moment. It might show teams cheering for their team, or fixing their robot, or sharing a part.

Upon exiting, visitors will find a podium and book. In this book, they can leave messages of support, their name, and maybe contact information.

Please, excuse the poor quality of this sketch and photograph. As always, feedback is appreciated.

FIRST Pavilion

M. Krass thats a nifty idea, It could be done really well, and I imagine would be pretty effective, if made large enough

IMO something like this should be looked into.

It'd be nice if we could get some live bands...like Blue Man Group or Weird Al...or Frank Zappa, but he's dead, so that's out of the question. Any other ideas for live music?

I think all of the ideas you guys have come up with are great. In order to implement them, its going to take 10's of 1,000's of dollars. The bottom line to making a championship great is money. Unfortunately, with today's economy it makes it rather difficult to have a highly entertaining event unless you have someone who is willing to write a check for a large amount.

In defense of Houston, we had all of these great ideas as well on making the championship a great event. The problem we ran into is money and lack of time. I know Houston wasn't Epcot but I think for the short amount of time given the crew did a good job. My best to you in Atlanta. I hope you have more success than we did making it a spectular event. It's hard to fundraiser major dollars when you have a regional and a championship in the same city.

Water... lots of FREE water. That's all I ever want.

Yes, money is always the issue and the time to obtain it and prepare. Unfortunatly last year Houston was lacking in the time. They did a good job with what they had to work with. I am happy to say though that there is a great team working on both the Regionals and Championship here in Atlanta. Hopefully with the advanced notice a lack of funding will not be an issue.:)

live entertainment
 

whenever someone mentions live entertainment at nats, they always mention some big name artist. who says we couldn't just get a variety of local bands to perform, they could use the publicity more than the big names.

Not only that, they would cost a lot less, read: next to nothing. That would also allow a larger variety of entertainers, rather than someone like Mandy Moore who was almost universally disliked, and probably cost FIRST a decent amount of money (Unless she did it for free?). I think its a good idea.

Cory

Or maybe some bigger, but still up-and-coming artists? The kind of bands that some people know and love, but are still relative unknowns. A lot of bands in that class would love to do a large show for something like FIRST. It would get them a lot of exposure. So, it would be good for FIRST (Cheap, not universally reviled) and good for them. I can think of several bands I like that would be good choices.

RA -- (lol, just had to say that).

What's RA? Is it a band?

Well, one I love that would be great is Will Hoge. He plays most of his shows in the South, anyways, and I'm sure he'd love the exposure to kids from around the country.

yea... its a band.

Mrs
 

A massive FIRST LAN party could be fun, but there's one reason why I don't see it happening: Gracious Professionalism. Think about the games that are usually played at LAN parties: Quake, Unreal, Battlefield 1942...most of these games involve victory by the total destruction or death of your opponent. That seems like it goes against almost all of FIRST's ideals.
[edit]Besides...it would be a nightmare to get set up, especially in Centennial Park. And as other posts (after mine) have stated, it would be hard to accomondate everyone, and there are much better ways to spend free time, like promoting FIRST to the community.[/edit]

As for bands...that would be a great idea. There are probably quite a few smaller groups in Georgia that would love to perform and get publicity...especially if they were allowed to sell their CDs at the show. :) If people are still stuck on finding a big(ger)-name group, we could probably find someone who's a technology geek who'd do it for free. They Might Be Giants, anyone?

Okay, I live in ATL and would like to help in anyway possible?
Anything i can do?

BTW a lanparty would definately be cool. I might be able to help out w/that.

10,000+
 

This is an event that can attract 10,000 people. Maybe more.

I'm unclear about how a LAN party could accomodate those people and keep them occupied and entertained in the city of Atlanta.