Re: A prediction
 

They already took Battlebots off the air, and next is gonna go Robot Wars. Probably in a year or so when FIRST gets really famous, they're going to broadcast the regionals and the championship, and maybe even make an American Robot, like team 121 has been doing. http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...threadid=33082 It's awesome. So pretty much FIRST is gonna be the biggest robot thing soon.

Re: A prediction
 

Gee, and with all the sponsorship, that not only FIRST gets, but all the teams, FIRST is going to a be a superpower of sorts.

It's going to be crazy.

Re: Thoughts on Robot Wars?
 

Has anyone seen any numbers on how much money goes into FIRST every year? It has to be tremendous. Most teams use up at least ten thousand worth of materials alone every year. Multiply that times 1500 teams and that is 15 million, then theres travel expenses, food, computers, and the cost of putting on regionals and such.

Re: A prediction
 

Well...just remember, gracious professionalism, they might donate the money towards a foundation or start more programs for younger kids so they get started in robotics. FIRST isn't a money hungry company.

Re: Thoughts on Robot Wars?
 

Well, of course they have tons of money. Personaly I would guess about 25-50 million per year. That might sound like it is a bit much, but they have tons of huge name brand sponsors. Coca Cola bought some air time at the National event and had their logo out on the screen for a while. On top of all the other costs, they have to have enough money to buy transporation for themselves (Segways)and tons of other expeses.

Re: Thoughts on Robot Wars?
 

May I suggest looking at the 2004 Annual Summary? (p. 21)

http://www.usfirst.org/about/2004/annualreport2004.pdf

BTW, the Segways are brought in by the judges themselves, FIRST did not buy them.