Re: Regional Food
 

I don't know how close you live to your regional, so this may be advice that doesn't apply to you, but we live about two hours from the Colorado regional, so last year we worked with teams that were actually in the area to put out a guide to, among other things, nearby places to buy and eat food. There may be some local places you don't know about, so maybe try contacting a team that lives in the area. If nothing else, they may know the location of a nearby park or something that you can use if you don't want to violate any rules.

Good luck! That can really make a regional a bummer. :(

Re: Regional Food
 

While they don't do body searches, I was asked by security to leave the NH Regional because they found me eating a sandwich that I didn't buy there (they told me to come back when I was done eating).

Re: Regional Food
 

I'll make sure to not bring food to that one then, or if I do to leave it someone's car outside ;-).

Re: Regional Food
 

Well, looks like this question is answered.

2005 Manual 7.4 "At the Event" (pg. 4)

Food: You cannot bring food on site…..at all. Not even as a promotion. Do not provide teams with candy, water, fruit, soft drinks, etc. This is to promote good will and the spirit of partnership with the venues.

Re: Regional Food
 

As much as "rules are rules" i find it ridiculous if i have to buy a $3.00 bottled water when i drink anywhere from 3-5 20oz bottles of water per day, and i will most likely more at the regionals from walking around all day, talking, communicating, yelling (during matches), and etc. Thats about 9-15+ dollars, for 3 days, thats up to $45 just for WATER!!! freaking water. Food i can completely understand, but to have your water confiscated is just ridiculous, and as much as i respect FIRST for having respect for their venues which we ALL should, i think water is the line that does not need to be crossed.

Re: Regional Food
 

Thanks so much I think this is actually what were gonna do now I just have to find some teams from the Trenton area.

Re: Regional Food
 

Not to go against FIRST, but FIRST is required to put that in. Most event sites have dedicated catering, which often sucks. There is no one else allowed to provide food, at all, for any purpose, unless the catering company is completely unable to provide for a certain need. This rule has been around for a year or two, and I do agree with it, partial. Teams should not distribute water or food if the venue will, but if an individual brings in a sandwich and water bottle, boo hoo, that's a free market economy at work.

In fact, if anyone bothers you, just tell them that making your own food is patriotic or somethnig, and no one wants to be anti-patriotic or anything like that :-p.

Re: Regional Food
 

So don't bring water into the venue, bring in a water bottle or a mug and fill it from the drinking fountain. I don't see how they can yell at you for drinking the water they supply.

Re: Regional Food
 

At last years regional, pretty much our whole team left the competition at some point or another and went walking down some main road in Trenton eating at random places along the way. This is kind of a hassle to go walking so far just for some food but the prices werent that bad... i cant remember off the top of my head but i dont think they were anything outrageous. Not much else to do with all these food/drink rules.