Originally Posted by AmyPrib

Hay All,

Just a few comments. We know that seating was limited. Originally we were told we'd have less than what we did, but we pushed for more. We got it, but unfortunately not enough. That is one thing that will be worked on for next year.
On the other hand, to put a positive twist on it, don't you think it added to the huge energy and excitement that the place had? That place was slammin', people going nuts, yelling, screaming, and it got more intense as days went on, it's hard to get that kind of energy pumpin' with a HUGE arena with people spread out all over. While it may have been standing room only at times, people came together (closely!) and rocked the house!
We tried to get a larger venue (other campus facilities) but were not able for various reasons. It will be worked on next year, and if it has to be held in the Armory again, there can be some setup differences to allow more space or seating. We didn't have a ton of say in the setup, but definitely will look at it for next year. We planned for and expected high attendance but we got even more than that.

We did block off the first row for safety and to keep traffic moving. I personally think that no matter where the teams were sitting in the stands, they were pretty darn close to the action. I think it would have been tough to block off a section up front for playing teams with limited seating as it was. I think that would have caused overall less seating (those teams would already have another section they were sitting in, and then plus a reserved section taking up space they'd be moving back and forth to - spectators and others would have fewer places to sit). We actually had quite a few spectators from off the street that heard about it and attended with young children. I think that's awesome - spreading the word.

The only parking that had distance (1mile) was for the buses and trailers. We just could not accomodate them all in the lot behind the armory, but we did provide shuttle service for bus drivers. The parking garage across the street (1min walk) was reserved and free for everyone attending the event.

We also know the number one complaint was the bathroom facilities. We apologize for this, but we originally had better plans which fell through. This is high on the priority list for improving next year.

I was also shocked at the lack of time for alliance selections, but again that is out of our hands. Many issues are under FIRST control, but we can surely pass on the comments.

The campus tour times - already under discussion to work on better timing. Due to having the Union activities on Thursday evening (which all teams were informed about and confirmed to attend, and numerous announcements were made, but unfortunately few teams attended), we didn't have tours planned for that evening. We wanted to get to as many students as we were able and understand we were not able to accomodate drive teams better. We had good turn-outs for the tours despite that and think it worked out well... I am glad that we had these - I think it showed what Purdue is all about without pushing it on people.

We actually did have a few lines run for electricity in the bleachers, on the west side a couple rows up. But I don't think it was publicized as it was a late addition during the event. How 'bout the wireless internet? Did that work out ok for people?

We appreciate all the postive and negative feedback so far. We strive to make it enjoyable for everyone . :) The people that helped put this together are all experienced FIRSTers who care about making it a good, fun event. This is why we take your feedback seriously.
Keep them coming, and as Chris said, you can PM him or I with comments.

btw, Dangerousdave - can you give more details about the problems with queuing and pits? That was in your negative list, but not sure exactly the problems?

I am thoroughly impressed with the action packed competition and game-play that went on... I myself was a skeptical about the action involved in this game, but it was fierce this past weekend.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by dangerousdave

Amy, When I mentioned queuing and the pits I simply meant the space available. One entrance brought spectators right through the pits and the pits just seemed a little cramped to me. Also, our team always brings a cybercenter to allow anyone to use the internet on about 4 PC's. They were left on our bus in the parking lot due to lack of room. The queuing area at the end with concessions was cramped.

However, please read my message again as overall the regional was great!
Dave

Originally Posted by AshleyD

The team socials need to be advertised better, no one on our team really knew what all was going to be going on at the social so we didn't go. Maybe set up xbox tourney to get more people there, or give away a few games/ geeky stuff.

I know they tried to advertise these a whole lot but there's so much going on that unless it's big, neon, and loud it's easily missed.
Other than that and the other things already posted...it was great!

Originally Posted by KORN_lover_2007

Well, I really have no idea who deals with this, but this is the only place I could find to comment on it. The music selection was absolutely horrible. You had a slow, sappy love song playing right at the beginning of a match. That's not going to get everyone pumped up. You need some rock or something heavy, like what would be played at a football practice right before a game.
Another thing that is kind of going along with what others have said is space. I am on the color guard and I was hoping there would be room somewhere for me to do some flag moves, but the stands were so full I couldn't. Also the bathroom facilities were not fun at all. Not that there is anything wrong with this, but our team kind of had the impression that they were trying to get us to go to most of the buildings at the university so they could get some publicity. That is not my personal opinion, because I think it was great that there was a lot more room in the place where the awards ceremony was held at. These are just some of my opinions and you don't have to pay any attention to them at all if you don't want to. :)

Originally Posted by Dave Scheck

Amy - all of us from Wildstang had a great time. For being the regional's rookie season, I think that you guys did an awesome job.

My only complaint was that the DJ recycled a lot of the same songs quite often. I think we counted 7 or 8 Cha Cha Slides and 4 or 5 Chicken Dances. I understand that the music is out of your control, and I know it is hard to fill 2 days with music and not repeat, but maybe you can pass the suggestion to the right people.

To you and the regional comittee, thanks for your hard work in planning and running the regional. I can only imagine how you guys will improve it next year. :)

Originally Posted by Dave Scheck

My only complaint was that the DJ recycled a lot of the same songs quite often. I think we counted 7 or 8 Cha Cha Slides and 4 or 5 Chicken Dances. I understand that the music is out of your control, and I know it is hard to fill 2 days with music and not repeat, but maybe you can pass the suggestion to the right people.

Originally Posted by roboticsguy1988

The wireless internet was awesome. I am glad to be able to access the internet at the Boilermaker regional. I know that it was disappointing to not be able to access the internet at other regional events. The only problem i found with that was the signal was weak, especially in the building, outside it was pretty good. may i suggest putting something to boost the signal or maybe even setup a wireless internet router connected to a T1 line if possible... if not even a normal connection to one of purdues servers would be fast enough. I know a lot of people used the internet and appreciated having it. Great job on that.

The only other technical problem i found was the electrical hookups in the pits. The wire supplying power to all the teams in the pits did not seem to be the appropriote guage for the amount of current that was being drawn. However i do have to say that it did stay consistant.

Other than that it looks like you know about the other problems and are working on fixing them for next year. This year was totally awesome and fun. For a rookie regional the planning commitee and everyone else did an excellent job. I give this regional an 8.65 out of 10.

Great job, hope to see everyone back once again next year.