Re: Championships location from 07 and onwards
 

Ignoring the Michigan link, I really do think Detroit could work well. We've had experience with big events - with the MLB All-Star Game and the next Super Bowl being the two most prominent - and should be able to handle the big crowds. Comerica Park and Ford Field are close to each other, and would be within walking distance if it weren't for the major road between the stadiums.

That could be blocked off, though.

We've also got four of the biggest FIRST sponsors here - GM, Ford, DaimlerChysler, and Delphi. They're all in the Detroit area, and it shouldn't be too much of a stretch to get them involved in running Nationals.

That said, I really would like it to be somewhere else. I've been in Detroit for years, and I'd love to keep on traveling to new places. Atlanta and Houston were great, but variety is even better...

Re: Championships location from 07 and onwards
 

The more I think about it, Atlanta is really an ideal place for the championships. The only thing I did not like was the vagrancy, and there persistence in asking for money. That was the only thing I did not like. The hotels are great, Atlanta is generally warm (this was a weird year for weather - last year was beautiful) There is a lot of room like Erin said for all of the events. One of my personally favorites though, is the large number of starbucks. One in the hotel lobby, one on the way to the CNN center, one inside the CNN center, and one in the GWCC. Those where just the ones along the route I took. I know there was another one by the Westin, but I stayed at the Marriott marquis. Only thing I would change for next year, is to stay at the Omni. I liked the Westin last year, and the Marriott was great, but the omni is located SO close to both the competition, and the wrap party that it makes it ideal, plus you don't have to walk outside to get food. Did I mention the large number of starbucks..

Re: Championships location from 07 and onwards
 

There is one huge problem with The Diamondbacks baseball field. They start playing on it right when we would be having nationals. But I have heard it is the nicest baseball field there is.

Atlanta's airpost is the busiest with the most flights going through it than any other in the world.

And I mean, It isn't Atlanta's fault there wre no posters and stuff everywhere. You must understand that the GADome and the GWCC are filled constantly with large scale events like this all the time. Many not this large, but it would still be impossible to give that kind of recognition to every single event. Every weekend it is something new.

I don't know much about the proximity of hotels and entertainmnt and restaraunts to the stadium.

But on another note of recognition, last year, the largest news television channel in the US (CNN) gave some recognition to FIRST and my team. I am not sure about this year. But there was still some recognition there. Not to mention a front page article on the AJC's living section about FIRST. I know that isn't very national, but atleast it was a little recognition.

Re: Championships location from 07 and onwards
 

I think Miami is too far south, sure it would be warm and a great place to go to, but it is far away from most FIRST teams. I think a centrally located Championship would be the best. Not saying it HAS to be Indy but it is close to the middle of most FIRST teams. I would love to see it in St. Louis also, maybe even Chicago or Detroit would be prime locations.

Re: Championships location from 07 and onwards
 

While I would like to say San Francisco because its my most favorite city in the entire world, I know its just too crowded and small.

So I think the following would be great:

- Indianapolis, Indiana (even though its close, and part of the fun of the event is going to a far away place)
- Atlanta
- SLC (SLC punk!)
- Austin, Texas (South by Southwest festival is there!)
- Orlando, Florida

Re: Championships location from 07 and onwards
 

I would say that it should be in a location that is warm enough, and is big enough, but not too big, you run into big problems with really big cities.

Re: Championships location from 07 and onwards
 

San Francisco actually has a VERY large convention center. I don't think it'd work for a number of reasons though.

It would be cool for nats to be 30 min from my house :rolleyes:

Re: Championships location from 07 and onwards
 

I disagree. Ford Field would work for the competition arena (as would any domed football stadium), but where would you put the pits? Unless FIRST is willing to bring in tents like Disney did, there's no place indoors to put that many people, robots, etc.

Also, the hotel space in downtown Detroit is very limited, and the mass-transportation system is nonexistent.

If you move it out of the city, say, to the Silverdome in Pontiac, you still have the problem of where to put the pits, there still isn't a large concentration of hotels in one area, and still no mass transportation. Plus, the Silverdome is scheduled to be shut down after this year's Super Bowl, and may be demolished by the time 2007 Nationals rolls around.

So, while Detroit could work, I would be very surprised if Nationals are around here in 2 years.

Re: Championships location from 07 and onwards
 

From what the little bridy told me:

Disney is out of the question (as in they didn't place a bid/ their bid was rejected ;) )

Atlanta & Indianapolis = Current front runners with Detroit trailing behind.


I'd like to see it in Atlanta for 07-09

Re: Championships location from 07 and onwards
 

I'd love to see it in San Diego, as well. Facilities might be an issue, though, there are rumors of new stadiums being built (for the Chargers and a possible Olympic run)

Re: Championships location from 07 and onwards
 

St. Louis
The only problem is that FIRST has connections to the wrong sports team in that city. The owners of the Blues are a sponsor of the St. Louis regional, and the Rams stadium is the one we'd want to hold the event in.

Re: Championships location from 07 and onwards
 

I'm going to be unhappy and complain anytime the event is not associated with Disney. I've grown attached to the optimism each organization offers and want to see nothing more than for such organizations to join forces and succeed. I don't like the implicit difference between contracting space in Atlanta and being invited to Epcot, if that makes any sense. I know, of course, that the Disney events weren't established over a handshake and some friendly words, but the discussion surrounding it did a much better job of creating that illusion. Atlanta is, to turn a phrase, strictly business.

Anyhow...

Earlier, someone suggested that Seattle might make a good host for the event. Unfortunately, I doubt the city has the infrastructure to support something as large as FIRST. There is the large Washington State Trade & Convention Center , but it is located in the heart of downtown. That's great for business travelers, really, because it's easily accessible -- but horrible for teachers and parents who have to worry about wandering students.

Re: Championships location from 07 and onwards
 

FIRST should build their own town to use. :)

Have Kamen Drive, Lavery Lane, Woodie Way, etc.

No really, Atlanta is ok, and Disney would be the best situation for kids, but I understand that Disney *does* cost more. Mabey it's just me, but I'd rather know that my room won't flood from the toilet and then be treated poorly, there won't be any homeless wondering around as frosh run about, etc, and pay a bit more for the hotel package. No matter if FIRST goes back to Houston, I'll be there to support them. :)

Re: Championships location from 07 and onwards
 

Chicago would be an absolutely wonderful place to hold the Championship.

Re: Championships location from 07 and onwards
 

Yeah atlanta was kinda scary in that respect :ahh: