2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Let's hear it for the NJ regional. Who is competing, who can't wait, and tell us anything you want about the NJ regional? All news and information concerning the 2007 New Jersey Regional should be discussed here.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

I have just received word that Team 204 is coming back to New Jersey and competing once again with the good teams from the "garden state" and everywhere else.

Can't wait!

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

i think there is already a thread like this open.

any way 1676 will be back and better than ever.

also looking at the registration team 25 has not entered for the NJ regional (last year chairman's winners)

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Don't worry, Team 25 will be competing at our home regional once again. We are currently registered for the Hartford regional, and will register for NJ once registration for second regionals begins.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

The Sciborgs will be trying to make their way down to the New Jersey regional for the first time for our 2nd regional event. I'm sure we'll have a blast there (and face some very tough competition too)!

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

From what i understand team 716 will be going to New Jersey once again this year and also our usual Hartford regional.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

1676 will (as said above) be there (hopefully) with a wireless network with forums and possibly scouting data, so bring some wireless-enabled computers!

Lame mantra related to above statement: When everyone pitches in, it always works better! (I think). :D

See you there,

The Canuck

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

1923 will be there. of course. =]


we had some doubts about it but we're definitely going to be there, can't wait to see you all.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Team 11 will be back. Maybe we'll finally get to win it...
*Counts chickens before the eggs are even laid.*

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

1547 is making their first time appearance at the NJ regional!! Right now it looks like we're the only Canadian team going

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

I'm so excited that 716 is coming back to Jersey !!
We miss them !!
And I can't wait to meet some more of the Where's Waldo girls <33
1089 will be there, of course.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

FINALLY!!! I'll get to meet a Canadian team. This will definitely be a highlight of the Jersey regional for me.

I'll do my best to find you guys in the stands and in the pits

See you there,

The Canuck

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Canadians! sweet! :p


75 will be there as usual :D

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Ill be there as ussual, either with a team or some other volunttered capacity

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

I don't know......375 is considering. What do you guys think? Should we come? :p

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

COME !! We LOVE having you guys at our regional !!
You're always helpful, spirited, and fun to be around.
Plus, generally are good competitors ~__^

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Oh yeah!!!! Is it March yet guys??? Lmao. I cannot WAIT to get back to Trenton... meet some new friends, and find the old ones again. Haha

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

108 will be there! This is our first time there and have NO idea what to expect. We, being a Florida team, are really curious to know how cold it is on the first of march? snow even? cant wait!
Evan

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Does that mean we'll get SOAP vids of NJ? :p

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

I do believe so, we SOAPify every event we attend, so unless something drastic happens NJ will be SOAPed. :cool:

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Team 1807 will be attending the NJ regional for the second time.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

It is great to hear that you are coming. As for snow, there was plenty of it last year. On the thursday of the event, a massive snow storm prevented teams for showing up or delayed them significantly.

1403 will be back for our 4th year.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Wow, half our team has never even seen snow! This will be a great experience for everyone. Although its going to be hassle getting everything prepared. Oh well, we are looking forward to it!

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Your team would most definitely want to invest in some warm clothes...

And now for your weekly "Visiting New Jersey" PSA

In NJ, we have these things called "pants". At this time of year, most people in NJ are wearing these devices that cover the entirety of their leg, including the lower extremeties. While this may sound a bit peculiar, covering the entir e leg, it helps keep one comfortable when the chilling winds blow on you at 7:15 in the morning outside of the venue.

Additionally, our feet are covered with these things called "shoes". "Surely you jest, as we wear shoes as well" you may be thinking, but there is a bit of a difference. While our shoes are similar to yours, there is a difference in that ours cover our toes as well. Once again, this is for the protection of your feet from the cold as the arena sits on top of an ice-skating rink.

Last but not least, you may want to invest in what we in NJ call "winter coats". These are generally noticable in that they typically contain a zipper and a modicum of filling to insulate the body in our sub-50 degree temperatures, which we are quite occustomed to, though you may not be. Please be sure to find one that includes a "hood", which is an attachment that helps protect your head from the wind. Consider it similar to the notion that we, as New Jersians, feel obligated to wear sunblock everywhere we go in your beautiful state, even on cloudy days (I don't get it, either).

Keep these tips in mind and I'm sure you will find your stay in New Jersey quite pleasant!

This message has been brought to you in part by PANTS.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Leave it up to Mr. Gregory to make a PSA on pants.

Just an FYI, I'm working on content for the NJ Regional page on the new NJ/NYC FIRST site. So if there is any information that you would like to see, please PM me !! So far I've included local hotels, local restaurants (within walking distance), and I'm considering local drugstores/hardware stores also.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Don't invest your time in $200 coats that'll do nothing anyways! Get a thermal, layer your robotics T-shirt, get your shorts on and just run around like crazy! And you'll have a few bucks left over for additional stuff like more SHORTS! Remember, Jersey is cold, pants don't make too big of a difference.

This is brought to you by SHORTS, inc, aka the Devoted Short Wearers of the Chesapeake

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

That whole PANTS thing was off the cuff....

Sorry- just had to let it out.


:cool:

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Oh man, that was so funny, I'm bursting at the seams.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

That reminds me of an old-school chant.

"Hey! Do you like pants?"
"No!!!"
"Down with pants, up with rankings!"

It was all randomness in the name of good fun of course. :p

Anyways, I got word Team 237 will be joining the CT factor along with team 716 going to NJ again.

CT pride makin' it's way back to Jersey after a year off!!

<side note> Sara, I have something to add to your list. The Trenton Train station is about a mile from the venue. I took the train in the last 2 years, and it wasn't that far of a ride. A simple less than $20 cab ride worked out for the best. (I'm thinkin' it was even less than 10 bucks.) 10 bucks, 3 minute ride, and I was good to go without having to lug all my stuff a mile or 2 across a major highway.
Always a good thing.
</side note>

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

The current registered teams list on the FIRST website indicates that the CT teams that will be reppin' it in Joisey are: 177, 237, 716, and 2114, a rookie from New London. Additionally, 1991, a rookie from Hartford, is pending.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

or sew it seams...

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

You know, only a pair like you and I would keep belting out in threads like this. It must be in the jeans.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Mr. Cokeley, Mr. Gregory, I like you guys, your both really cool, but if you dont stop, i will be forced to ban you both :-p

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

This will be 177s first appearance at the NJ Regional! I find it interesting how this year 25 is going to UTC and 177 is going to NJ...a little Einstien rematch, perhaps? :cool:

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

I guess Big Mike feels he wears the pants around here....

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

y'know, just because you think you have a leg up on us doesn't mean you can tell us to zip it. :)

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

I can't wait. I'm sure they'll be bugs (there always are during the first week of regionals) But I'll be there on the mic trying to keep everyone entertained...and you all might even get a flip or two out of me...depends on your behavior.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAND, we're in!

Team 375 will be back to New Jersey for the fourth year in a row!

We're excited to see everyone again. Especially with a team list this packed. :ahh::yikes:

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

POJO 1302 will be there again. Looking foward to seeing everyone there!

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Rumor has it that there is a Maryland invasion coming up: 165, 768, 836, 1727, and 1748 are all comin up.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

The Maryland statistic isn't a rumor anymore, last I checked we did have a plethera of Marylanders coming up here to compete...and we even have a team all the way from Hawaii.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Man, the Trenton Regional is usually highly competitive but it seems to be bordering insanity this time around.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Team 716 will be back after a year away and we can't wait. Especially me I want to drive against team 25, I never got to challenge them last year. :p

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

I hate to rain on your parade, but 25 is only pending on the team list for NJ, and with 16 teams pending and 4 slots open, thier making it in is questionable.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

125 does not have the funding to make it down to the NJ regional, however, myself will be there volunteering and probably a few other ex-MORTers

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

You'll see them at UTC.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

I cannot wait to get SOAPed. And man, the competition looks awesome. Team 694 will see you there!!

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

thanks to soap we had videos of the palmetto matches. they were really great to have especially to demo for others. thanks team 108 for doing the same in NJ!

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

i am hoping to make it down to watch with Jay! It will be my first NJ regional(as long as my parents approve :rolleyes: ). But sounds like a great time and hope to make it down to see some of my friends!!

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

We are officially in! :D

Teams 381 and 816 are probably the most likely to get in next. They are the only other NJ teams on the pending list.

See you all there!

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Congrats, at the Planning Committee Meeting on Thursday we were discussing the fact that there were 16 teams pending and only 4 slots open. I couldn't imagine a NJ Regional sans team 25

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Thanks, we are glad to serve all of your regional/championship FIRST video needs. the SOAP cleansing is coming!
108!

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

whoo SOAP archives from NJ this year!, This year is shaping to be a good one already!

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

alright my question is, Is team 108 HypoAllergenic?

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Does SOAP get the grass stains out of my ...

... nevermind, I won't say it.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

I have been waiting to see this, 341 DAISY has come back to visit us in NJ! This regional is really starting to frighten me even more (if that were even possible). ;)

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

103 is coming as well... we've been with Jersey/MidAtlantic from the begining.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

I was just perusing the team list on the FIRST website, and I have to say...this might be the scariest compilation of teams ever to face off in NJ. We have 3 teams that were on Einstein last year, countless regional wins, and even more awards. Granted none of that matters, but be wary...this regional isn't for the faint of heart.


I can't wait.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

8 Regional Wins Amongst 6 Teams, 1 Championship Semi-Finalist, 1 Finalist, and 1 Champion, will all be there. That doesn't include the countless Chairman's, Woody Flower's, Animation, and other awards won by other teams attending. Looks pretty exciting to me, if not intimidating... Can't wait for March.

To any local teams or veterans of the regional: Do you have any hotel recommendations? Since FIRST won't be providing packages this year, its probably worth looking into things early. What are nearby attractions for students to go to either on Thursday or at night? Is there a confirmed team social, and if so, where? Thanks to anyone who can help with details for new teams attending like us.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Chris, a suggestion would be don't stay in Trenton, PM or IM me for some more Info, i can give you some places to stay and things to do

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Being part of the planning committee, I think I can field these questions.

As far as hotels go, I would have to agree, don't stay in Trenton. The area is definately one that students don't want to be wandering around in after dark. I'll try to find the link for the NJ regional website, where we're compiling all the information that you may need. I'm not sure about attractions either...of course it's Jersey, so there are going to be like 1000 malls in walking distance.

As more information develops I'll keep you posted.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

The closest hotels seem to be in the Rt 1 corridor in the PRINCETON AREA- ABOUT 20 MIN NORTH of Trenton. That means teams travelling in wil need to find surface transportation to go to and fro.

WC

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

The event schedule for the Sovereign Bank Arena does not list the regional. Is the venue up in the air or just not on the schedule?

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Team 1881 is going again for our second year. I'd really like to see the LAN scouting

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

As far as I know we do have the SBA locked down, and ready to go for March

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Aloha,
we will be coming to an east coast regional for the 1st time and then head on to NYC for some play time...........
Can't wait to see you all there. We plan on sending as much leis to everyone as possible.....:D

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

as long as I get one I'll be happy.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Team 1882 will be there. It is a miracle that we have NASA backing for the 2nd year. I can't wait to get back into the game. Hope to see Paul K, Big Mike, John the other Morgan, 1923, 75, 25 and our 1881 neighbors and the rest of the teams that make this the next best thing to Christmas morning!

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

On the subject of hotels:

Here is a rough compliation of some local hotels from the NJ FIRST website (I wrote the page, so let me know if you need more help/information): http://nycnjfirst.org/nj_hotels.html

Secondly, if you want to look for your own hotels, check out those in the Princeton/Lawrenceville area. They are likely to be the most convient and safe place for your team to stay. =)

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions, or shoot me an email and I will get your questions answered (if I can't answer them myself): sreffler@usfirst.org

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

I love how Sara did not fail to mention SAFE places to say. The arena is in Trenton, which isn't known to be the safest place in NJ to stay. But like she said, Princeton/Lawrenceville is probably your safest bet, though there may be a few hotels in Trenton.--Just don't stray too far from the hotel & don't do dumb things. Princeton and Lawrenceville are still quite the drive though (at least 10-15 minutes if not more) so you'll be needing some kind of ground transportation.

**and apparently I didn't realize that my coach posted the same thing a few posts above me :-p

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

We have stayed at the Courtyard Marriot Hopewell-Ewing in the past if I'm not mistaken.

Not much to do right in the area of the hotel (nice little airport right next to it though), but there was our good luck charm restaurant in 2004 (Hooters) on the way back to the hotel and then by the time we did got back to the hotel, some scouting in the lobby/conference room and then some much needed sleep.

About a 10-15 minute bus ride from the venue if I'm not mistaken.
Not too shabby!

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

The Route 1 corridor north of Trenton has the best selection of hotels and budget-priced restaurants that I know of in the area. Google Map hotels for Lawrenceville, NJ will give you the list.

The Quaker Bridge Mall is out there as is a Home Depot or two (one also in Ewing). Be aware that Rt 1 is a major commuter route and gets pretty jammed up around the Rt 1/I 95 junction, so the 15-20 min non-rush hour ride to the SBA can become 30-40 min if you hit traffic.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

30-40 If you get lucky, a couple years ago a tractor trailer flipped over on rt 1 and some teams were stuck in traffic for over 2 hours.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

All that 2 hour delay should mean to a FIRST team is more time to mentally prepare for the competition and get "in the zone".

Kinda like our 3 hour delay by bad descisions by our bus driver in 2004 where we had some great times as a team and by the time we showed up in NJ on 10am on Thursday, had the "get it done" attitude and just went right to work.

I think that was the best example of teamwork I have ever seen in my team. It made me very proud of all of our kids that day. :)

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

That will be soooo cool. No, literally: Cold. NJ in March is a little bit colder than, say, Hawaii. Although you'll be indoors much of the time, prepare for weather that can be from a high of 45 F to a low of 20 F - during the day. It gets colder at night.

I truly hope we have a few inches of snow for all y'all.

Don

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

I second that. 1 South will become your worst nightmare during rush hour, I live on the North/South Brunswick Border just North of the area, and even just getting past the Quakerbridge area can be a nightmare. Plan extra time if you're traveling along there.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Depending on where you stay, you can probably plan a route avoiding Rt. 1, at least for the most part. Talk to whomever you decide to use for ground transportation, they probably know alternate routes, or can plan them.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

202/206 take you straight to SBA, as does the Turnpike/195...there are several ways to get there...you could even take the train to the Trenton station and walk a couple blocks to the arena...although weather might make that hike a little less than desirable.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Firstly, the train station is about a mile away. But I do not reccomend walking through that part of town unless you're with a big group. Obviously, this doesn't work if you have to lug tool chests, kits of spare parts, etc.

Secondly, George is right, you can certainly take a variety of roads to get to the SBA, but I reccomend 1/129. Even with traffic, that doesn't get terribly congested. That's the way I went to SBA last year, and while about 50 cars sat at the traffic light on the other side of the street, I got in without a wait. Anyone with driving questions or hotel questions absoultely should NOT hesitate to PM me. I will be happy to help anyone I can.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Team 293 will be there, who knows what SPIKE will hold this year. Although it will be hard to top our Batman wings from last year:D

I can't make it cause I will be in college, but I will be at the Chesapeake Regional as a mentor I hope.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

2016 will be there. Can't wait to be back in the game as a mentor.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

WE just ordered 135 dozen "puka" shell leis for the two regionals and hopefully the championship events when we attend. Pineapples for each team also! Straight from Hawaii!!!
WE also have some other Hawaii goodies for all the judges and volunteers also!!!:D

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

ooh! /me wants!

Can't wait to meet you guys.

Uh oh, i sense a hawaiian-shirt faceoff....

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

As do I... Between 25, Dave (if he's there) and you guys, we might have a problem on our hands.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Hey don't forget about me, I can hold my own in an Hawaiian shirt-off anyday.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Team 486 will bw attending again. We look forward to seeing you all there.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

*whips out 10 years worth of hawiian shirts out of his closet*

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

*goes to clean out all the local stores of every hawaiian shirt they have so he can have a new one at least every day, if not every hour of the NJ Regional*- :D

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

GOO NEWJERSEYY!!!! yee im from Newark NEw JErsey and TEAM 714 is backk we didn't do so good last year but we r back (WELCOME TEAM 25 u really killed it last season even though when we played u u scored the least points int he whole regional we were the guys that blocked u when u went to go fill up ur bot)

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

381 is there

going to our hometown regional again
cant wait

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

I think this will be the first year 56 will not be there.. I will be there however to see some amazing teams in actions, I just hope the arena is not freezing like last time..

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

I just hope that it dosen't cause half the people attending to get sick for a month...

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Seconded, Corey. Although, it's hard NOT to get sick when you haven't been sleeping for six weeks.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Team 836 - The RoboBees of Southern Maryland will be making its first appearance at the Garden State Regional - Knowing that this regional is one of the premier regionals in the US, we are excited about attending and looking forward to meeting you all there!

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

dress warmly, but this year i hear NJ FIRST is planning on buying something that wont get everyone sick to lay out across the ice instead

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

That is in fact true. NJ FIRST has been working with the SBA to get something to cover the Masonite floor that they had down last year. This will cut down on not only the dust that got over everything, but also hopefully will keep the cold down.

Although Rohith got it correct when he advised you to dress warmly. It IS an Ice Rink and it will be held in March, so it's not like the SBA can turn the heat up...otherwise we'd have an unintentional water game on our hands...the rack will be hard enough to score on under normal conditions let alone adding it bobbing up and down on a melted ice rink.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

this year, our team chose instead of having a common hawaiian shirt/uniform, to have every member where their own hawaiian shirts with common other "things" such as leis, etc.
We have experience with team 25 as we played against them 5 times last year in 1 regional and at championships.
They got a nice Hawaiian shirt as well.

See you all there!

Now, how far is it from the border in Pennsylvania where we are staying. I believe the town is called Langhorne, Penns.....

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

According to Mapquest it's only about 10 miles, but speaking from experience 10 miles can take you an hour sometimes depending on the traffic, although It shouldn't be too bad for you.

Re: 2007 New Jersey Regional
 

Yeahhh usually we just go to watch but 816 will be competition this year. Best of luck to everyone and i hope i meet some cool people