Best Regional in the East
 

Keepin it simple: What's the best regional in the East?

Re: Best in the East
 

Ahum.. GTR gets my vote. Sadly it won't be counted. How can you compete with it being the largest regional, Canada, and a Championship-like atmosphere. Never been to any other east coast regionals in the states, but we are going to New Hampshire this year which should be awesome. Please add GTR to the list if you can, thanks.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

This is tough since ive only been to 4 of those regionals...

Boston - From a first year perspective... i dont know how it can get much better!!! From it being a first year regional and how amazing it was it definatley hit the standard for great regionals and i cant wait to see how much better it gets this year!!! A LOT to do around town and very assecable!!

UTC/HARTFORD - With the new venue the sky is the limits. I loved the setup of fans on both sides and the field in the middle, was the best atmosphere a driver could ask for. Fans are close all around you and it was just electrifying. And only 1/2 of the Convention Center was in use which is crazy considering 40 team pits, the field, a full vex tournament w/ 2-3 fields... Could easily become a "super" regional in years to come with the way FIRST is expanding and it being the ORIGINAL Eastern Regional *post 95???* it will be the bar setter for FULL REGIONALS *VEX & FRC*

Granite State*NH* - Typical arena feel and great easy flow to the arena. Pricey foods. other than that no complaint.

Jersey - Same as NH. Not much room to grow unless its found a new venue *havent looked at this years loca*

So my conclusion is Boston or UTC... Cant wait to go to both this year once again!!!

Re: Best in the East
 

Hey, this can't be a legitimate poll! It leaves out Palmetto and Peachtree! (Granted, I'd doubt that many would pick Peachtree over Palmetto, but it's still a regional in the East.)

That said, Palmetto is my favorite regional thus far. Pretty competitive, good mix of teams, great venue, great crew behind it, and you just can't beat the commute. (Well, I just can't beat the commute--your mileage may vary.)

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

How East is East enough?

Toronto (79 deg W longitude) is further east than Orlando (81 deg W longitude). It's also further east than Columbia, SC (81 deg W) and Atlanta (84 deg W). It's in the Eastern time zone. Isn't that East enough?

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

I don't think people quite understand. Its all about the UCF Florida Regional...

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

have to agree. florida is a great regional. awesome competitors, great weather, good venue. yeah, i guess i'm a bit biased

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

GTR hands down. Don't need to add much more.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

UTC always has a crazy high caliber of teams and now with a new venue that provides a great atmosphere its the best in the east.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

I think the UCF (Florida Regional) is amazing and always has great teams. I have also heard rumors that once the new arena is finished the Florida Regional will be able to hold two fields and over 80 teams. Also the 2007 Florida Regional promises to be great with very competitive teams.


David

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

VCU has been the largest regional in the states for a number of years. BEST VENUE EVER. And it has tremendous loyalty from travelling teams. 843 keeps coming back from all the way in Canada if that's not proof enough!

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Here is my list (best to not so best):

UTC
Finger Lakes
Boston
New Hampshire
New Jersey
Florida
Philly
VCU
Long Island
Ches.
NYC

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

PHILLY!!

B/c we have soft pretzels, cheesteaks, and water ice. Obviously the best regional goes along with that.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Not a rumor....Erik Halleus (Head of the FL Regional) announced this in one of his speeches last year during the florida.....

As far as the poll, I would give the nod to UCF if it was either all indoors (like every other regional) or all outdoors (because i miss KSC)....either way this half inside, half outside stuff is not that appealing to me....I'd give the nod to Palmetto, if that was an option...

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

I voted for NJ. My home regional is UTC but lately I can't say I've been very impressed with the teams. 236 will win Chairmans every year and except for 177 this year and Rage last year, nothing has really come out the CT area lately in the robot area :(

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

GTR gets my vote :)

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Go Finger Lakes!

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

When determining what the "Best" is, are you refering to the best robots, the best competition, or the best venue? I voted for Chesapeake because it seems to have the best combination of all three. The venue is, by far, one of the best in the country, with great viewing areas, great pits, excellent food, and a wonderful area to visit. The competition is always strong, with visiting teams such as Buzz, Rage, 341, 237, etc in recent years.

Tom, I couldn't disagree with you more about your choice for the NJ regional. While the robots may be great, I can't say the same about Trenton or the arena. Blah!

BEN

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

ohh!..... Chesapeake is by far the BEST!!! here are couple of reasons why
Location: US Naval Academy. Its really secure and students can walk around where they want to without any insecurity. Its right next to Chesapeake bay that provides a scenic view. So if in any case you are sick of indoors, please step out and enjoy the fresh Chesapeake breeze ~~~~
Food: SIMPLY AWESOME!!!! one of the main reason i would attend this regional again and again. On top of all this, Food is allowed in the arena!!! so you don't have to miss a match to get lunch ;-)
Teams/Competition: Last year, teams came to Chesapeake from pretty much every where. England, California, Alaska, Texas, etc etc.
Announcers: One of the best.....JEFF!

On the other hand VCU is like an addicting regional. Whoever comes to VCU, come again and again.

Well i think every regional is fun/best on its own way.
Pretty much, where ever there's FIRST, there's Fun.

Imad

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Could anyone provide suggestions as to which regionals have the best travel access to and from the airports as far as proximity and safe guards against getting lost?
Jane

Edit: Clarification :o
Travel eastbound for 2007 is just for me - and yes, I'm capable of getting lost. Very.
I'm getting a lot of help via PMs.
Thanks.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

I voted NJ, but given the choice, I'd definitely vote Palmetto. There's a great atmosphere. The people are nice, and it's a bit less competitive. It's relaxed, but somehow always on time. You don't get the rushed feeling of NJ, and the surrounding area is better too. (IHOP is awesome!)
Plus, Palmetto is WARM!

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

The UTC Regional gets my vote, despite me being biased towards Chesapeake because it is so entertaining to watch the competition. Actually all of them are in a way very entertaining to watch on Webcast.

Chesapeake is up and coming. I'm pretty sure it will be one of the ones to watch in not only this year but years to come as the local teams continue to get better and better and live up to the 'travellers'. Except Chesapeake is one of those regionals that is in absolute need of 2 fields just to field the teams that want to come down there (because the whole Annapolis atmosphere and the way everything is coordinated (though there are no socials yet) is just so awesome). It's intense in the stands, but teams have to (and generally do) find crazy ways to do it. With UTC, the intensity seems there from the start and much greater (and it carries onto the field this way because the competition appears to be so even).

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Well, I've only been to the NJ Regional, so thats what I voted for! ^^; Last year our team went to Boston, and I heard they had a blast there. I couldn't go.

But, I believe any regional can be the "best" so long as you put in the effort to make it your best! As long as I have fun, I don't care which regional I'm at. :)

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

I'll try to be as unbiased as I can here.

Boston was definetly one of the best regionals I've been to. A great atmosphere and everything went so smoothly. It can only get better next year. Look how quickly it filled up this year!

Phili is a fun regional too, but the arena is a little small. I went there a few years back it was a fun time; felt very 'homey'.

From what I hear the UTC/hartford 's Connecticut convention center is superb so I'm sure that'll be a great regional.

I'm going to Chesapeake regional this year. It's at the naval academy which is a terrific venue so I look forward to that.

But... NJ is a beast. It's a very old regional (11 years!) and they have a ton of loyal, veteran teams that attend (11, 25, 56, 75, 103). Its a really intense regional though. People are helpful, but everyone is running around at 200% speed. Probably has something to do with being a first-week regional. Add on top of that that I think we're outgrowing sovereign. Still, its a great time.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

I think for travel NYC is the best.
There are three major airports- making it easy and cheap to get flights from anywhere.
There are lots of different types of ground transportations when you're here.
There are lots of stuff to see and do.
It is a pretty safe city these days
Food is actually cheap if you eat with the locals.
Every ethic group is represented here.
You can select from hundreds of hotels and you won't even need a car.
You can go for kabobs and egg-cream soda at 3am if you wish.
The city runs 24 hours and 7 days a week.
And the shopping..... oh the shopping! ;)

It is difficult to get lost, just count the street numbers and Manhattan is an island (2 miles by 13 miles); you can't get lost for too long!
:]

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

I'll rate the East Coast regionals that I've been to.

Chesapeake (2003, 2004, 2005):
Big venue with alot of teams. The venue may be too large though, as you don't get that "atmosphere" and feeling of excitement you get at some smaller events. The field typically has a few upper teir teams in FIRST, but usually lacks depth after the first and second levels of teams. Bonus points for Jeff Seaton as MC though.
5.5/10

Philly @ Drexel (2001, but I also attended twice when it was at Temple):
Smaller venue and a small field of teams, but "pound for pound" may be one of the most competative regionals. Many loyal upper level teams attend (341, 357, 365, etc.). Smaller venue lends to a more intense and friendly atmosphere.
7.5/10

Peachtree (2006):
Held at a convention center, so seating is inferior to that in a sporting venue. Feeling in the arena is similar to Chesapeake, as it doesn't generate the same atmosphere as VCU, Philly or some other regionals. A mid-sized field of teams, most from Georgia, and a few from other locations in the South. Rarely draws teams from further than Virginia. Convention center does allow for a full sized practice field (provided by 1002 in 2006), and judges rooms away from the action (which can be preferable for preparing to do a Chairman's presentation). Worst food ever though. Lower competative level than other regionals leads for a higher unpredicability and ability for rookies to compete well.
6/10

VCU (2001-2006):
The absolute best venue I have ever expierienced (and I have expierienced 13 different venues for FIRST competitions). Large field of teams, a vast majority from Virginia. Most of the teams are local and lower budget, meaning there is a great deal of paridy, allowing for unpredictability, excitement, and rookie competition. Draws loyalty from many outside travelling teams (843 has come down from Canada 3 or 4 times, 447 came two years in a row from Indiana, 383 made several trips from Brazil), and local teams alike (very few decide to goto Chesapeake instead of VCU). Has a small "upper crust" of highly competative teams, and occasionally draws major outside competitors (33, 64, 365). Close proximity to a Krispy Kreme. Often the site of the first "game hint" for the next seasons competition. Jeff Seaton is also MC!
9/10

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

i would have to say the best regional in the east is NJ and i have proof, if you look back at the history of the Mid-Atlantic Regional, all those "crazy scary" midwest teams that everyone is afraid to loose too, used to come out to Jersey to compete, and have never won the regional away from the east coast, and now they are too afraid to come back to where it all began just to be beaten



1997 what is now team 75
1998 what is now 175 Buzz
1999 teams 75 and 89
2000 Teams 25, 293 , and 175

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Missing out on all the best ;)
Palmetto and Jersey of course!

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

I'm a little biased, but I'd say my favourite in the East is GTR. I also loved Finger Lakes when my team went there while I was in high school! (I didn't make it to the 2006 one unfortunately.)

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Truly depends on the definition of Best. Therefore, all above arguements are valid within their specified parameters. Congrats all of East, you have the best regionals.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

I'm kinda biased, if I say NJ, seeing as how it's my home regional, but I love Philly too.

NJ has always had a great team of volunteers behind it, and the competition is as fierce as any Championship event, however the arena is a little iffy (although we're trying to fix that for this year)

NJ might have me and Chiniqua, but so does Philly (we're an equal opportunity supporter)

Philly the fans are great, the crowd gets pumped...plus it's only a walking distance to Cereality...a cafe that serves only cereal...it's great.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Excluding the NYC Regional,
my top three (from past experiences and from speaking to other mentors & coaches) East coast Regionals are:

1. NJ Regional- competitive, awesome plays and entertaining
2. VCU Regional- Friendly, big and fun
3. Long Island- friendly, comfortable and a place I can bring the whole family.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Is there anyone in FIRST who has attended every one of these regionals? Otherwise how can anyone attest to making an actual informed opinion when there is so much unknown?

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

My viewpoint comes from attending Granite State Regional, NJ, Philly, Pittsburgh, Finger Lakes, Detroit, Waterloo, GTR, West Michigan and Buckeye. No I haven't seen them all yet but I am trying.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

My top picks from best to worst

UTC
Finger Lakes
Boston
New Jersey
VCU
Florida
Philadeplphia
New Hampshire
Long Island
Chesapeake
NYC

(I have been to UTC, Fingerlakes, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Long Island, New Hampshire, NYC)

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

I have to vote for the hometown regional, UTC-Connecticut. :)

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

My team has been to NJ, Philly, UTC, Florida, Long Island, and Granite State. I have had a lot of contact with teams that said good things about Boston, Chesapeake and Finger Lakes. This year we are going to tryout Toronto to see what all the shouting is about...out West :)

I'll let you guess my vote ;)

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Steve, Expand your viewpoint. Come visit the Chesapeake (-;

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Ed, you've identified one skew for the events. Here's a few more:

1) the age of the Regional (the younger Finger Lakes scores quite well against grandfather New Jersey -- give it a few more years)

2) the number of different teams who have attended the specific regional over the years (VCU is a large regional, Pittsburgh is smaller, so even if they were equal in age, VCU should receive more raw votes just due to the fact that more teams would pass through)

As Ed says, "Best" is a poor descriptor for this judgement. "Favorite" would be a better one.

My favorite is always "The Next One!"

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

It's the same weekend as Detroit. However if I don't get asked there is a chance that I might make the trip.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

How can you say best venue ever? Have you been to every venue?

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

very good description of it and i must agree whole heartedly!!! i love the fact that anything you need is always within your hands around 1-10minutes after you ask. also like you said the "family" atmosphere is huge. it is more like the feeling of a family reunion with a robotics competition instead of a robotics competition where you see a bunch of random people.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Richmond has my vote.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

How do you define best??

Do you define it as the most competitive?
Do you define it as the biggest or smallest event?
Do you define it as the nicest venue?

"Best" is certainly one for personal interpretation.
Over the years:
*coughs coughs* Was even a spectator at the "Barn" in New Brunswick.
I have participated in New Jersey and Chesapeake.
I have been a spectator at New York, and Philadelphia.

Given that I am only familiar with 4 regionals I can only vote from what I know and what I have seen.

Chesapeake certainly is one of the nicest events I've been to, both in quality and environment.

Philadelphia certainly is nicer neighborhood than Trenton, if the venue was larger to hold more teams or more spectators it would be even better.

New York has a solid level of competition. Being they are going to be in the Javits Center, I anticipate it will only get bigger and better.

New Jersey "appears" to have a slightly higher level of competitiveness than the others, but the neighborhood and the arragement with the venue leaves something to be desired at best.

So how do you rate best? I have to stick with my home regional and say New Jersey for now, but I won't count out anyone for the future.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

I will admit that of all the FIRST events I have ever attended there may have been better overall competition but non ever came close to the amazing level of energy and enthusiasm that was at the 2005 Finger Lakes Regional. That was an amazing weekend.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

I've been to New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Boston. Every regional has good teams and advantages to being big/small. You just need to put in the attitude and you'll have a blast.

After all, it's not where you are but the people you're with that make it worth while.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

The best regional i have been to is definately Long Island, I had the best time of my life, all the time were soo nice and great, it was teh friendlyist atmosphere . The announcer was also hilarious, everything, the arena, down to the seats was perfect

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Waterloo. This is my personal favourite event. Although the competition may not be as fierce as, say GLR, and there aren’t as many teams as, say GTR, it has an amazing feel. At Waterloo, there is a feeling of, for lack of better term, family.

I have seen some of the greatest acts of sportsmanship ever at Waterloo. Teams are so willing to help each other out, as at every other FIRST event, but the teams with many resources aren't spread so thinly. And, there's weight rooms.

At Waterloo, there are usually a smaller amount of teams, but that just adds to the whole feeling of the event. You get to play with the greatest and most inspiring teams there so many times, and you really can create amazing working partnerships and some nice rivalries as well. Your robot is always noticed, I know every single robot that was at that event, and the cool things about every single one. I spent time talking to people from every single team at Waterloo. That kind of feeling cannot be duplicated.

The location is also amazing. The University of Waterloo is one of the most prestigious engineering universities in Canada, and being actually on campus in the PAC gives students a way to sense the feel of the campus, as well as being able to take campus tours in their spare time.

Plus, there's the Mongolian Grill. Best food ever.

The worst part of the entire event has got to be the bleachers. But aside from those, it's got to be the most fun I've had in my high school career.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Although I dont remember which one I voted for heres my list and why

1. Boston- great venue, GREAT competition. It was fun being able to volunteer there. Also theres ton to do in the Boston area. I like it for personal reasons too. :)

2. UTC New England- Well because its only about 15 minutes from my house and the fact that the new CT convention center is absolutely amazing, you cannot beat the venue. The competition there has always been fierce, if you look at all the great returning teams...173, 237, 236, 177, 176, 126, 20 etc the competition is always great.

And besides BAE, the only other regional I've been to is Philly.

3. Philly- I really like the city of Philadelphia, but personally, I dont like sitting in a 110 degree gymnasium for three days :o other than that, the competition has always been great, and I really like the social event as well as the hospitality of other teams...

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Aghh!

I've read over all the posts, so far, in this thread and here's the conclusion
- Every single Regional posted in the poll has been commented on, stating that its the Best Regional in the East.

Now here's my CONCLUSION

"FUN IS WHERE F.I.R.S.T IS!!!!"

PERIOD!

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

Amen to that

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

I would have to say the travel access in Orlando would be incredible as I would pick you up at the airport and take you wherever you wanted to go!!!! Nothing like a personal tour guide.

Actually.....to get to the site from the Orlando airport is very easy....its mostly highways. Less chance to get lost, and being a tourist town.....there is LOTS of signage.

Re: Best Regional in the East
 

haha - thank you Wendy!
This is a side note but a little plug for FIRST spirit wouldn't be bad in a thread like this, I don't think.

I met Wendy at LSR '06 when she and Exploding Bacon were there.

Constantly on the move, constantly motivating - Wendy. I think her voice gave out at some point but that didn't seem to stop her much. Two things I remember most:
Wendy came up while I was listening to a practice run of our presentation team. She listened along and offered some suggestions to them and was later told that her suggestions helped them.
The second thing she did was see me with one of the pit crew - over on the floor doing a quick repair to one of the bumpers. She got down on the floor and helped, getting it ready just in time for the next round.
This post does not surprise me somehow....
Ok, back to the thread topic. :)