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-   -   The Future of Nationals (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=529)

Carolyn Duncan 16-08-2001 21:35

I agree with you on the burden issue and I will restate an idea that I have said before. Maybe it's time to move on, Disney is obviously unwilling or unable, however you chose to see it, to accomodate our growing numbers. I think it would be in FIRST's best interests to have a permanent structure for nationals anyway. This would cut down on cost, it's the same principle as buying a house versus renting a house. It was mentioned in another forum that the Detroit Lions are selling their stadium. That would really be a good place to have nationals every year. We could start a gallery there, have pictures of the winning teams/alliances lining the tunnel walls. There is so much that can be done. Maybe it's time to extend our thanks to Disney and be on our way.

EddieMcD 17-08-2001 16:01

Yes, and it can hold 93,000 people. Granted, pit space will chop a lot of that up, and building the fields will eat up more, but what's left will easilly outdo the Einstein field.

Jeff Waegelin 17-08-2001 16:39

Well, granted, the Silverdome is a large building, but there are a few things to consider:

#1: Most of that space is seating. Where would you ever find the room for pit areas for the number of teams we would be talking about. Where would all the fields be? The fact of the matter is: a football stadium may hold a lot of people, but it doesn't hold a lot of things. It was designed for people to watch football on one field.

#2: The property values are tremendous. One of the major reasons for selling the stadium is the inflated price of real estate in Oakland County. The stadium property is worth millions more as industrial property than as a football stadium, so the city of Pontiac (who owns the stadium) will probably sell it as industrial property when the Lions leave.

#3: Upkeep. If FIRST is indeed able to purchase the Dome, the price to keep it in working order would be astounding. It is a 20-year old facility, and needs lots of work to keep it going. The facility is beginning to show its age, and that is one reason why the team is leaving (but not the only one).

#4 Why would anyone want to come to Detroit in the spring? There could even be a major snowstorm the weekend of Nats (not likely, but it has happened). Our lovely airport could close, and that's definitely a problem you won't have in Florida.

#5: Besides, there really isn't anything to do in Detroit, much less in Oakland County. Part of the fun of Nats is the Disney element. It may not be the only reason to go, but it is certainly a bonus that draws students into the program. If the Nationals are in Detroit, there's no "Wow this robotics thing is cool! I get to go to Disney World" factor to help draw students.

I'm sure every point I gave will be worked around if this were to happen, but this is the way I see it: The Silverdome appears to be a good idea, but the problems outweigh the few gains that would be made.

Madison 17-08-2001 23:39

The SilverDome?
 
Erm. . .it's probably not in FIRST's best interest...especially financially, to purchase a stadium.

Upkeep, personnel, and taxes would be an absolutely massive burden on a non-profit organization. Nevermind the fact that it's all for three days of use a year! If the building's not being used by sports teams anymore, what is FIRST going to do with it for the rest of the time that Nats isn't going on? They sure can't rent that much space . . .

Nationals is a short-term event, and as such, will be best suited for a temporary venue; or something permanent that is owned and operated by someone else.

Disney is good for FIRST, but FIRST does nothing for Disney. It's not the greatest relationship, but it's something we have to live with.

FIRST has noble goals, and fosters great learning and growing experiences. But, I'll be the first to admit. . . I didn't know about that stuff when I started a team. I knew the National Championships were held in WDW, though. It makes a difference.

But, I'm just now realizing that this post is quite a bit like the one before it. . . so, in that case; I agree.

Sean_330 20-08-2001 00:41

What about hosting the Nationals somewhere in Los Angles? There are pleanty of suitable venues like Disneyland, Dodger Satdium (parking lot covers 1/3 square mile), Anaheim stadium, LA convention Center, Staples Cneter, or others. All of those venues can easily handle 15,000 cazy FIRST ppl and multiple playing fields. There are pleanty of hotels that can be used all around those venues that have many vacant rooms in April. Los Angeles International Airoprt has pleanty of flights daily that teams could take. Additionally for all the teams the would come to LA in april, we have nice weather. You could even go to the beach! I know that LA is on the other side of the country for many teams, but i think that the city could easily accomodate FIRST.


Sean

Andy Baker 20-08-2001 01:26

FIRST staff needs to grow also
 
As Nationals are growing and FIRST is adding more Regionals, the FIRST staff needs to grow also.

From what I've heard, there is a new "customer relations" crew of 3-4 people, and that may help. But FIRST has experienced alot of turnover during the past few years.

I think that FIRST needs to add staff in order to handle the rapidly growing competition needs (bigger regionals, bigger nationals).

Is this happening?

Andy B.

Jessica Boucher 20-08-2001 06:43

I hope FIRST knows.....
 
...that they have a HUGE employment pool to choose from. There are so many graduates in this that would love to be on their payroll. That is why I volunteer, cause right now it's as close as I can get ;)

Jeff Waegelin 20-08-2001 10:09

Quote:

Originally posted by Sean_330
I know that LA is on the other side of the country for many teams, but i think that the city could easily accomodate FIRST.

True, but isn't Florida on the other side of the country for many teams, too? LA would be interesting, but I don't know if FIRST would go for it.

EddieMcD 20-08-2001 18:46

Quote:

Originally posted by Jeff Waegelin


True, but isn't Florida on the other side of the country for many teams, too? LA would be interesting, but I don't know if FIRST would go for it.

A higher percentage of teams are on the east side of the nation. While Florida is on the other side of the nation for many teams, LA is on the other side of the nation for many more teams.

Mike S. 20-08-2001 23:24

Just wondering...
 
This is more for the people that want 1 unlimited national, Why would you want this gigantic competition, if you don't even get to compete against all the teams?

I personally would have liked to compete with, 190-125-157, and there is more, but that’s not possible because the nationals were huge and setup in divisions that segregates teams.

I think if nationals were brought back to the size of a regional it would be much more fun because you get to compete against all the teams and have a chance of meeting the people who attend.

I know this is in the wrong part of the forum, but I posted here anyway. (Rebel without a cause)

Mike

Sean_330 21-08-2001 00:48

Maybe if the nationals were in Los Angeles, then the balance of teams would switch to the west coast.


Sean
Who would LOVE to see that happen


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