2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Can't wait to be there. Looks like 56 and 87 will be joining us. I'm hoping for a really fun time as it will be my first time at Philly.

here's the list of teams attending.

See you all there and good luck!:]

Teams to beat
 

Some competition that I can see as of 10/18/08 (these are a bit biased b/c I don't know many of the area teams)

11- MORT- Marauders
56- Robbe Xtreme
304- Robo Griffins
316- LuNaTeCs
341- Miss Daisy
395- 2 Train Robotics
486- Positronic Panthers
834- SparTechs
2234- The Reverend

Just waiting on some regulars like 103, 365, 816, 272.. This regional should be outstanding.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Team 1153 from Walpole Mass is coming to Philly! Any suggestions for hotels close by (walking distance)? And (non-robotic) excitement, of course! Can't wait for a soft pretzel.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

I would love to come up and volunteer for the event!!!!
Except, I am not sure where it is going to be held. Is it still going to be at Drexel this upcoming year?
:) Would someone please let me know? :)

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Chuck's coming, but he won't be at Drexel this year. He's heard we're traveling over to Temple. (Construction at Drexel is taking over his parking spot.)

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

As Judy said, due to construction that will be going on at Drexel this spring the Philadelphia Regional has been relocated. So instead of the D.A.C., the 2009 Philadelphia Regional will be held at the Liacouras Center Arena. (Event is not listed on the Arena's calendar yet though.)

Also, Instead of the fifth week of competition, the Philadelphia Regional will be the fourth week, March 18 - 21th.

---------------------
For those of you who like to research the area... (and find good directions ahead of time so they do not get horribly lost like me) ... the arena website and address are below.

http://www.liacourascenter.com/

Liacouras Center on 1776 N. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19121
---------------------


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Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Wait -- what??!? And FIRST is planning on telling us when?

The 2009 FRC Regional event info points to 2008's Drexel University. No indication of a site change.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

An update of the Philadelphia First's Web page with the information for 2009 is in the works.

I noticed the lack of venue-change information myself when checking on teams attending last night, thus my post this morning when I noticed people starting to talk about hotels and the like.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Hi all,
First of all as a Temple student I am excited that the Philly Regional is returning to the Liacouras Center! Second to give some teams a bit of heads up that have traveled to the Philadelphia Regional in the past but aren't familiar with Temple's area. We are located in farther up north in Philadelphia that University City. Also, there is only a small hotel located on campus named the Conwell Inn. This has 22 rooms available and I am sure they will fill up quickly. However, it is very easy to commute to Temple via the Broad St. Line subway system or Regional Rail. The former being the cheaper, the latter being more accommodating if you need to carry more equipment. Odds are many teams who are traveling to this regional from a distance and can't get a room at the Conwell Inn will stay in center city. It is about a 15 minute commute from city hall. If you have any other questions feel free to p.m. me or ask here.

-Joe

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

the firebirds will be attending this year (when we get money haha oh jeeze)

you could get a hotel around 30th street station and take any of the regional lines to the temple station (ill be taking the train too).

definitely do the whole philadelphia tourism thing...franklin institute, art museum, science museum, mutter museum, independence hall, city hall, constitution center, duck boat.

as for the temple area, there are a lot of good, cheap places to eat. i spent all summer at temple and its easy to navigate.

-brianna

ps. hi joe!!!!

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

I agree!!!!
But does that mean that it is going to be there from now on? Because, I know that there are contracts and such.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

I don't understand why it won't be hosted at Drexel, yes parking is currently a pain at Drexel now, but obviously the DAC will be used at the same time for Basketball, and while being in use it is no different if we use it too in March.

Temple is not a very good area of the city, and bringing in thousands of young high school students does not seem to be the brightest idea I have seen FIRST take.

There are plenty of other options in Philadelphia including the convention center and the arena in South Philly that would of been more convenient to things such as hotels, restaurants, parking and activities.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

As mentioned in other posts... the D.A.C. will be under construction in March of 2009. That is why it is not being held at Drexel this year.

I know that the Philadelphia Regional Crew looked at a number of arenas, convention centers, and gymnasiums in and around Philadelphia before settling on the Liacouras Center Arena. Keep in mind that they are working within a budget, and venues may already be booked, and not able or not willing to accommodate the requirements of a regional.

I'm going to miss the "snugness" of the D.A.C. myself, (and making runs to the 7-11 for taquitos or whatever they are called) but hopefully the construction will give us additional, and much needed; seating for the 2010 Philadelphia Regional.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

To get beyond The Great :eek: Unexpected Change and back to my main question, what area of Philly should we look for hotels? I'm guessing we'll be taking the Broad St Line (or do you guys call it the Orange Line?) to get to the arena. I'm also guessing we'll be doing Amtrak, so a hotel easy to both would be good.

I don't know what time we'll get into town, so maybe Wednesday eve to blow off some steam, and Thursday and Friday eves also. .:Brianna:. put in some good suggestions -- c'mon, make a case for your Phine Phavorite Phoggy Philly* destination!

Hows the subway for herding ~30 high schoolers? We managed Boston's subway with plenty of adults but not at rush hour -- how's rush hour? And probably 40 other teams crushing in?

I was afraid of something like this. I'm hoping it doesn't mean it's horrible. I've lived in "watch your back" parts of Brooklyn and found for the most part it mostly harmless... if you watched your back.

*Sorry, I didn't do 1776 in high school, so I don't know the exact words!

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Temple is a great area, as long as you are in the area of the school and convention center, where FIRST will be. The Temple security is great and they add more on during large events such as this. It won't be the same as before being able to be out side playing games and such but I think that we can deal with that for a year while the DAC is being rebuilt and made even better for the 2010 regional.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Temple itself...like the campus is pretty safe. there are security cameras and/or people on literally every corner. the most unsafe part would be the walk from the train station to campus just because there's section 8 housing in between the two...but with that being said, its only three blocks to walk and if you're with a group of people its not a problem. i walked those three blocks by myself twice everyday this summer and never had a problem.

cheesesteaks-i personally think pats & genos are overrated. if you want the "philly experience" definitely go, but i prefer steaks on south (about 4th & south streets)

food in general-philly food carts are DELICIOUS! they're pretty cheap too. its a good bit of philly culture as well

colleges-philly has a ton of colleges in like a 20 block radius (penn, drexel, temple, university of the sciences, and some others that im forgetting). i know some teams go on college campus visits while in cities, so you may want to consider doing that

hotels-here is a url listing all 237 hotels in the city http://www.hotels.com/processIndexSe...0&refined=true

pm me if you need anything else.

-brianna

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Hmmmm temple ay? there goes the outside frisbee games. I mean im sure it will still be though. Just dont go outside too much.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Danny ur making it sound like another Trenton regional for me :( I'll miss the sunny coast of Chesapeake this year:(

Any good places to eat where I won't get shot? (j/k) I'm sure the regional director knows all about the school and if the area is safe.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Plenty of great places to eat on campus! We have a 7-11, maxi's pizza place and Master Wok on Liacouras Walk(center of campus), and if you cross through campus there are a series of places, Fame's and Eddies pizza, a Vietnamese place. Also loads of trucks which are all very good, especially the Crepe truck on around 12th and Norris. And once again, Temple is very safe, just as safe as Drexel really.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Imma get a qdoba burito brought to the center.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Hook me up bro. Or bring me some Philly cheesesteaks ..mmmmmmm:cool:

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

For those that know -- how is the Liacouras Center in terms of bringing in outside food? Or contrawise, how are the prices of the concession stands? Any good breakfast places nearby, that are open early? One must think of these important details!

How is the Broad Street subway line for travelling? Especially during rush hours.

I am not too worried about campus safety. I'm rather hoping FIRST has made that perfectly clear, and I'm sure the school doesn't want it's reputation ruined. You have to "watch your surroundings" wherever you go, and this is no different. The incidents that someone wrote above but got removed are things that could happen anywhere, anytime.

We did find some good hotels downtown (or is it called Center Area?) so everything is falling into place for a nice time in Philly. It is kind of strange having everything lined up before Kickoff.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Temple safety will be fine. Really! In many ways Temple is a more cloistered environment than Drexel, with a true campus feeling to it. Drexel has more of an open city feeling.

The area surrounding Temple, however, is not great. So as long as you stay on Temple's campus you are safe. Its a fun place, with plenty of places to eat, play, and lounge about.

I have spent a great deal of time at both schools and enjoyed them both for different reasons.

Philly should be a blast in 2009.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

That's one of the reason's I can't wait to start school there!
:D

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Yup! I love the city too! (Born and raised Philly Boy) I wish I could get there more often. :)

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

I'm not sure if anyone would know, but are there spots reserved for more rookie teams? I was disappointed by the rookie turn-out for NJ registration and I'm hoping this is not the case for Philly. Same for 103 actually, are our friends going to be in Philly or not?:(

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Rookie team 2791 has waitlisted for Philly. Depending on space availability and funds we'll be there.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

2554 is signed up, we're still looking for funding...hopefully we can book some inexpensive hotel rooms and maybe carpool down to Philly

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

look for a decent looking motel even. they do save you money. idk about the area thoughl

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

I just spent the weekend at Temple at an athletic event.
We stayed at a Homewood Suites on City Ave, north of the city. It was a 15 minute drive, reasonable rates, a great hot free breakfast, pool, and nice rooms with beds + sofa beds and little kitchens, meeting rooms and restaurants within walking distance.
Your team would need to have transportation to/from the hotel to Temple.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Sweeeet. This competition looks tough. MORT will try its best to win this thing. Might have to pull out some fancy new ideas this year. ;) I've updated my list of "Teams to Beat"


11- MORT- Marauders
56- Robbe Xtreme
222- Tigertrons
272- Cyber-Crusaders
293- S.P.I.K.E
304- Robo Griffins
316- LuNaTeCs
341- Miss Daisy
357- Royal Assault
365- Miracle Workerz
378- The Circuit Stompers
395- 2 Train Robotics
486- Positronic Panthers
816- Westech Anomoly
834- SparTechs
1027- Mechatronic Maniacs
1089- Team Mercury
1279- Cold Fusion
2234- The Reverend

Bold means most likely in top 8- the others are the strongest 1st round picks

I'm told not to worry, 103 will still be joining us. =)

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

ALRIGHT LETS DO THIS!!!! Almost time for kickoff which means its kinda almost time for the regional. Which means is kinda sorta almost time for Nationals. But seriously I am bringing the Philly thread back. The regional should be a lot of fun this year. 816 will be playing hacky sack for all those who wish to do battle.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

The Jersey Crew is taking over Philly. XD

1403 816 and 11 EWCP :cool: Stay tuned...

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Since you mentioned us, akash...you bet EWCP will rock it out!!

First time at Philly, but it looks like many good teams will be attending, and we're looking forward to a great competition, and a lot of fun!

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

I plan to have the most fun at the Philadelphia regional because its the regional I like most and it is my senior year. So lets all have a good ol' time and do some partying.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Hey, don't forget 1923! Jersey will be well represented.

:)

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

I had a blast last year, I'm not sure if I'll be able to make it this year. There are quite a few regionals that I would like to attend this year, and my college budget only stretches so far.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

not having barry at philly is unacceptable. completely unacceptable. barry you have to come to philly cuz it's my senior year!

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Don't forget Team 1089 from NJ is making there initial appearance at Philly this year. 1403, 816, 11, and 1923, and 1089.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

hehe sorry guys, I hadn't looked at the updated list of teams. My bad :p

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

I wanna see all the Jersey teams cheering together. ALL OF THEM!!!!!. That is all. And Barry you better there or I will go whereever you are and get you.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

We were supposed to go this season but we looked into it like last minuet and it was already filled up, so I guess we'll be there next year. Whens a good time to sign up?

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

I'd say the day regional registration opens for 2010. :)

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Yeah Philly is pretty popular, you know because the best teams are there every year, so if you wanna go id suggest being ready to go right away.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Hahaha.... ohhh yeahhhh... we're gonna out cheer everyone else!!!

just us 5 (?) NJ teams!!!

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Pssh. We can do it. We just have to get everyone organized. And maybe some help from MOE. You know. Just saying.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

I want to adopt MOE as a Jersey team for those few days. Green and black is close enough to MORT's yellow and black right?;)

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

haha i second that

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Rookie Team 2729 is from NJ and should have close to 50 students! We will do our best to cheer and represent NJ and FIRST!

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Woot!! That sounds like a friggin MORT in the making XD We're known for our generally large team as well.

50 students is awesome for a rookie team. Keep it up.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Hang by the rest of the New Jersey teams and cheer along with us.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

We should definitely have a NJ cheering section. Woohoo!

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Well theres only one way to do that someones gotta organize. And I think Libby just volunteered herself. Congrats Libby.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

i second that as well... :)

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Hmmm me and dustin were talking and I was thinking about getting hacky sacks for competitions because I know that a lot of people play and I was wondering if anyone could tell me if their team was interested or not because I need to know how many to get.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Danny:

Just wanted to let you know that our team has already purchased special Hacky Sacks for Philly. Feel free to stick with your plans, because ours will be very different from a standard Hacky Sack. But I just thought I would let you know, in case it helps you plan.

For what its worth, we have many team members that would enjoy another type of Hacky Sack. So if you are planning for our team, we would have at least 12 kids that would like them. :)

Looking forward to seeing your team in Philly!

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Hmmm Frisbees? How about it?

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Me being the least hand/eye coordinated kid in the Northeast....sure, I'll give it a shot. :p

btw anyone up for lunch with me, Danny, and thefro on thursday?

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

We'll be there, and hopefully we will have just as much, or even more fun than last year!

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Whoa....

When did we plan this lunch...?

But that would definitely be cool to get together and grab a bite to eat before everything gets crazy-er.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Any teams that would like some extra practice can hit me up here:

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...threadid=71782

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

if we are leaving the venue, i gotta ask, but otherwise, im up for it...

(if u want me... lol :cool: )

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Hey all, we are trying to get our coaches to agree to pursue Philly, but we have a condition to meet...our cost of the trip has to be 200 (or under)/ member.
At this point, we figure that we'll have to spend about $500 to ship the robot
Per member, travel will cost about $32 (unless we get bulk/discounted tickets...)
The registration fee will cost $4000
Lodging is the big ? mark at the moment.

Teams going to Philly, what hotels are you staying at and for what rates? Are any of the hotels giving a FIRST discount (or AAA discount), and if a hotel isnt on drexel's campus do they provide transportation to the competition?
Thank you so much!

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Yo I will ask tomorrow if we're taking a bus there, b/c if so, then if your team can just come to our school then we could take everyone down. As for robot shipping, can't you have someone with a pickup take it there?

I'll get back to you Neel.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Septa, Broad Street Subway, the Trolley, and the Metro have stations on/near Temple University's campus, so as long as you get a hotel on one of their lines, transport to/from campus should be pretty easy and cheap.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

i don't think our team's bothering with lodging, we're just gonna take the trip there and back every day. For you guys, ur like on the border. You could travel every day, but it would be a hassle. If you don't mind leaving super early, and getting back a little later... you don't really need a hotel.. and like akash said, find other teams in your area, and if they are going to philly, ask whether they are staying overnight, or busing... sharing a bus with another team can be a great help, and save a lot of $$$...

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

this looks like an awesome regional.. Team 399 went in 07 and I must say it just has so much energy! We loved it, I hope to come back someday. =P

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Wait, i thought this regional was being held elsewhere in Philadelphia. It might still be in Drexel, i don't know, but i do not think it was in the same stadium. I saw this somewhere, and the new place were going looks sweet. If i find the place i'l post the link.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

UGH!! Why don't i read the whole posts? Thank you very much Ducky, you're on it.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Haha Danny, did you forget about 316??? :P You remembered our sister team, but not us haha. I can't guarantee that we'll be much help towards the cheering of Jersey teams since we're so small, but seeing as how we have a designated spirit team, maybe we'll work up our own team spirit which will then help with Jersey spirit haha

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

I'm not the best hand/eye coordinated person by any means, and kinda suck at hacky sack, but I'll give it a try. haha. and I'll try to drag some LuNaTeCs into it too. :)

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

the firebirds are going for the chairman's award again this year. any one else doing the same?

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

i'm guessing 341, 357, and 316

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Stogi, Aren't you guys taking a shot at chairman's too? Or only in Jersey?

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

I think we are going for it this year. :)

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Dude you guys better. Let me know if you need help with the submissions.

Hmm....I don't think we'd ever ditch NJ. But no idea.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Lol, and where was I when we made this decision?

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

We did last year but idk if the final executive decision has been made for this year yet.

"Lol, and where was I when we made this decision?"- Dustin i think your mind was elsewhere =]

and as for the hacky sack thing...i'll most likely pass. last time i played with Danny, Matt, and Dustin i nearly fell off the curb. however i will happily watch if i get the time =D

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

lololol yeahhh you were pretty bad.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Haha, it was probably a slight oversight... any team that has its own spirit team and is in delaware and is sister teams with MOE deserves to cheer with the NJ teams... :D

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

NAHHH South Jersey Robotics Team!!! 316 is definately from Jersey the last time i checked. MOE is just closest to us. :D And everyone on the team is spirited!

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

ahhhhhh..................... woopss... that was a big mistake... hey, im only human,and plus, i only have 1 yr of robotics experience (im not trying to make excuses, just sayin, nah mean?)

but yeah, im really sorry bout that, hope your not offended by my egreigious error (workin on that SAT vocab.. ;))

in the end, all that really matters is that all us jersey teams (and MOE) show up cheering louder than everyone else out there...

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Actually on second thought the entertainment value this would bring is great so you have to play.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Hahah Shelby, we're like, almost in Delaware....lol cuz ya know, the bridge is really close...haha =]

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Haha Danny, you're so nice lol tho, I might do the same thing Shelby did last year. I missed seeing her play hacky sack with ya tho. lol

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Wellll thats because it was not at the competition. But if she does do it at the competition please have ready your cameras to take pictures.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Haha I'll try to have it ready. either that or somebody on the team will take pics

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

No offense taken... you'll learn eventually =] keep workin on those SAT words.


and Danny you've gotta give me some props... i was in flip flops... i'll have to sharpen my hacky sack skills and show you up....

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Hahah you better show him up Shelby!!! :) haha

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

jeez...the city of brotherly love huh??? and hey if not being able to play hacky sack is my major flaw.... i think i'm doin pretty good in life XD

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Haha our team is full of love!! :D
and yea, if that's you're major flaw, you ARE doing pretty good in life

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Wow, this discussion of hacky sack has become serious business.... Might have to start working on my skillz...

Btw, I <3 driving the robot with the severe loss of traction... It's rather fun... and easy ;)

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

way to be random^^:p

and u better hone those skillz. im gonna pwn. lol:D

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Me random? Never...

To continue the randomess.... Any teams that would like to get together and scrimmage before ship shoot me a PM. (Yes, I know ship date is rather far off but it can't hurt to plan)

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Anybody have the information on pre-ordering team lunches? And anything about a team social? I know they didn't have it last year but were wondering if they were bringing it back.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Welllll know that Jersey is over it is time for the long wait until Philly. And from what I have heard about team's going to Philly this year it should be a tough competition with a lot of good matches. I am really looking forward to seeing what 357, 365, and 341 put out on the field this year. It is always fun to watch matches with you guys included. And I want a rematch from last year.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

Last I heard, there will be no team social this year.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

There has not been one the past two years right? I am kinda sad. I remember when they used to be at the Franklin Institute that was always really fun.

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

We watched your machine in Jersey and we are verrrry afraid. (seriously) You have an awesome bot. It will do well everywhere it plays this year. (Rematch? Gulp!!) :)

Re: 2009 Philadelphia Regional
 

I dont know about the doing well everywhere but the drive team and the rest of the seniors are just trying to go out in style.