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-   -   Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship (http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69563)

Richard Wallace 21-11-2008 22:55

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by synth3tk (Post 776791)
... who would've thought that FIRST would be as big as it is now?

Dean Kamen, for one. The man thinks big. Very likely, he expected FIRST would be bigger by now. He's made it clear that he expects FIRST to spread to every high school.

Libby K 22-11-2008 16:02

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by synth3tk (Post 776791)
who would've thought that FIRST would be as big as it is now?

I always knew it would be, but it still amazes me.
:)

synth3tk 22-11-2008 19:22

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
lol, I stand corrected....

ttldomination 22-11-2008 19:32

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
IDk, I like Atlanta, it's nice and easy down here. But I wouldn't mind having it somewhere out west.

Dan2081 31-12-2008 10:06

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
2 Words...
Peoria, Illinois

Stu Bloom 31-12-2008 10:57

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan2081 (Post 788722)
2 Words...
Peoria, Illinois

WOW Dan ... have you ever been to the Championships? I know Peoria pretty well and there's no way Peoria could handle it ;) .

But seriously ... Indianapolis almost had it when the last contract was renewed with Atlanta. I say come back and look at Indy again - now that the new stadium and more new hotels are open.

Racer26 31-12-2008 11:10

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
I'm with Karthik, the SkyDome (shoot me if I ever call it the Rogers Centre) and Metro Toronto Convention Center combo COULD definitely support the Championships. The square footage is there. As for you southerners complaining about the weather? Historically speaking, by late April winter is well over, and we see temperatures in around the 10-15 C mark. (In American, thats 50 to 60 degrees)

Travis Hoffman 31-12-2008 11:36

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
People in Atlanta seeking to build a new Falcons stadium on the grounds of the closed Doraville GM facility [happy thoughts] in suburban (i.e. not downtown) Atlanta:

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/cat...PINIONS&isub=2

I wonder what would happen to the Georgia Dome if this were to occur - obviously, it would lose its most notable tenant - I do not know how "booked" the Dome is outside of Falcons home games.

If they blew up the Georgia Dome (Why? It's not that old, is it? Rich getting richer....), I wonder how that would affect Atlanta's chances at retaining the Championship Event long term....

Steven Sigley 31-12-2008 17:10

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Travis Hoffman (Post 788738)
People in Atlanta seeking to build a new Falcons stadium on the grounds of the closed Doraville GM facility [happy thoughts] in suburban (i.e. not downtown) Atlanta:

http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/cat...PINIONS&isub=2

I wonder what would happen to the Georgia Dome if this were to occur - obviously, it would lose its most notable tenant - I do not know how "booked" the Dome is outside of Falcons home games.

If they blew up the Georgia Dome (Why? It's not that old, is it? Rich getting richer....), I wonder how that would affect Atlanta's chances at retaining the Championship Event long term....


In the article you provided it says "The Falcons are bound by a lease to play in the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta through 2020, but team owner Arthur Blank said in 2006 he wanted to start negotiating a new downtown Atlanta stadium."

We'd be good for at least 10 more years before we'd even have to worry about it.

Travis Hoffman 31-12-2008 18:01

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven Sigley (Post 788813)
In the article you provided it says "The Falcons are bound by a lease to play in the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta through 2020, but team owner Arthur Blank said in 2006 he wanted to start negotiating a new downtown Atlanta stadium."

We'd be good for at least 10 more years before we'd even have to worry about it.

Ask Seattle Supersonics fans what they think about the security of leases. But anyway:

This mentions the possibility of the lease expiring in 2015:

http://www.ajc.com/living/content/me...doraville.html

Seems there are two competing interests - the suburban Doraville stadium supporters and the GWCC people wanting to build a new stadium downtown. Which option Falcons owner Arthur Blank officially backs remains to be seen.

This may be a non-issue if the city of Atlanta can afford to retain the Georgia Dome even with the absence of the Falcons as a tenant, but it's something to keep an eye on, anyway.

Tetraman 31-12-2008 18:25

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
This may be a little over the top....but wouldn't it be cool if we could build our own FIRST Robotics Grand Stadium? It could hold all the FIRST robotics championship competitions and conventions, it would be the home of the hall of fame and other history making halls. It could also be a special summer camp for FIRST students. I would have it's own hotels for all teams and other sorts of buildings and centers...and don't forget three bronze statues of Woody, Dean and Dave in the courtyard.

A guy can dream....I'll put that on the list of things I'll do before I die...build that building.

Enigma's puzzle 02-01-2009 00:06

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
If i became incredibly rich one day i would make a convention center arena designed for that. How could the rest of the world ignore FIRST if that happened.

Maybe the New Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis, adjacent america's center i like that idea i don't know about hotels though, BUT it doesn't get any closer to the center of the country

cbudrecki 02-01-2009 23:05

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
that's funny, I've had the same ideas. I've pretty much all but drawn out blueprints for the ultimate FIRST stadium! (this sounds like the start of a new thread...)

suj 10-01-2009 20:14

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
the rogers center or ontario science centers in toronto would be nice oh wait how about direct energy center it's huge

PinionTwister 10-01-2009 20:35

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Tetraman (Post 788867)
This may be a little over the top....but wouldn't it be cool if we could build our own FIRST Robotics Grand Stadium? It could hold all the FIRST robotics championship competitions and conventions, it would be the home of the hall of fame and other history making halls. It could also be a special summer camp for FIRST students. I would have it's own hotels for all teams and other sorts of buildings and centers...and don't forget three bronze statues of Woody, Dean and Dave in the courtyard.

A guy can dream....I'll put that on the list of things I'll do before I die...build that building.

AMEN!!! If would be great to have our own stadium - purpose built for Robotics competition. I will hope for my lifetime as well.

DevDebie2200 11-01-2009 13:43

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
I second the idea at Skydome/Rogers Center in Toronto, Ontario

dodar 11-01-2009 13:46

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Id say we go back to Disney for the Championships

Rick TYler 15-01-2009 01:23

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
The championships are scheduled in Atlanta for 2010, according to the GWCC website: http://www.gwcc.com/calendar/gwcc.html.

Building a new stadium is really, really, hugely expensive. Even with FIRST's steadily-increasing cash horde, there's no way they will be able to afford the multiple-hundreds of millions it would cost. Just as a point of comparison, the estimated cost of building the Seattle Sonics a new facility in Renton (a city to the southeast of Seattle) was $400 million. The new owner snuck the team out of town at least in part because that wasn't going to be good enough. It simply isn't going to happen, and even if the money is available I think it would NOT be furthering the goals of FIRST to spend the money this way. I'd rather fund 500,000 Vex or 25,000 VRC teams in 25,000 schools in North America than squander $400 million on a facility that is easily duplicated each year with a comparatively modest rental fee.

AmyPrib 25-01-2009 19:00

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
For whoever commented that someone should do an analysis of the "centralized" location for teams to attend (like Indy) - it was already done once a few years ago and showed that more teams could reasonably drive to Indy than Atlanta - thus typically saving costs..

So.... I did the analysis again...

This is only accounting for FRC teams.
Data is based on the 340 teams that attended Championships in 2008. Results are similar to what I found back in 2005.

Of those 340 teams, 64 were omitted from much of this because they would have to fly anyways (includes "mandatory fliers" or if 20+hrs of driving).

Note - 54 "Mandatory Fliers" included HI, WA, CA, OR, WA, PR, Brazil, Israel, Mexico. That leaves 10 teams that are 20+hrs driving.

Of the remaining 276 teams:
13 teams are under 3hrs of driving to Atlanta 4.7%
17 teams are under 3hrs of driving to Indy 6.2%

17 teams are under 5hrs of driving to Atlanta 6.2%
73 teams are under 5hrs of driving to Indy 26.4%

74 teams are under 10hrs of driving to Atlanta 26.8%
148 teams are under 10hrs of driving to Indy 53.6%

227 teams are under 15hrs of driving to Atlanta 82.2%
237 teams are under 15hrs of driving to Indy 85.8%

Further - of the 340 teams total: (but not including 54 mandatory fliers)
221 are closer to Indy than Atlanta.
106 teams would shave 5+hrs off their driving if going to Indy instead
33 teams would shave 8+hrs off their driving if going to Indy instead


This is just data. Note it does not take into account who actually flies or drives each year - simply what the realistic potential would be. Also - it's a lot of data, so give or take a few for human error, but it's correct as best I can see.

Burmeister #279 30-01-2009 23:27

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
I personally love atlanta, the stadium, the park, et al, but to be honest, my parents have not* been able to attend because of other family things, nor can my grandparents because of the distance [12-15 hours of driving] from here [Toledo] to Atlanta. Indy on the other hand, what 5 hours easy? our ENTIRE team plus parents etc. could go simply because its close enough that if there's an emergency in between it wouldn't be a whole day before they got back.

my other 2 cents.

*this year was the first but my grandpa has prostate cancer and can't drive more than 5 hours.

waialua359 31-01-2009 00:28

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
All of you are just too spoiled. :p

GaryVoshol 31-01-2009 07:13

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Burmeister #279 (Post 811392)
... because of the distance [12-15 hours of driving] from here [Toledo] to Atlanta.

You drive too slow :rolleyes: We figure about 11 hours from Detroit.
Quote:

Indy on the other hand, what 5 hours easy?
Mapquest says 4, so you should be able to make it in even less that that.

Whatever. The 2010 Championship is on the GWCC calendar.

IndySam 31-01-2009 07:40

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
RFP's are out!

Burmeister #279 04-02-2009 22:05

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryVoshol (Post 811507)
You drive too slow :rolleyes: We figure about 11 hours from Detroit.
Mapquest says 4, so you should be able to make it in even less that that.

Whatever. The 2010 Championship is on the GWCC calendar.

we don't agree with mapquest =P. in previous years we've had one of our mentors who litterally needed to stop every 2 hours for at least 15 minutes because of 'medical' issues or something plus lunch and/or dinner so 14 hours easily covers it. as for indy, i'd be driving and i'd probably go out a day earlier to a camp ground my family owns near angola and hang out there for the night so the 5 hours wouldn't apply anyways =)

as for building, yes i understand the cost for a FIRST HQ would be IMMENSE^10^10 and is the money is much better spent on getting the programs into other highschools, it was just a thought.

i'm up for anyplace closer than atlanta if such a chance arises =)

suj 08-02-2009 20:06

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Hershy center. direct energy center, ontario science center, the rogers center, the streets of toronto ???????????????????????? waterloo? somewhere in ontario

XaulZan11 12-02-2009 10:59

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
I got the perfect idea (for me atleast). As a huge Viking fan I know that they Vikings are looking for a new 1 billion dollar stadium that building needs to start this summer. So, why doesn't FIRST pay the 700 million that the Vikings want the general public to pay and they share it? The Vikings stay in Minnesota and the Championship is closer to me! Perfect plan.

Alan Anderson 12-02-2009 11:34

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by XaulZan11 (Post 819255)
...why doesn't FIRST pay the 700 million...

A simple question, with a simple answer: FIRST doesn't have $700 million to spend.

xAlLKnoWingOnex 12-02-2009 11:46

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
that sounds amazing

Taylor 12-02-2009 11:46

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson (Post 819278)
A simple question, with a simple answer: FIRST doesn't have $700 million to spend.

... yet

XaulZan11 12-02-2009 11:58

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Anderson (Post 819278)
A simple question, with a simple answer: FIRST doesn't have $700 million to spend.

Lol, yeah I know...Atleast its better than FIRST building thier own stadium like others suggested. If they did though, I won't have to replace all my things that say 'Minnesota' Vikings...

Smoores 14-02-2009 01:41

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Speaking of transportation, our team(2272)might be the first team ever to flip a car on its side before we even left the parking spot. :yikes:








I love the championship in Atlanta. If it was in L.A, FIRST would hate it so much they would not even give the L.A. based teams a KOP the next year. Besides, the L.A. regional isn't even in L.A. this year.

Astarties 19-02-2009 22:46

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Cory (Post 769929)
I also suspect it's not going much if any farther west than Atlanta. Leaving the middle of the country makes it much more difficult for the majority of teams to get there.


Umm, last I checked, Atlanta was not in the middle of the country.

It's too bad you need stadium seats for an event like this. The Las Vegas Convention Center could handle it easy. Over 3,200,000 square feet.

alectronic 24-02-2009 02:43

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by qwertyuiop[]\ (Post 770068)
just throwing this out there:

FIRST should invest a whole bunch of money and build their own megacomplex that doubles as a FIRST college for people who want to be engineers or scientists.

that would be awesome, but i think they are already running "in overdrive" you could say to run what they currently have. boy, what i would do to see that though!

alectronic 24-02-2009 02:44

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by suj (Post 816829)
Hershy center. direct energy center, ontario science center, the rogers center, the streets of toronto ???????????????????????? waterloo? somewhere in ontario

sorry, but they would never go out of the US, it is already a nightmare to get 2 field and a KoP to non-US teams let alone millions of dollars of electronics and 400+ teams!!

alectronic 24-02-2009 02:48

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by tb222 (Post 789557)
that's funny, I've had the same ideas. I've pretty much all but drawn out blueprints for the ultimate FIRST stadium! (this sounds like the start of a new thread...)

maybe a contest?? CAD! Yeah!!

BPetry234 24-02-2009 18:12

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by M. Mellott (Post 770004)
I know in Indianapolis, the Indianapolis Convention Center was part of the RCA dome. Plenty of hotels were directly connected to the building, and the CC could handle the pits easily (hey, it handled 2 world-wide Star Wars conventions without a problem).

However, now that the Colts have moved to their new stadium next door, I don't know if the new stadium has a similar setup, or what the plan is for the CC at the old RCA dome. Anyone from IN know?

As far as the CC, they are actually expanding it. We have car shows, Star Wars conventions (like you said), and the Indianapolis 500, which is no joke. The Super Bowl is also being held there in I think 2012. Indianapolis has the infrastructure, the space, and the know how to run such a large event as the FIRST championship. It is also fairly centrally located (Crossroads of America) so it would be easy to get to for almost every team other then those who have to fly. And for those folks, we just put in a new airport.

OZ_341 23-04-2009 15:12

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne C. (Post 769971)
Amen to that. From the point of a coach who arranges the trip and needs to occupy and account for the students in the off hours Disney was the ideal "family" location. I know of NUMEROUS other coaches who agree with this. Is anybody listening?

WC :cool:

Is there any word as to when they will decide on the 2010 Championship location? Disney would be awesome. Kid safe, lots of hotels, lots of media exposure for FIRST.
Win, Win, Win!

IndySam 23-04-2009 15:37

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by OZ_341 (Post 854286)
Is there any word as to when they will decide on the 2010 Championship location? Disney would be awesome. Kid safe, lots of hotels, lots of media exposure for FIRST.
Win, Win, Win!

2010 is in Atlanta

For the next contract the 4 finalist are Atlanta, Indy, St Louis and Phoenix. Sorry no Disney.

Rosiebotboss 23-04-2009 15:40

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Phoenix is out.

IndySam 23-04-2009 15:42

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosiebotboss (Post 854291)
Phoenix is out.

Why, when did that happen?

Alan Anderson 23-04-2009 15:48

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by OZ_341 (Post 854286)
Is there any word as to when they will decide on the 2010 Championship location?

It's already decided. The Georgia Dome and Georgia World Congress Center calendars show FIRST for 04/14/10 - 04/17/10.

OZ_341 23-04-2009 16:01

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Thanks for the quick reply!
Good luck in the off-season!

waialua359 23-04-2009 17:01

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
What happened to those rumors about having it in Seattle?
Many will argue that it should stay from either the Midwest area or east of it.
I say move it West and have the East Coast-side teams share the burden of the "higher" travel costs vs the West Coast-side teams over the years. :D :D

Too bad Phoenix is out..and too bad they cant alternate West-side, East-side from year to year.

KF987 23-04-2009 17:50

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
When I was down on the Galileo field in Atlatna there was a representative from Indy who had a book that laid out how the event would be set up (field layout, pits...) To me it looked like he was going to make a pitch to have the event held in Indy for 2011.

-Keaton

Fireworks 234 23-04-2009 18:16

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by KF987 (Post 854337)
When I was down on the Galileo field in Atlatna there was a representative from Indy who had a book that laid out how the event would be set up (field layout, pits...) To me it looked like he was going to make a pitch to have the event held in Indy for 2011.

-Keaton

Sounds good to me :D

fuzzy1718 23-04-2009 18:23

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
I don't know how feasible it is, or if it has ever been brought up before, but why not have at Joe Louis in Detroit? You've got Cobo hall next door and the smart bus has a stop there. Has any one ever tried? Just a thought for future years.

EdwardP 23-04-2009 18:26

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
It's not a football field, so it's probably too small...

Jared Russell 23-04-2009 18:46

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Of the finalists, Indy and St. Louis sound the best to me. A central championship location is the best compromise for everybody. And after several years in Atlanta, I personally am ready to go somewhere new. Both cities have major airports, plenty of lodging, and large indoor venues.

waialua359 23-04-2009 19:01

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Yes, time for a change of scenery and more central location. :D

Rosiebotboss 23-04-2009 20:35

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Got any BIG venues in Hawaii??

waialua359 23-04-2009 20:45

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Hawaii cannot host such an event. We have a large enough football stadium, but its not indoors.
That's too bad. I'd bet teams would be willing to come for a CMP event despite the costs. Imagine if FIRST expanded big time to Asia, which is what we are hoping for and working on getting more teams? That would be the best "central" location to have it.
I have yet to hear of any team outside of Hawaii complain about our Hawaii regional yet, except that they couldnt stay longer.:p

J. Stofflett 23-04-2009 20:57

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Football stadium would work in the days of Disney it was outdoors covered stage setup in the parking lot at Epcot

JimWright949 23-04-2009 21:00

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by waialua359 (Post 854321)
What happened to those rumors about having it in Seattle?

We could hold it in Quest Field (where the Seahawks play), of course it's an open roof, and it rains a lot, but don't look at those items as problems, look at the rain as an opportunity for a water game.

-Jim

dwaynetrip3119 23-04-2009 21:21

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by fuzzy1718 (Post 854345)
I don't know how feasible it is, or if it has ever been brought up before, but why not have at Joe Louis in Detroit? You've got Cobo hall next door and the smart bus has a stop there. Has any one ever tried? Just a thought for future years.

Cobo arena in detroit will be a good idea. Detroit hosts so many huge events such as Wrestle Mania 21, The Super Bowl and The final four. Those events are at for field but at Cobo, the north american auto show is hosted there every year. There are two huge places in Detroit where it can be hosted.

waialua359 23-04-2009 21:38

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Well believe me,
if it could happen in Hawaii, that would be great!
Who knows,
We've been told by certain FIRST officials in the past that it was impossible to have a Hawaii regional over the years, and with the support of other FIRST officials, NASA, our State Government, BAE Systems and fellow Hawaii/mainland teams, we proved them wrong!

Lets start the push now!! :yikes:

JeffChan 23-04-2009 21:47

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by waialua359 (Post 854386)
Hawaii cannot host such an event. We have a large enough football stadium, but its not indoors.
That's too bad. I'd bet teams would be willing to come for a CMP event despite the costs. Imagine if FIRST expanded big time to Asia, which is what we are hoping for and working on getting more teams? That would be the best "central" location to have it.
I have yet to hear of any team outside of Hawaii complain about our Hawaii regional yet, except that they couldnt stay longer.:p

Hmm only been to Hawaii once but could the Hawaii convention center work? Just a try...

Big Ben 23-04-2009 22:18

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
2010 championships should be held in indianapolis
there is room with the new lucas oil staduim and the pits can be right next to in the convention center

EricH 23-04-2009 22:40

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by J. Stofflett (Post 854391)
Football stadium would work in the days of Disney it was outdoors covered stage setup in the parking lot at Epcot

And note: covered. And I've heard about the "moisture" and heat in the pit tents... Not going to go there...

Nawaid Ladak 23-04-2009 22:57

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
I for one, would love to see it back in Orlando (I wasn't around when it was origionally here... i wish i was though). The magic of disney + the florida weather would make it perfect

(Eric, we had the tent pits for the Florida Regional from 2003-2007, I know what your talking about)

Sarah H 23-04-2009 23:09

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa...are they thinking bout changing nationals. noooo im graduating this year...Im goina be SO jealous if you get it back in disney, that would be so sweet! but not fair

JaneYoung 23-04-2009 23:31

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
I don't know about the future and won't know about the future until the information is made available. What I do know about is a moment that I will never forget. It occurred Saturday night after all the competitions were finished, the medals and trophies had been awarded, the crowds had dispersed, and most of the action had moved to the Finale. I had returned with my friend, Sarah Plemmons, (who was the fantastic Volunteer Coordinator for the Galileo pits) to retrieve her car. We were walking to the elevator to take us down to the garage where it was parked. Where we were walking was across the grass near where the big FIRST banner had hung for a few days and where colorful groups of people had thrown frizbees, played, walked, talked, and laughed. But Saturday night after all was said and done, it was still. Quiet. Beautiful. I stood there for a few minutes and inhaled the fresh cool air and the moment of stillness and I told Sarah that I understand the FIRSTers who remember Disney with fondness and a desire to return. If the Championship were to move from Atlanta, I would have that same sadness, happy fondness, and the desire to return to the wonder that is the Championship in Atlanta. I'm very glad I had that quiet moment with no one around but Sarah. She didn't even attempt one OINK OINK BOOM - I think she was too tired. :)

Imadapocalypse 24-04-2009 01:05

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
i hope that the competition comes more towards the west coast
i dont think i can handle another 24 hours in just airports and planes

GaryVoshol 24-04-2009 08:17

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by dwaynetrip3119 (Post 854398)
Cobo arena in detroit will be a good idea. Detroit hosts so many huge events such as Wrestle Mania 21, The Super Bowl and The final four. Those events are at for field but at Cobo, the north american auto show is hosted there every year. There are two huge places in Detroit where it can be hosted.

No, JLA is not big enough. There's only 20000 seats total, and you can't fit 4 FRC fields, 2 FTC fields and 12 FLL tables on a hockey rink. They would fit at Ford Field, but there's no adjoining convention center for the pits. And there's no place for 20000+ fans to sit in Cobo.

blackiceskier 24-04-2009 08:41

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
hey what about the thought of new york city in madison square garden? plenty of seating hotels a plenty and pit space

dangerousdave 24-04-2009 09:39

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by blackiceskier (Post 854513)
hey what about the thought of new york city in madison square garden? plenty of seating hotels a plenty and pit space

It has been mentioned here and in other threads concerning another Championship location. Your standard basketball / hockey arena will not work. Also, what if the basketball or hockey teams are still playing in mid April? Where are you going to put 5 playing fields plus FLL and other events. Where will the pits be placed? Where will all of the people sit?

Those are just a few of the reasons that the Championship event requires a domed stadium next to or including a massive amount of floor space for the pits. You also need many thousands of hotel rooms near the event with rapid transit close by. An airport very close by that can handle 90 million passengers per year is also helpful. Hundreds of restaurants close by are also helpful. Atlanta easily meets this requirement.

We haven't even talked about the weather yet. Atlanta "almost" always has great weather for Championship's. Yes there have been a few times when the evening at the FIRST Finale party has been in chilly weather but overall the weather has been great for the entire 3 or 4 days.

There appear to be only a few cities that might meet this criteria, maybe Indianapolis or St. Louis? Some here have mentioned that the weather in those cities has been comparable to Atlanta weather in mid April but I can't say.

I am sure that the First staff involved with this type of decision making will make a good decision for the Championship event from 2011 and beyond. It has been fantastic having the event in my "back yard" for 6 years and I would love for that to continue. However, I am sure other cities that have the right facilities would also do a great job so best of luck to every city being considered!

Dave

Koko Ed 24-04-2009 12:07

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by blackiceskier (Post 854513)
hey what about the thought of new york city in madison square garden? plenty of seating hotels a plenty and pit space

The $40 I had to pay to park @ the Javitt's center has clinched my disinterest in going to any more FIRST events in New York City.

Elgin Clock 24-04-2009 12:20

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
The following are cities that offer an Airport to affiliated city train service just like Atlanta currently does.

This is the best thing Atlanta has over a lot of other cities in the past who have held The Championship Event in my opinion.

Quote:


Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airport_rail_link

I would be willing to bet if The Championship Event ever moved, it would be one of the cities listed above for just this very reason.

Rosiebotboss 24-04-2009 12:24

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Elgin Clock (Post 854574)
The following are cities that offer an Airport to affiliated city train service just like Atlanta currently does.

This is the best thing Atlanta has over a lot of other cities in the past who have held The Championship Event in my opinion.


Taken from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airport_rail_link

I would be willing to bet if The Championship Event ever moved, it would be one of the cities listed above for just this very reason.

That list is not completely accurate because Boston is not on it. Not that Boston could be considered becaus eit does not have a domed stadium.

What about Indianapolis? Does that have rail service from the airport?

Zyik 24-04-2009 13:46

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Looking back through the posts I see New Orleans being mentioned occasionally. It sure could use the economy boost. I visited in 2008 and stayed for a few days. It really is a wonderful city. There's 591 hotel results thrown up when I ask Google for Hotels near the Super Dome. Most seem to be easy walking distance, and as one who hiked all over looking at the sites I know that the streets aren't bad in the French Quarter. The disadvantage I see is that I don't believe it has a rail system like MARTA. What does anyone else think about it as a choice?

EricH 24-04-2009 14:03

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosiebotboss (Post 854575)
That list is not completely accurate because Boston is not on it. Not that Boston could be considered becaus eit does not have a domed stadium.

What about Indianapolis? Does that have rail service from the airport?

Los Angeles isn't either. It's not a direct connection (yet?), but the LAX shuttle buses do go to the Metro Green Line, which is just off the airport. However, no domed football stadium here, so no good. (Unless there is one that I don't know about.)

IndySam 24-04-2009 14:28

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Rosiebotboss (Post 854575)

What about Indianapolis? Does that have rail service from the airport?

No but we are used to organizing buses to take large numbers of youth downtown. We host the annual FFA convention every year and it's larger than FIRST.

Stu Bloom 24-04-2009 14:57

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by IndySam (Post 854636)
No but we are used to organizing buses to take large numbers of youth downtown. We host the annual FFA convention every year and it's larger than FIRST.

MUCH larger ... more than 54,000 high school members according to this article. Not to mention over 400,000 visitors for the Indy 500 every year.

I have volunteered at a few of these events (multiple final fours, Indianapolis Tennis Champs, etc...) and I have seen first hand how well we do with continuous shuttles for events like this.

While light rail would be GREAT (there is some discussion currently) I'm sure it won't happen here in Indy until at least the next round of bids for a new FIRST championship city.

One more thing ... if there was to be any consideration of moving FTC and FLL into the convention center, Lucas Oil Stadium is large enough for the FRC playing fields AND the FRC pits.

Macdaddy549 24-04-2009 15:16

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
My suggestion is Disney. I attended the 2001 event and the atmosphere was electric. Much more than the Championships since. The pits and the playing fields were not far away from each other. That meant for an easy transition from the field to the pit. You have to admit that it's a VERY long walk. With this great distance it's hard to go back and forth. Also the venue is much to big. It doesn't have that closeness like the regionals. Let's get away from these giant 70,000 seat stadiums. You only need seating for 15,000 at the most. That's my 2cents. :ahh:

Cory 24-04-2009 15:23

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Macdaddy549 (Post 854665)
My suggestion is Disney. I attended the 2001 event and the atmosphere was electric. Much more than the Championships since. The pits and the playing fields were not far away from each other. That meant for an easy transition from the field to the pit. You have to admit that it's a VERY long walk. With this great distance it's hard to go back and forth. Also the venue is much to big. It doesn't have that closeness like the regionals. Let's get away from these giant 70,000 seat stadiums. You only need seating for 15,000 at the most. That's my 2cents. :ahh:

In 2002 there were something like 240 teams at Epcot and the tent city setup was pretty much maxed out in that configuration. Combine that with a very small FLL presence and nonexistent FTC program, and there was room. With all the FLL/FTC teams there are now, they'd have to significantly expand the scope of the tent city, which obviously hasn't happened yet (and probably never will).

EricH 24-04-2009 15:40

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Macdaddy549 (Post 854665)
Let's get away from these giant 70,000 seat stadiums. You only need seating for 15,000 at the most. That's my 2cents. :ahh:

What are the actual numbers on how many people attend? I'm willing to bet it's more than 15,000.

Let's think about this a bit. There are 340 teams at the Championships. On average, each team brings 10 students and 2 mentors, for a total of 12, of whom 6 need seating most of the time and 6 need it part of the time. (Assumed numbers; actual average is higher. The 6 who need it part of the time are the drive team and 2 "pit guards".)

So, 340*6=2040. That's reasonable-- Until you figure that during Einstein, each team needs 10 seats, unless they're on the floor and then they need 5. 328*10+12*5=3340. You could still do it in a 15,000-seat area. BUT...

How many teams travel with 12 people to the championship? Not many. Plus, I didn't count the visiting populace, the judges, and such like.

So let's say that you bring the average up to 30 persons/team, which is much closer. Again, 24 need seating the whole time, but we'll say that all of them do because the drive team does like to take a break now and again. Also, 340 is a small estimate; I believe it's closer to 350 now. So, 350*30=10,500. Round up to 11,000 for the FRC event, to include everyone (judges, refs, volunteers that aren't on Einstein, etc.). Incidentally, that's actually a pretty small estimate; my team traveled with about 30, and that was everyone. We were often dwarfed in the stands by other teams...

BUT (again), you forget FTC. 10 students per team, plus parents and adults--call it 15 people per team average. I believe that that's another division worth--80 teams. 80*15=1200 people.

And FLL, same as FTC (roughly)--1200 people.

So you have 11000+2400=13400 people. Again allowing for spectators and judges, 14,000. So you could get everyone in, with a little margin, if you make one key assumption:


You're assuming that 6 FRC-sized fields can fit into the floor area of a 15,000-20,000 seat stadium (which would be what, basketball or hockey?), and that there will then be enough entrances and exits for everyone, and that there's a way to arrange them for maximum view, and that there's adequate pit space nearby and a short way to get to it. And remember, they all have to be able to see the Championship field.

If you can find such a place, propose it to FIRST. But remember: you also have to allow for international teams (airport), easy transport (light rail, bus system, lots of parking), plenty of hotel rooms (hey, all those 14,000 people have to stay SOMEWHERE), and no other events at about the same time that'll really tax the above-mentioned transit/lodging arrangements.

If the above criteria were taken, I'd propose Long Beach as the site. It fits, right? (Well, until you try cramming 6 FRC fields onto the Sports Arena floor, that is.)

waialua359 24-04-2009 15:51

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Of all the discussions here, it looks like Indy seems the most likely choice other than Atlanta.
I'd go for DisneyWorld any day, but I agree also that it just cant do the event justice facilities-wise like Atlanta.

kyra2443 25-04-2009 03:55

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
you're all invited to hawaii!!! its a really really long plane ride considering where's you're team is but its so worth it!!! we could go into aloha stadium but sorry no roof but who would need it if you're in hawaii!!!:D

Daniel_LaFleur 25-04-2009 09:12

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by waialua359 (Post 854685)
Of all the discussions here, it looks like Indy seems the most likely choice other than Atlanta.
I'd go for DisneyWorld any day, but I agree also that it just cant do the event justice facilities-wise like Atlanta.

The Disney property may not have the facilities, but Disney could sponsor the event in Orlando. And Orlando does have the facilities.

IndySam 25-04-2009 13:38

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Daniel_LaFleur (Post 854908)
The Disney property may not have the facilities, but Disney could sponsor the event in Orlando. And Orlando does have the facilities.

Well they can bid on the next contract in 2014.

gorrilla 25-04-2009 13:52

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by IndySam (Post 854952)
Well they can bid on the next contract in 2014.

I say...
Raymond James Stadium anyone?;)

qwertyuiop[]\ 25-04-2009 16:48

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
i would love to say that the DC convention center would be a great place, but considering price, it probably would be a little absurd. Also if you are trying to get from the airport to the competition via train it would work to well coming from reagan because most flights to DC come through dulles. THis location as a champion ship event would only work once the dulles rail extension is completed. however concerning space, there is plenty of it. the DC regional was full with plenty of space to spare, while only using one of the centers 4 halls which can be combined into one.

Koko Ed 25-04-2009 17:00

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Macdaddy549 (Post 854665)
My suggestion is Disney. I attended the 2001 event and the atmosphere was electric. Much more than the Championships since. The pits and the playing fields were not far away from each other. That meant for an easy transition from the field to the pit. You have to admit that it's a VERY long walk. With this great distance it's hard to go back and forth. Also the venue is much to big. It doesn't have that closeness like the regionals. Let's get away from these giant 70,000 seat stadiums. You only need seating for 15,000 at the most. That's my 2cents. :ahh:

I don't get the Disney love fest seriously.
All I remember was being hot all the time and could care less about the robots.
Going to the parks afterwards was nice and all but our old lead teacher was right: the FIRST championships at Disney is more about Disney than is about FIRST.
We need to be somewhere where FIRST is the main focus not a side attraction in an amusement park.

Richard Wallace 25-04-2009 17:59

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Koko Ed (Post 854977)
I don't get the Disney love fest seriously.
All I remember was being hot all the time and could care less about the robots.
Going to the parks afterwards was nice and all but our old lead teacher was right: the FIRST championships at Disney is more about Disney than is about FIRST.We need to be somewhere where FIRST is the main focus not a side attraction in an amusement park.

<emphasis mine>

I know the kids on my team had fun when FIRST was at EPCOT in '97, but FIRST wasn't always the first thing on their minds. The adults on the team saw it very differently -- several of them told me they'd rather have been there with their own families. The following year we chose to compete at the (new) Midwest Regional, rather than go back to Disney.

Donut 25-04-2009 18:27

Re: Location Suggestion for 2010 Championship
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Elgin Clock (Post 854574)
The following are cities that offer an Airport to affiliated city train service just like Atlanta currently does.

This is the best thing Atlanta has over a lot of other cities in the past who have held The Championship Event in my opinion.

This fact is why I was surprised to see Phoenix mentioned as one of the Finalists a few pages back. Phoenix has a venue now (the Arizona Cardinals stadium is across the street from the Phoenix Coyotes hockey arena, and there is a large convention center in one of the hotels in the same plaza), and a track record from hosting the recent Super Bowl and NCAA Football Championship, but the major thing still missing is a good transportation link to the airport. The stadium is at least a 20 minute drive from the airport, and although Phoenix just opened a light rail system it is not planned to connect to the stadium until 2017. In addition although we hosted a number of events most people for those big games had to be bussed over because there aren't enough hotels right by the stadium quite yet (and with no light rail line, no easy access to hotels a little further away).

I will say however that Phoenix would be an excellent location for the 2017 Championships and beyond :D


Anyway if a change of scenery can be made to the Championships without compromising its quality, I'm all for it.


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