Future of WPI Events
 

Students at WPI just got an email blast about the new athletic center being built, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that they have dedicated space in the new 114,000 sf center to pits for robotics events. Below is an image of the floorplan. More info here.

Re: Future of WPI Events
 

Now that's just flippin' awesome!!! Congrats!!! :)

Re: Future of WPI Events
 

What will they be using that space for the rest of the year? It's great and all to think about what events use your facilities and design accordingly but right now there are two events that I know of that need robot pits. Presumably they aren't going to build this large open area and use it twice a year...

Re: Future of WPI Events
 

Looks like they are mapping out enough spaces for 55/56 teams.

Re: Future of WPI Events
 

It fits Battlecry well.
I guess they wanted the WPI regional to get bigger too.

Re: Future of WPI Events
 

The robot pits appear to be one floor below the gymnasium level, but with a nice view of the swimming pool.

Unless...

...it's advanced notice of a future season's underwater game?

Re: Future of WPI Events
 

Just goes to show how FIRST is getting seen as more of a sporting like event every day. This keeps up soon one of Dean's robotic arms will be sending out a first pitch.

Re: Future of WPI Events
 

Notice the "Connection to Harrington" in the right side of the floor plan. This would indicate that the field would continue to be in Harrington while the pits would be in the new athletic center. Eliminating pits in Harrington would allow for the field to be centered on the basketball court, thus opening up the other side of seating (and doubling participant capacity).

Re: Future of WPI Events
 

The space is actually pretty cool. Power will be built into each pit. Screens are being built into the walls for rankings and possibly even video. The space is at the same level as Harrington and will have an easy path to get there while being inside the entire time.

When we won't be having competitions the space will probably be used for yoga and other such things.

Re: Future of WPI Events
 

So.....where is everyone going to park?

Re: Future of WPI Events
 

A most excellent question =)

Re: Future of WPI Events
 

Perhaps in Connecticut

Re: Future of WPI Events
 

Well, most events are on the weekend, so they can use Founder's Lot, assuming WPI lets them.. There's the tiny lot at the 'Chopper down the hill, but no good for teams hauling gear .. So might as well be somewhere in Cownecticut ;)

Re: Future of WPI Events
 

They are also planning on eventually building a parking garage under the baseball and softball fields. This wouldn't happen until after the new athletics facility is done.

Re: Future of WPI Events
 

There was parking lots on the campus.
Just don't know how close they would be to the building.