If the regional is broadcast by NASA is/was actually one of the criteria our team uses/ed to decide what regional events we would attend. It allows for the students who don't get to travel to watch the competition as well as the parents and sponsors. They get a chance to see why they haven't seen their children for the last six or so weeks. The sponsors get to see the excitement of the competition and their logo on TV.
It is also a great scouting opportunity!
