[EricH]

Originally Posted by Gregor

This is actually a neat idea that I've never read anywhere before.

I think there's a reason for it.

Let's assume that field transport isn't an issue (say you're running back-to-back regionals in the same building, don't bother tearing down the field).

First, for many many people, Sunday is a day to go to church, and they can't go another day. (Saturday is also out for a number of people, though a rather smaller number unless you're attending the Israel Regional--which is held Sunday-Tuesday or Monday-Wednesday, I forget which.)

We'll assume the the second possible reason--Monday "here's what you need to work on this week" meetings/assignments for both mentors and students--can be worked around, though that could be an issue.


But the #1 reason not to use that schedule is...

NO spectators! That's right folks, if you run an event Sunday-Tuesday, the spectators are most likely to come on PRACTICE day! And we all know how awesomely inspiring it is on practice day, with one or two robots at a time thinking about moving or testing out their new doohickey that manipulates the whatsit or interacts with the whodijingle. Eliminations are where the excitement is--imagine no non-FIRST-affiliated spectators showing up for finals.

And if we're trying to inspire people, and get them involved, having your most spectator-friendly day be on a day when most spectators have to go to extra effort to come is not going to help.