[JesseK]

I don't remember mass paper airplanes prior to 2011, and I've been to champs every year since 2007.

Let me preface this by stating that we really do need to get rid of the airplanes. It shows an utter disrespect to people we really appreciate.

The reality is, the airplane issue is a double-edged sword.

On the one hand, many people disrespected the speakers and people on the floor by throwing things at them. On the other hand, the excitement of Einstein and Closing Ceremonies was totally annihilated by the fact that the whole process took four hours. For many people who showed up earlier than 3pm to get good seats, it was 5+ hours.

I was down in the lower stands, section 130. I concur that the airplane throwing needs to be addressed. However, the length and boredom of Closing Ceremonies is the root cause (not starting on time, going much longer than expected). Many FLL events bring in the drama club to keep the kids entertained for 30-45 minutes while the judging process wraps up. Along the same lines, FIRST could do something for Closing Ceremonies. Perhaps in keeping with the "Make it Loud" theme, a small entertainment event could start at 3pm on Saturday.