[Phalanx]

I've been doing FIRST since 2003, and missed the EPCOT era. However, I know from Houston, Atlanta, and St. Louis. In comparing the 3, myself I personally pick St. Louis hands down over the others. Here are my reasons why. Keep in mind I'm on the EAST coast.

1) Centralized location for the MAJORITY of FIRST teams.
2) Cheaper hotel, airfare, and food costs than Atlanta.
3) Convention Center(ie.. Pits) to Dome travel is less than 5 minutes.
4) Mass Transit is inexpensive $25 for a weekly ($7 daily) go anywhere as much as you want pass. Both bus and metro rail take you right to the event venue.
5) For those that believe in staying long than just the event, there are a number of great FREE things to see and do. For example, the History Museum, Art Museum, the Zoo and most things in FOREST PARK (via Metro Rail) are FREE. In fact I usually get there a few days ahead of time for sightseeing.

I do agree that the weather can be iffy. I was there for an entire week this year. I had a mix of low 70's sunny, and rainy cold days, the day I left(Monday) it was 81 and sunny. But heck we're inside for the event anyway.

I also agree that finding food in St. Louis in the evenings is difficult. Most places close at 2PM as it's a 8-4/9-5 kind of town. However, I've found that there are a number of good places not far from the venue that are open. I've been told this has been discussed with the St. Louis chamber of commerce, but the local business haven't been willing to invest in the risk that MAYBE someone will come in. That's something that definitely needs more work.