Disclamer: I don't have a dog in this fight other than to say I think the Chesapeake District Champs should be at the Naval Academy since that is an amazing venue. So feel free to click through my profound thoughts to the next person.
Background music "The times they are a changing"
The 1/2 champs are coming. The push to districts is even more than it was 6 months ago. State and regional organizations are working hard to do their best with funds, times, venues and geography to pull things together.
"It's too far, too disperse, too expensive, no pit space, no corndogs at that venue", and on and on. Litany that I've heard with every other district. But the events happen and life goes on. And so far, the districts that have come to life have been wonderful. I think it's cool that MD and VA got together. Hey WVa, whats up? Going to Ohio?
I'm happy to see all the energy and ideas and great thoughts. Pivot off of CD, find your nearest district person and go "Hey, gallons of blood sweat and tears here for you to use".
You are starting to see lots of "done deals" here. For those of you that are not in a done deal, sign up now to help shape it to what you think it should be (oh bring sponsor money, that makes your voice louder).
For those of you currently in a "done deal" that screws your team, sign up to help on the next go around. Oh yea, and you too should also bring sponsor dollars.
For some of you FRC is going to cost more. For some of you it will cost less. Travel more / travel less. But pay attention, districts / states is the way of the future, regional events are going away, 1/2 champs is here to stay for awhile.
I'm all good for sitting in a room remembering how it was. Much happier sitting in a room going "Love this change, how can we build on it"
But the times are a changing, with you, or against you, they are a changing.