[Roboshant]

I think I have a somewhat unique perspective on this as I was a participant in the Shell Eco-Marathon held in Detroit this year.

Shell set up 125 pits on the eastern third of hall B and C. Note these pits are 10*20, so it is similar to setting up 250 FRC pits.

Hall A is by far the largest hall, and is where Shell set up the practice track. The competition track was right outside Cobo. The queues for both these tracks (+inspection) significantly congested the area. Assuming that FIRST uses hall A for 4 FRC fields, if ample space is not given, there could be significant congestion considering there is 3 times the amount of teams as SEM.

Besides that, there should be enough space for FLL and FTC within the main halls. The basement also provides for a large amount of space, which could be used by sponsors and college set ups.

Teams will also not be able to enjoy as much travelling freedom as they have in St. Louis. Many of the areas directly outside the vicinity of Cobo, Renaissance center, and Ford Field are not the most built up. I think this will result in many teams concentrating themselves around these areas for Food, resulting in huge lines at restaurants. Expect the food court in Cobo and Renaissance to be 100% packed. Although most of the locations outside this general area are safe, I think that many, especially non-Michigan teams, may not feel safe outside this general zone. This problem was not encountered during the Shell Eco-Marathon, as Shell pays for all meals for students/mentors in the Cobo food court, so I can't be 100% sure about this.

(sorry for any grammar mistakes, just thought I would share some of my experiences)