[Tuba4]

We attended the Pittsburgh regional held at the Petersen Events Center (University of Pittsburgh fieldhouse) where wireless internet was not readily available. Periodically we could catch a very weak signal from a nearby Pitt or Carnegie-Mellon network, but no internet access.

We set up a router and had a 3 laptop network going with no ill effects or attention from FIRST. I saw only one other wireless network, which was, strangely enough, a network used by FIRST.

Prior to going to Pittsburgh, I had contacted someone from the Buckeye Regional committee concerning the use of routers and wireless networks at their regional. (I couldn't find a contact name for Pittsburgh or I would have done so there as well.) This person contacted FIRST directly on my behalf. I received an e-mail OK to use our router and wireless network as long as it was for scouting purposes only and we did not have internet access. That was the verdict directly from FIRST. I took a copy of this e-mail with me to both regionals.

As for Atlanta, we didn't try to operate our network due to the distance involved. But I too noticed that wireless internet was readily available in the Georgia Dome. I never noticed it being shut down. We were able to access frequently from Thursday through Saturday with no problems.

I also attended the Canadian regional and used one of those connections someone spoke of earlier to check my e-mail.

Quick sidebar here: If you are within a day's drive of Toronto/Mississauga, it is worth making the trip to the Canadian Regional. The site is great. And Toronto is an awesome city to visit!!