Downtime?! There are 65 other teams to see this year. There is work to be done in the pits, in scouting, etc. I have always found the Greater Toronto Regional to be a wealth of fun due to the international diversity, the large number of teams, and the wonderful setup. How large is your team? We have 24 students and keep them busy at all times (pits, drive team scouting, scouting, videotaping).
Regarding the tailgate - maybe that would make 639 members wake up earlier and get to the pits on time

Regarding the gaming competition - I can't believe that there's not enough to do during the actual competition to be playing games in the pits. Do that in your hotel.