[Brandon Martus]

I'm guessing there is a lot of hidden cost that the average competition-goer doesn't see. Many of the crew are paid FIRST staff. Then, think about all of the broadcast equipment (the screens, the sound equipment & staff, video crew, etc). Banners, trophies, medals for the award-winning teams. They feed the volunteers. Buy t-shirts for the staff & volunteer crew, so they are recognizable. There are signs everywhere pointing people in the right directions.

Who knows, for sure. I don't work for FIRST, and I'm betting 99% of the people here don't either, so who's to say..