1) Should a regional host a social event for the teams on Friday evening or not? Is it good for the teams, do teams want to have a social, etc?
YES... I remember socials being the fun & one of the highlights of my HS FIRST career. Its great for the kids to have a chance to meet other team students in a more layed back atmosphere.
2) Should the team social be held at the same venue as the actual matches or not?
NO NO NO NO. Everyone gets sick of being in the exact same place... even if its another building on the campus of the event, thats fine, just not the same room!
3) One thought is to host a social on Friday evening directly after the pits shut down and then end no later than 9pm.....like it or not?
Not sure the end time matters too much, by 10 or 11pm are curfews for most teams. But yes, dont start it before the pits close, that leaves out the pit crews.
4) What sort of food would you expect at a team social (free, paid-for, styles, etc?)
Buffet works best at these events, even if you have to pay for the ticket ahead of time. And of course as long as the food can be kept warm!
5) What sort of entertainment would you like to see at a team social? Examples might be "human-player" games, arcade-style games, karaoke, dancing, LAN-party games, true "Disney-style" entertainment.
I always liked the dancing when I was a student, but it looks like FIRST has abolished that. I think FLR's shot at kareoke went over well with our team. Toronto's Playdium was a great site as well (arcade style), might also think of laser tag or other things. LAN parties are fun, but I think a lot of the kids are burnt out at the end of the day, and things that keep them moving or laughing are the best
