[Lil' Lavery]

I'll rate the East Coast regionals that I've been to.

Chesapeake (2003, 2004, 2005):
Big venue with alot of teams. The venue may be too large though, as you don't get that "atmosphere" and feeling of excitement you get at some smaller events. The field typically has a few upper teir teams in FIRST, but usually lacks depth after the first and second levels of teams. Bonus points for Jeff Seaton as MC though.
5.5/10

Philly @ Drexel (2001, but I also attended twice when it was at Temple):
Smaller venue and a small field of teams, but "pound for pound" may be one of the most competative regionals. Many loyal upper level teams attend (341, 357, 365, etc.). Smaller venue lends to a more intense and friendly atmosphere.
7.5/10

Peachtree (2006):
Held at a convention center, so seating is inferior to that in a sporting venue. Feeling in the arena is similar to Chesapeake, as it doesn't generate the same atmosphere as VCU, Philly or some other regionals. A mid-sized field of teams, most from Georgia, and a few from other locations in the South. Rarely draws teams from further than Virginia. Convention center does allow for a full sized practice field (provided by 1002 in 2006), and judges rooms away from the action (which can be preferable for preparing to do a Chairman's presentation). Worst food ever though. Lower competative level than other regionals leads for a higher unpredicability and ability for rookies to compete well.
6/10

VCU (2001-2006):
The absolute best venue I have ever expierienced (and I have expierienced 13 different venues for FIRST competitions). Large field of teams, a vast majority from Virginia. Most of the teams are local and lower budget, meaning there is a great deal of paridy, allowing for unpredictability, excitement, and rookie competition. Draws loyalty from many outside travelling teams (843 has come down from Canada 3 or 4 times, 447 came two years in a row from Indiana, 383 made several trips from Brazil), and local teams alike (very few decide to goto Chesapeake instead of VCU). Has a small "upper crust" of highly competative teams, and occasionally draws major outside competitors (33, 64, 365). Close proximity to a Krispy Kreme. Often the site of the first "game hint" for the next seasons competition. Jeff Seaton is also MC!
9/10