[Ken Streeter]

Originally Posted by Jonathan Norris

... This will be the first year that 610 has traveled to the New Hampshire regional, and it looks like our Canadian counterparts and 2006 Champions team 296 will be joining us as the two international teams.

First off, we're glad to see that you'll be attending the BAE Systems Granite State Regional -- welcome!

We've enjoyed the fact that multiple Canadian teams have attended in recent years!

Originally Posted by Jonathan Norris

... there was some controversy last year with the general first week regional blues, hopefully it will be smoother this year.

There's always some leve of controversy about rules in the first week regionals, as the referees and teams are seeing how the rules actually play out for the first time. The only significant controversy I recall from last year concerned disqualification of teams that penetrated the restricted space in the low goals when opposing robots pushed them there. However, any controversy is usually handled quickly and fairly since the referee crew at the BAE GSR tends to be amongst the best anywhere, with some very experienced refs.

Originally Posted by Jonathan Norris

How is the venue?

We think you're likely to have an awesome time at this regional event. From our perspective, the volunteers at the BAE GSR have always been very friendly, helpful, and eager to ensure that all teams are treated well and fairly. The venue itself features close seating for spectating team members, excellent access between the pits and the field, top-notch professionals in an on-site machine shop that can fabricate almost anything a team might need to repair their robot, a half-court practice area for robots, and a very friendly atmosphere. The announcers are awesome, and the multimedia A/V equipment is second-to-none for FIRST events. The level of excitement and intensity is fantastic!

About the only troubles are that parking near the Verizon Wireless arena can be a bit of a hassle on the weekdays (but even that isn't a problem if you don't mind walking a couple blocks) and that the morning waiting area to get in is outside, where it can be bitter cold! (Then again, you might find New Hampshire in March to be downright balmy compared to the weather back home... )

Originally Posted by Jonathan Norris

Who are the teams to look out for?

As far as the level of competition goes, there are dozens of teams capable of fielding top-notch robots. With over 24 teams at the regional being veterans of 5+ years, 18 teams that have been to the championships two or more times, 15 teams that have been past regional champions, 6 different teams that have earned regional Chairman's Awards and 2 Championship Chairman's Award winners, it's unlikely that any team will have more than one match that doesn't include one or more powerhouse teams on the opposing alliance! The competition at BAE's GSR features many teams that have a lot of battle-hardened experience -- this isn't the regional to attend if you are looking for an easy path to bring home a trophy! There's almost too many powerhouse teams to list but teams that have been regional champions multiple times within the last few years include teams 126, 131, 133, 134, 175, 501, and 549. (Please forgive me if I've left anybody out!) Add to that list the 8 other teams that have won regional championships in recent years, and you can count on some very steep competition!

We look forward to meeting you in March, and hope that your team is at their best for the regional!