[DaveF]

As one of the lead volunteers who set up the field, I can answer the question about the carpet and plates. Yes, there should have been carpet over the plates. Friday night was the first time we had an opportunity to set up the new field. We had planned to set up in the afternoon and evening, allowing us to run out and get any materials we needed. Well... due to scheduling error with the school, set up did not start until after 8 PM. We had a great crew willing to work through the night to get the job done. Seeing all the arena game components for the first time, it is difficult ot ensure you have everything on hand. Well... there isn't anywhere to buy extra carpet easily at 1:30 AM. I apologize to 1727 for the problem.

I would like to point out to teams that the carpet used at the Regionals is typically fairly thin. It will help the situation some, but there will still a bit of an abrupt change at the edge of the plates even with the carpet on top. So please plan accordingly.