|
Well, I guess I'll be the lone dissenter. I've gone to many different regionals over the past 5 years and the Nationals twice.
I have never understood the draw of Nationals. To me, they are big, unwieldy, and impersonal. They are chaotic, exhausting, and somewhere down the bottom of the list I'd put fun. The crowds at the Nats are always rotating in and out of seats after every match, I don't like that. It seems like people watch their robot and take off. The whole thing seems so transient.
I enjoy the smaller venues of the regionals. I enjoy the personal atmosphere. I enjoy seeing the same teams every year, with a few new ones to make things interesting. The crowds at the Regionals are always intense, probably exaggerated by the smaller venues. You have all that energy and excitement bottled up. The spectators sit down and watch for the whole day. I feel like we're putting on a show.
Probably my favorite point on the Regionals, FIRST is the center of attention at every single Regional. There are no other distractions. At the Nats, Disney takes the main stage, and FIRST just seems like a side show there, and that's exactly what it is.
I guess I like being a big fish in a small pond. I also prefer watching a band play at bar rather than in a stadium. Probably just me though.
|