we had a very small arena (like 10 ft by 10 ft) that was filled with an obstacle course that you couldn't hit any perimeter, parallel parking, the overpass (with all the normal things you could do last year with that), a box where you had to place the ball, and 90˚ parking. Each task had a point system attached to it (different than in the game, but any robot that could place or hurdle was destined to do better because it was definately the most points). in addition, you could do each task only two times . . . . it was really fun and all of the teams in MN that participated had a great time.
Another great aspect of it was that teams began bonding with each other. For example - team 2169 (King TEC) and team 2177 (The Robettes) spent the afternoon together eating Sweet Martha cookies and sliding down the Big Slide. It was great for teams to be able to get to know one another. Hopefully next summer more teams can join in!
