NMU is home to the largest wooden dome in the world. How sweet would it be to have a competition in there? I know a few professors up here who would be thrilled to have a robotics competition (even though one told me he doesn't like all the restrictions). We only have a robotics class once every 2 years, and even then only make table top bots, but I'm hoping to help create a larger curriculum for it up here. How are everyone's winter camping skills?
I think orchestrating cheap housing with the university might be difficult during school times, but not impossible. Maybe if the event was to be held during NMU's spring break.