Quote:
Originally posted by Eric Reed
Well, the airfare is about the same to go to New York as anywhere else (around $200), and we're trying to attend a different regional each year. The students are paying for most of the trip, so I want to make it as cheeeeep as possible.
The students really want to see New York, and I figure the lodging would be cheaper in LI, plus the likelihood of losing a student is diminished  . PLUS there is no date or location yet for the Manhatten regional! Anyway, keep the suggestions coming...we may end up in Manhatten if I can't find a reasonable place on LI.
Thanks!
Eric.
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There aren't many hotels on Long Island, and there are fewer close to the competition site. Their rates are about to equal to what you can expect from FIRST in Manhattan, I think, being roughly ~$150/night. FIRST's discounted rate may be a bit better. Maybe as low as $100/night.
Also, you should know that the LI competition venue is about 50 miles from Manhattan (less, probably). For $200 airfare, I'll assume that you'd be arriving at either LaGuardia or JFK Int'l. They're each about about 20? miles or so from the center of Manhattan. Islip MacArthur Airport is closer to the competition site, but airfare is usually more expensive.
If you want to visit Manhattan proper, there is a train station adjunct to the competition site, and you can take an LIRR train into Penn. Station.
Still, it'd be difficult to get around without hiring transportation, but not impossible. I don't think any team has come to LI without their own transportation, except for team 15 in 2000, so I can't even refer you to much anyone for other help.
I'm not sure what's going on with the NYC Regional. It's been held uptown at Columbia University in the past, but that may change. You could get to Manhattan using public transportation from either metro airport, but it'd be easier to hire transportation.
Your costs, I think, would probably be a tad higher, but not significantly. The benefit of being in Manhattan, though, might be worth it.
Still, we'd love to have you on Long Island. Out of curiousity, what's your home regional? 810 is eyeing California
It could be like a FIRST Team exchange program