Quote:
Originally posted by David Kelly
Indianapolis, IN. the CROSSROADS of America. Colts are thinking about leaving soon, so why not use the Hoosier Dome and Convention Center.
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While I don't think that the Colts will leave, the idea of having the FIRST Championships in Indy is a good one. I'll explain:
1. Location. Indy is central and many teams could drive here instead of fly. If only 25% of the attending teams would drive instead of fly, then these teams could save as much as $800,000 total.
2. Security. Indianapolis is pretty safe. All of the event locations would be in downtown or at the Speedway (?), and these places are in decent neighborhoods.
3. Event facilities. Downtown Indy has enough facilities to hold the Championships. Adjacent to the RCA Dome is a large convention center. Plenty of hotels are around and there are other things to do downtown (nice mall, good restaurants, etc.).
4. Intangibles. What if (and I'm dreaming here) FIRST could get the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a venue? Now that would be pretty cool... much better than a parking lot outside of Epcot. Also... how about having John Mellencamp as entertainment for the team party. OK, so the students wouldn't like him, but us adults would get into it.
In my opinion, I would be sad if we left Epcot. I still feel that it costs too much money to attend the Championships there, but it is alot of fun, that's for sure. BUT, I think that many people are underestimating many students by saying that they would not be in FIRST if we didn't go to Disney. I think that if they put this in a Kansas cornfield, FIRST will still grow at a 40% rate.
Andy B.