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It appears nobody wants to go to Sacramento (0 teams signed up so far). I wonder why...?
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Sacramento was originally planned for 2004, then got moved up to 2003 kind of last minute. You'll see the new rookie teams from the Sacramento area and Nevada start to register over the next couple weeks, as we're doing workshops and rookie information meetings about registering, getting mentors, and getting teams started.
The other main reason is the new registration system - Northern Cal will be much like Michigan, where one event may look like it doesn't have many teams, but that's just because teams could only reigster for one event right now. Once teams can enter a second event in November, you'll see many of the Silicon Valley teams add Sacramento. By mid November, you'll probably see 30 or more teams in Sacramento and Phoenix (many Southern Cal teams will add Phoenix as their second event).
But for teams looking for great events to go to for a second or third Regional - I'll make these three suggestions:
Sacramento, Seattle, and Phoenix.
All three will have smaller fields, probably between 35-40. This means the teams get to play more, get to know other teams better, a higher percentage of teams in the field will get recognized with awards, more pit area space, and so on.
Also, Sacramento and Phoenix are early (weeks 1 and 2) - which is a great opportunity for teams to get some practice and improve their robots for later competitions. PLUS, of all the regionals in weeks 1 and 2, it's a safe bet that Sacramento and Phoenix will have the best weather and travel conditions.
Seattle is just Seattle - great major city which is nice to visit if teams haven't been before, very beautiful area, great modern venue, and a really neat collection of teams from Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, and ???
I'm one who thinks teams should always pick their closest/home Regional for their main/or only event. For the teams able to attend multiple regionals.....There are many great events around the country - so you really can't go wrong - but I highly recommend those 3.