Rutgers is Too Crowded

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Posted by Sean S. at 03/17/2001 5:24 PM EST


Student on team #11, M.O.R.T. (Mount Olive Robotics Team), from Mount Olive H. S. and BASF.



I don't know what the other regionals were like this weekend, but Rutgers was full of people. Early in the morning on Friday they had to send people in a building next to the one where the competition takes place because of the fire hazard. On Saturday morning there was a line that went halfway down the block by 7:30 to try to get in. What do some of you others think about the situation? Should it be moved to a larger building?

Sean from Team #11 (M.O.R.T.)

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Posted by Tom at 03/17/2001 7:26 PM EST


Student on team #25, Raider Robotix, from North Brunswick Township High School and Bristol Myers-Squib.


In Reply to: Rutgers is Too Crowded
Posted by Sean S. on 03/17/2001 5:24 PM EST:



Yea it is very crowded there. Our driver almost didn't get in!

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Posted by Mike at 03/18/2001 12:30 AM EST


Student on team #56, RobbeXtreme, from Bound Brook and Ethicon.


In Reply to: Re: Rutgers is Too Crowded
Posted by Tom on 03/17/2001 7:26 PM EST:



Something needs to be done about Rutgers. Our team leader from our corporate sponsor had difficulties in getting in. According to the FIRST site, the listed capacity for Rutgers was 36 Teams, there were 34 teams there this year and we had major problems with the amount of people, could you imagine if there were 36 teams there?!?!?!? They started sending people next door around 8:15 on Saturday. You can definitely say that FIRST Fever has caught on in the area. There were a lot of people that would of liked to come in and watch the competition, but they were sent next door to only be able to sign in on a very long waiting list, and to watch the matches on a Projection Screen that didn’t even work half the time and without sound. I heard some complaints about the Rutgers and FIRST staff at the waiting area next door being rude to some people. Some people estimated there were from 300 to 500 people waiting to get in.
It's time for a change with the J&J Mid Atlantic regional, they either need to A: Lower the limit of how many teams can compete at this regional, or B: Move this regional to a larger venue. I think moving the regional to the Rutger's Athletic Center (The RAC) would be the best plan. There is a lot more room there for more teams, and for more spectators. If they can't have it in the RAC, then they should completely pull out of Rutgers and find another suitable venue elsewhere. They need to do somthing about this problem for next year, or otherwise we may have even more problems.

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Posted by Kevin Sevcik at 03/18/2001 1:25 AM EST


Other on team #57, Leopards, from BT Washington and the High School for Engineering Professions and Exxon, Kellog Brown & Root, Powell Electrical.


In Reply to: Re: Rutgers is WAY Too Crowded
Posted by Mike on 03/18/2001 12:30 AM EST:



It's very noble to talk about how FIRST needs more room there to let more spectators in. This is definitely a good goal. But do you people have any idea what goes into these regionals? How much work they are to setup? How hard all those FIRST Staff work? I guarantee you that the FIRST Saffters are generally nice people, but if you had to keep telling 500 people that they couldn't come in because the fire marshal would shut the place down, wouldn't you get a bit surly?

As for moving the regional... I again ask, do you know how tough setting these things up is? In addition to planning the layout, logistics, etc for a new venue, there is also a new budget to work up, more sponsors to get, etc. Lemme tell you, you've gotta be really good to just run one of these things. Actually moving a venue in under a year would be a real feat. If the venue is changed next year, it's probably because FIRST started the work last year.

Now, some of you may think this is blown a little out of proportion, but I'll only accept complaints from people who have actually volunteered or worked for FIRST and seen the behind-the-scenes scramble that is a regional.

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Posted by Jon - T190 at 03/18/2001 2:28 AM EST


Engineer on team #190, Gompei, from Mass Academy of Math and Science and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.


In Reply to: Contrary to popular belief...
Posted by Kevin Sevcik on 03/18/2001 1:25 AM EST:



Rutgers is very crowded.. we went last year and our regional choice is made by the schedule not us...

having worked on our campus' social board and a regional planning committee(kevin! , i know the amount of work that goes into making a multiday event happen and more intimately into what makes a FIRST event happen.

i think moving the venue in a year is definitely possible and the best option for rutgers. i remember the "intimacy" of the venue. that was the best word we came up with for the close quarters we were dealing with.


: It's very noble to talk about how FIRST needs more room there to let more spectators in. This is definitely a good goal. But do you people have any idea what goes into these regionals? How much work they are to setup? How hard all those FIRST Staff work? I guarantee you that the FIRST Saffters are generally nice people, but if you had to keep telling 500 people that they couldn't come in because the fire marshal would shut the place down, wouldn't you get a bit surly?

: As for moving the regional... I again ask, do you know how tough setting these things up is? In addition to planning the layout, logistics, etc for a new venue, there is also a new budget to work up, more sponsors to get, etc. Lemme tell you, you've gotta be really good to just run one of these things. Actually moving a venue in under a year would be a real feat. If the venue is changed next year, it's probably because FIRST started the work last year.

: Now, some of you may think this is blown a little out of proportion, but I'll only accept complaints from people who have actually volunteered or worked for FIRST and seen the behind-the-scenes scramble that is a regional.

[archiver]

Posted by lucia Sevcik at 03/18/2001 2:35 AM EST


Other on team Leopards from Booker T. Washington sponsored by ExxonMobil.


In Reply to: Contrary to popular belief...
Posted by Kevin Sevcik on 03/18/2001 1:25 AM EST:



: It's very noble to talk about how FIRST needs more room there to let more spectators in. This is definitely a good goal. But do you people have any idea what goes into these regionals? How much work they are to setup? How hard all those FIRST Staff work? I guarantee you that the FIRST Saffters are generally nice people, but if you had to keep telling 500 people that they couldn't come in because the fire marshal would shut the place down, wouldn't you get a bit surly?

: As for moving the regional... I again ask, do you know how tough setting these things up is? In addition to planning the layout, logistics, etc for a new venue, there is also a new budget to work up, more sponsors to get, etc. Lemme tell you, you've gotta be really good to just run one of these things. Actually moving a venue in under a year would be a real feat. If the venue is changed next year, it's probably because FIRST started the work last year.

: Now, some of you may think this is blown a little out of proportion, but I'll only accept complaints from people who have actually volunteered or worked for FIRST and seen the behind-the-scenes scramble that is a regional.

Hi Guys! In regard to the Rutgers venue issue, I understand both perspectives being affiliated with a team as well as coordinating a regional. Team #57 had the same compliants about the KSC regional in 1999. There were too many teams, the pits were very crowded (elbow to elbow) and a fire hazard. I was very vocal to FIRST the same as you are. I decided if I wasn't part of the solution I was part of the problem so I came back to my own home state of Texas and started the "Lone Star Regional" in Houston. The FIRST staff in New Hampshire is very small and works many long hours to put on the event. The challenge for the attendees is to become more involved with your regional committee, voice your concerns and offer solutions.

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Posted by Aidan Browne, PhD at 03/18/2001 9:38 AM EST


Engineer on team #175, Buzz Robotics, from Enrico Fermi and Hamilton Sundstrand Space Systems Intl.


In Reply to: Contrary to popular belief...
Posted by Kevin Sevcik on 03/18/2001 1:25 AM EST:



Absolutely Kevin,

It seems to be really easy for everyone to complain FIRST this, FIRST that.

Do you all know that there were exactly three (yes 3) FIRST employees at the entire Rutgers Regional -- everyone else were volunteers. They all did an awesome job and once again ran a smooth operation -- Thanks!!!

Aidan

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Posted by nick237 at 03/18/2001 11:20 AM EST


Engineer on team #237, sie h2o bots, from Watertown high school ct and sieman co.


In Reply to: Contrary to popular belief...
Posted by Kevin Sevcik on 03/18/2001 1:25 AM EST:



Kevin. You left out a little information as to if you were inside the arena viewing the games live, or you were out side in the side building for three hours watching the games on a non working projection screen with no sound.
You also didnt mention if you drove three hours from 6am across three states to view the games and then be told "sorry" you have to wait because just like last year, we over booked the arena and didnt do anything to make things better this year.
And as for having people work behind the scenes who know what its like to scramble, then thats all the more reason to do some thing about it. Organization is the key to success, were not complaining were expressing our concernes.
Its hard to promot the excitement of the FIRST concept if you cant get in, I wonder how many people came to Ruttgers with the intent of sponsoring a team and were turned away for lack of space.
nick237


: It's very noble to talk about how FIRST needs more room there to let more spectators in. This is definitely a good goal. But do you people have any idea what goes into these regionals? How much work they are to setup? How hard all those FIRST Staff work? I guarantee you that the FIRST Saffters are generally nice people, but if you had to keep telling 500 people that they couldn't come in because the fire marshal would shut the place down, wouldn't you get a bit surly?

: As for moving the regional... I again ask, do you know how tough setting these things up is? In addition to planning the layout, logistics, etc for a new venue, there is also a new budget to work up, more sponsors to get, etc. Lemme tell you, you've gotta be really good to just run one of these things. Actually moving a venue in under a year would be a real feat. If the venue is changed next year, it's probably because FIRST started the work last year.

: Now, some of you may think this is blown a little out of proportion, but I'll only accept complaints from people who have actually volunteered or worked for FIRST and seen the behind-the-scenes scramble that is a regional.

[archiver]

Posted by Matt Leese at 03/18/2001 12:13 PM EST


Other on team #73, Tigerbolt, from Edison Technical HS and Alstom & Fiber Technologies & RIT.


In Reply to: Re: Contrary to popular belief... hmmmm
Posted by nick237 on 03/18/2001 11:20 AM EST:



According to what I was told, Rutgers can accomadate 2380 people by fire codes (20 bands per team * 34 teams + 1700 bands handed out to begin with). That's a lot of people. On some of the earlier days (Thurdsay and Friday), the main cause of the problem was teams bringing cheerleaders and bands. When every team brings a 100 people with them, then there won't be enough room. I didn't really see much of that on Saturday but it was crowded. Personally, I like the Rutgers venue (it's my favorite of any of I've been to and that's a fair number) as it's the most intimate and it also the loudest (there's something to be said for being loud). Rutgers was not overbooked. Overbooked would mean that the teams can't get in. I don't know of any team that couldn't get there whole team inside (correct me if I'm wrong). The Rutgers venue is donated space. If you get to the site early enough, you can get in. It's as simple as that. Complaining about leaving at 6:00 AM doesn't entitle you to special priviledges. By attending you took the risk of not being allowed in. They did provide alternate viewing. They didn't just toss you out onto the street. There's really no difference between this and me going to the baseball game early to try and get some bleacher seat tickets. I take a risk. If I don't get there early enough, I don't get in. Just because it's free doesn't mean that they should be forced to let everyone in that came. Also, please remember that the whole arm band deal was by Rutgers and not FIRST.

Matt who enjoys Rutgers a lot and hopes it's not moved

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Posted by Joe Johnson at 03/19/2001 8:30 AM EST


Engineer on team #47, Chief Delphi, from Pontiac Central High School and Delphi Automotive Systems.


In Reply to: The situation is fine
Posted by Matt Leese on 03/18/2001 12:13 PM EST:



I know that it is fustrating to have to wait to get it. I hope that FIRST can do something to make the situation better...

...BUT the Rutgers venue is the best venue in FIRST (from what I know personally and have been told).

The viewing is awesome. The house is loud.

If I were king, I would limit the number of teams and keep the venue.

Rutgers Rocks!

Joe J.

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Posted by Jason Iannuzzi at 03/19/2001 11:01 AM EST


Engineer on team #11, Marauders, from Mt. Olive HS. and BASF, Rame Hart, CCM.


In Reply to: NJ is the best venue
Posted by Joe Johnson on 03/19/2001 8:30 AM EST:



As an alumni of the school, and having been involved with the group of people who originally brought FIRST to Rutgers, I say thank you!

But...I love the venue, but I'd have to agree that it was WAY too crowded. Either they need to limit the number of teams or move to the RAC (a few miles away and MUCH larger.) I'm sorry, but only having 20 bands for each team seems inadequate. Our team is small by most standards, and even we have more than 20 "participants". I'm one of the two mechanical engineers on our team, certainly someone who should be gauranteed a spot, and I had to sneak in.

Even if only 300-500 people waited next door, it's impossible to count how many showed up and just left. If you are turning away a significant percantage of the people that show up, you have a problem. Watching FIRST on a projector is not even in the same ballpark as seeing it live.

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Posted by David Kelso at 03/19/2001 4:20 PM EST


Coach on team #131, C.H.A.O.S.-, from Central High School and OSRAM SYLVANIA/ Fleet .


In Reply to: NJ is the best venue
Posted by Joe Johnson on 03/19/2001 8:30 AM EST:



In the past years when New Hampshire College was the site of the New England Competition, 100's of people waited or walked away. The negative P.R. is not worth it if you wish this project to grow. I would run into people for months after the event and they would let me know how unhappy they were. Of course, with FREE admission, filling a site should not be difficult, paying for the use of a big site is difficult.

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Posted by nick237 at 03/18/2001 12:05 AM EST


Engineer on team #237, sie h2o bots, from Watertown high school ct and sieman co.


In Reply to: Rutgers is Too Crowded
Posted by Sean S. on 03/17/2001 5:24 PM EST:



It was the same last year, this year was worse as there were more teams so FIRST didnt learn from last year.
If were invited to attend then there should be room for all. Last year we had to wait hours to get in and even considered sneeking in. A great way to promote public interest.
Our team drove from north west connecticut to view the games and had to wait three hours in a side building prior to getting in, this lack of organization is poor
and needs to be addressed.
nick237


: I don't know what the other regionals were like this weekend, but Rutgers was full of people. Early in the morning on Friday they had to send people in a building next to the one where the competition takes place because of the fire hazard. On Saturday morning there was a line that went halfway down the block by 7:30 to try to get in. What do some of you others think about the situation? Should it be moved to a larger building?

: Sean from Team #11 (M.O.R.T.)

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Posted by Wayne Cokeley at 03/18/2001 7:19 AM EST


Coach on team #25, Raider Robotix, from North Brunswick Twp. H.S. and Bristol-Myers Squibb.


In Reply to: Rutgers is Too Crowded
Posted by Sean S. on 03/17/2001 5:24 PM EST:



: I don't know what the other regionals were like this weekend, but Rutgers was full of people. Early in the morning on Friday they had to send people in a building next to the one where the competition takes place because of the fire hazard. On Saturday morning there was a line that went halfway down the block by 7:30 to try to get in. What do some of you others think about the situation? Should it be moved to a larger building?

: Sean from Team #11 (M.O.R.T.)

Complaining about a problem doesn't solve it.

Since the Rutgers Regional has been primarily composed of NJ teams, how about having a group of them get together to deal with the problem? It only makes sense that local people know the local area best. I can only imagine the incredible hassles involved with organizing a regional "convention" from a remote location. FIRST is to be commended for making things flow as smoothly as they do.
Rutgers has served FIRST well for the past five years. The facility has both a pit and competition area, a nearby banquet facility, a nice seating arrangement for viewing the matches and I assume the price is right. Its just too small. Got any suggestions of a similar, larger facility?

If any of my compadres out there want to contact me and work on this to help FIRST out drop me an e-mail through my link on the Raider Robotix page.