2009 Southern California Regional

[ChrisH]

FIRST is probably still calling it the Los Angeles Regional, but since it has been moved to Long Beach, the name in the thread title is probably more appropriate.

The Regional will be Week 3, March 12-14 at the Long Beach Arena. Right next door to the Long Beach Convention Center. Nice hotels, a variety of restaurants, a beach, Aquarium of the Pacific, and the Queen Mary in easy walking distance. Not to mention a Segway dealer/rental place and the Metro Blue Line for those that do not want to pay for parking. It is close to Long Beach Airport which can be cheaper to fly into than LAX and is certainly less hassle.

If your team is looking for a really nice away regional, this is a good place to come

[Nica F.]

Long Beach? That's quite new. I don't know if I will be used to calling that my old home regional with the drive being longer. But the Long Beach Convention Center sounds like a great Southern California-esque setting for anyone planning to come in from out of state (even though we get 1 out of state team per year (excluding Nevada and Arizona)). Waking up a bit early might be a little bit more of a pain for some teams though .

The places to visit around it sound fun. I'm sure in addition to it being a great regional the social will be pretty stellar as well with new options.I'm a bit depressed I won't be able to make it for the first time since I've joined FIRST.

[cdennisxlx2]

Originally Posted by ChrisH

FIRST is probably still calling it the Los Angeles Regional, but since it has been moved to Long Beach, the name in the thread title is probably more appropriate.

If memory serves, they changed the LA Regional to "Los Angeles Regional" from "Southern California Regional" when we [San Diego] got our regional and FIRST decided it was fair to just call each by city/county. Since we are both southern California counties.

[KarenH]

The Long Beach Arena is less than 3 miles from the city of Los Angeles, and it's still within Los Angeles County. So I think it's reasonable to keep calling this the Los Angeles Regional.

The surrounding area is definitely more user-friendly than where we've had the competition in the past. If I were visiting from out of the area, my "wish list" would include staying on the Queen Mary, then riding a Segway to the arena. Of course, I don't really have that kind of money...

An extra day to visit the aquarium and tour the Queen Mary would be more within budget.

[waialua359]

We were fortunate today to have a MasterCAM expert provide MasterCAM and CNC (post-processor) training this past weekend who was a former instructor/mentor of team 696 Clark Magnet School and Glendale Community College.
Heard nothing but great things about that team.

[AdamHeard]

973 will be returning to the LA regional this season.

[MrForbes]

We might be there too!

[spc295]

we will be there

[R.C.]

Team 1323 will coming this year. =)

[Sunbun]

A nice mix of teams this year. Along with "the usual suspects," we have two Brazilian teams and one Chilean team, and four rookie teams so far.

1197 will be joining the fray, as well.

[spc295]

will 1323 also be at davis this year?

[NoahTheBoa]

1138 will be there. Can't wait!

[R.C.]

Originally Posted by spc295

will 1323 also be at davis this year?

Yes, team 1323 will also be at Davis and we are looking forward to playing with you guys.

[chaoticprout]

Oh man this just made my day. First off congrats to 207, 973 and (of course) 2659, especially 2659 cause I love you guys, great job guys, 2nd regional you guys attended to take it all home. Good stuff.

Man, I waited a year and it was worth it, congrats guys back home in LA. I wish I was there with you.

[MrForbes]

big congrats to 1138 on winning Chairmans!

It was a very competitive regional, lots of close matches. 973 definitely ate their Wheaties (literally) and it did the trick! Congrats to them, 207, and 2659 for pulling off the underdog win, it was very impressive. Thanks to our alliance partners 330 and 980,it was great playing with you, and we almost did it....

The regional went very smoothly, aside from some field reset delays the first two mornings. The music sound level was just right (no hearing protection required), the elimination rounds went very quickly, and the volunteers all did a great job, thanks!

We're off to Phoenix next weekend, hope our robot gets there