2011 IRI

[Andy Baker]

The IRI website has been updated with a bunch of new information regarding this summer's event.

The 2011 IRI will take place July 21-23, once again at Lawrence North High School. Please keep in mind that over 100 FRC teams would like to compete at IRI, so we have to make it an application process. Here are this year’s specifics:

• Applications for competing at IRI will be entered on the IRI website, starting May 9th, ending May 15th.
• All applications entered during those dates will be evaluated on what that team brings to IRI. Strength of on-field performance during the 2011 season is weighted heaviest. Other factors are also considered.
• Invitations to 66 teams will be sent out on May 18th.
• Most likely, there will be a wait list, so invited teams will have a limited amount of time to pay their entry fee (date tbd). Teams not paying by that date will lose their spot and a team from the wait list will be invited.
• We are working on alternative methods of payment (Paypal?)
• The entry fee is $650. Yes, this is an increase from last year ($500 was the fee in 2010).
• 66 teams (approximately) will be accepted to compete at IRI. Yes, this is a decrease from last year (79 competed in 2010).
• There will be a VIP / mentor dinner on Thursday night, ON THE PLAYING FIELD. Cost will be approximately $25. More information will come on this. We promise that mini-bots will be involved with getting food to the tables.
• Competing teams will each have nine (9) qualification matches
• There will be no mentor match or tournament this year
• There may be an opportunity for mentors and/or students to drive robots, competing in a separate fundraising event. This opportunity may or may not involve a method of destroying tubes used in the 2011 FRC game.
• There will be a talent show
• There will be a return of the Dean Simmons and the Kamen Brothers band, performing after the talent show
• Many student scholarships will be available
• The tech fair will once again be taking place on Friday and Saturday
• Teams will be treated to a meal on Friday night
• Teams will be given 5 coupons for IRI t-shirts
• A silent auction will again take place
• Proceeds from the silent auction and the tube-destroying activity (specifics to be determined) will be donated to two local charities
• Backpacks will be collected, again, for local school children
• Fun will be had by all, of course!

See you then!

Andy B.