New Championship Layout 2015

[PVCpirate]

Originally Posted by Bill_B

The reason FIRST gets to fly so many nations' flags over Einstein is that FLL is more globally diverse than FIRST's other programs. People call the World Festival a "championship" already, even though it is not. Losing the inspiration for the FLL "farm teams" would be a poor strategic move. Those of us in the FLL program really appreciate the support of local FRC teams at our tournaments. FIRST has worked diligently to craft the migration ladder. I would hate to see it suffer by a separation like this.

Here's a question: Does the FLL World Festival take the entire 4 days of the FIRST Championship? Or could it be compressed to 3 1/2 or even 3 days. Then, there could be some sort of break and teams could be encouraged to go check out the FRC matches in the dome, since the new FLL venue seems to be pretty close. Point is, I don't think FIRST wants to lose the inspiration you refer to, and I don't think they rushed into this decision without thinking of that.

[dag0620]

Originally Posted by PVCpirate

I don't think they rushed into this decision without thinking of that.

The fact this is going into effect for 2015 means that there's a good chance that when they were looking to sign the 2015-2017 contract, a city that could serve with multiple venues was something they were looking for. I mean we as the FIRST community have been talking about those events having their own venues for years, so I'm sure the same serious consideration has been happening at HQ.

I overall applaud the choice. I think the "Olympic Style" of having multiple venues in the same city on the same weekend is a smart choice. It allows each program to grow and shine on it's own, while still allowing the cross-inspiration of having them in close proximity.

Plus, if HQ is smart, they'll try to build in a couple FLL events at EJD/AC so they kids will get to see the big robots.

[CENTURION]

Apparently this is where this reply should have gone, I'll just copy/paste:

Well I can't say I'm super happy with this idea.

I feel like FTC always seems to take a backseat because everyone just sees it as "FRC lite". Moving it to a whole other building, and out of the dome, will really take something away from the experience I think. And as much as I love FTC, I feel it already leaves something to be desired in the "inspiration" category.

It kind of feels like the other programs have been "downgraded".

Though maybe that's a little hasty of me.

If the new venue makes space for more FTC divisions and teams, that's good. But I still feel like FTC doesn't get quite the recognition it deserves.

[orangemoore]

Originally Posted by CENTURION

If the new venue makes space for more FTC divisions and teams, that's good. But I still feel like FTC doesn't get quite the recognition it deserves.

I certainly feel the same way about how FTC is undervalued/not recognized like FRC is.

[nicolelin]

I was on FTC in the fall too (7641 M-SET Betta Fish) and I do believe that the FTC teams would appreciate the increase in size at championships. Only a very, very small fraction of teams get to compete.

Props to FIRST for organizing an event of that size next year.

[PayneTrain]

People have noticed issues with the venue getting cramped. FRC brings the eye candy and gets a higher percentage of slots. FTC and FLL invited to CMP/teams registered is so painfully, criminally low. You give fewer opportunities for teams to attend an event like worlds and they can't be postiviely affected by the event. I'm exited to try something new.

[BSV]

Originally Posted by PVCpirate

Here's a question: Does the FLL World Festival take the entire 4 days of the FIRST Championship? Or could it be compressed to 3 1/2 or even 3 days. Then, there could be some sort of break and teams could be encouraged to go check out the FRC matches in the dome, since the new FLL venue seems to be pretty close. Point is, I don't think FIRST wants to lose the inspiration you refer to, and I don't think they rushed into this decision without thinking of that.

As an FLL team at the championships for the first time this year, we had mixed emotions when we heard this.

One one hand, it would be nice to have a shot at qualifying again next year because of the expanded field. On the other hand, one of the great things about the event was that all the programs were in the same location. We didn't have much down time to visit the FRC/FTC pits as it was this year (we really wanted to spend time there), and when the venue is at a different location next year, I don't see how that can happen at all. I have kids who are now FIRSTers for life because they can see their path forward in the progression of programs.

Another thought: FLL is hard to qualify for the World Festival (less than 0.5% of teams in the world get an invite, as opposed to about 10% - I think - of FRC teams). So, most FLL kids will never get the opportunity to attend anyway. Unless they are directly mentored by an FRC team, it doesn't seem likely that they will make the connection.