Let's talk about venues...

[thatprogrammer]

Originally Posted by MARS_James

To echo this Orlando has so much that is great about it. Parking is awesome, food is plentiful and cheap, so much open space just outside the arena, plus it is in Orlando just think of the team bonding options.

To get into more details it is held in the CFE(formerly UCF) Arena which has a capacity of just under 10,000. The pits are in the old UCF Arena (Which used to host the event) which is connected to the new arena for very easy access. Because the pits are in the old arena there is plenty of space and congestion is not to big of an issue. The field utilizes both the jumbo screen that most regionals have as well as utilizing the jumbo displays used at the basketball games meaning during eliminations (when we are all stuck behind the curtain) you can still clearly see the matches going on. The seating is also interesting as the seats that have the best view of the field are standard seats so if your team arrives late and is stuck behind an alliance station wall you have the luxury of sitting in the comfy padded premium seats.

Orlando/Florida was my first FIRST competition so it holds a special place in my heart and I do love the constant stream of fresh new teams attending every year.

Orlando was also my first regional, and what a place to be for a first regional! Seeing teams from the top 5% of FRC, playing with over 60 teams in a place like orlando, AND good food! Also the venue's walk isn't too bad, and the AC worked wonderfully. *Florida can get VERY hot * The best thing about Orlando is, no doubt, the fact that the venue is large enough for so many teams. Ample parking and no clogged up entrance to the game field? Perfect!

The place is also really refreshing, because the pits are very brightly lit, and very well laid out. At times, SFL felt not only cramped, but extremely stressful. With Orlando, this was not an issue!

*Jimmy Jones for food means no huge lines or waiting time if getting lunch *