(Lack of) Value in the Regional Model

[cglrcng]

Originally Posted by Sunshine

Sorry Billfred, been to IRI once and only once. For the same reason I tried stating earlier. Don't like the bleacher/cafeteria environment. It felt like a high school volleyball event (nothing wrong with that) versus a Regional like Wisconsin where it feels like a really big deal to students and parents. Different strokes for different folks. (Still have fond memories of Atlanta, loved it there, more than St. Louis)

IMHO FIRST has always been different, special and unique. The arena experience is part of this. I don't want to become just another gym experience. Nor do my sponsors I think.

Some of our sponsors give us 2-5k. I fear that we would loose some of this support if they thought it was just another high school event. When we invite them to our regional events they mention how empressed they are. I don't see any high school sports teams getting the outside sponsor support we get.

I'd like to hear from those who made the switch and had major sponsors. Did they stick with you after attending districts?

Kevin, not sure why you reference your team performance? I nor anyone else mentioned it. Gotta ask. Are you totally against Regionals now? Or if they give you 1-2 more matches and judges you'll be happy?

You must understand a regional event in one place is not a regional event in another...We just competed in a Regional event we compete in every year...Yes Hamilton High School in Chandler AZ (AZ East Regional). Stadium Gym bleacher seating.

And this Week 5 event is the NV Regionals in Las Vegas, NV...While it is a Stadium location, we are in an internal large event hall, again bleacher seating large open air high ceilinged event hall...The experience is virtually the same, except the pits have much higher ceilings.

Las Vegas Regionals used to be held 5~6 yrs. ago at the UNLV events center (lots more money to rent), and that had actual Basketball Stadium event seating (not bleachers type).

It depends on location across the country...But, many Regionals today have bleacher type seating, and many are held in High Scool Gyms too (not just District events), is what I was attempting to convey.