Future First Championship News

[bigbeezy]

One of the best parts of Champs this year is that I get to see and compete with my old team. See friends, old mentors, teams I used to compete against. Beginning in 2017, that can't happen...

And why Detroit? Michigan already has a State Championship.

Those that were in Houston in 2003, everything I had heard was it was awful. I wasn't there. Has the area changed much in the past 12 years?

[lynca]

Originally Posted by bigbeezy

Those that were in Houston in 2003, everything I had heard was it was awful. I wasn't there. Has the area changed much in the past 12 years?

2003 was Reliant Stadium & the astrodome.
2017 will be GRB , Minute Maid & Toyota Center

The hate and anger needs to slow down in this thread. Think constructive not destructive criticism.

[James1902]

Originally Posted by lynca

The hate and anger needs to slow down in this thread. Think constructive not destructive criticism.

I suppose that's fair. It just feels like this MASSIVE CHANGE to a thing we all love dearly has been dropped on our heads like an anvil and a few of us needed to vent.

Trying to be constructive: I feel that a better move that would achieve the stated goals of this change (more access to better events, bigger FIRST events in more cities, etc.) would be to add intermediary levels between regionals and the championships (many people mentioned district champs as that level). This gives more people more access to quality events but still keeps the prestige and inspiration of a Championship.

[wireties]

Originally Posted by lynca

The hate and anger needs to slow down in this thread.

The word "hate" and all the "isms" words get thrown around way too much these days. "Hate" is a very strong word. All I see in this thread is disgust and disappointment and a little hope here and there - entirely appropriate. And this is just a game and/or philanthropy. Keep it coming, let FIRST know what you think!

That being said, not sure what I think yet...

[jgalbraith]

Originally Posted by bigbeezy

Those that were in Houston in 2003, everything I had heard was it was awful. I wasn't there. Has the area changed much in the past 12 years?

Actually, they've initiated significant changes that will be in place by 2017.

The LoneStar Regional attendees had to deal with navigating through and around active construction sites to get from parking to the event.

Superbowl LI is going to be in Houston that year so everything should be in place by the end of 2016.

The Hilton Americas already connects to the GRB via a skybridge and has 1200 rooms. They're adding the Marriott Marquis which will connect via skybridge on the other end of the GRB. It has an additional 1000 rooms. There are six smaller hotels going up in the nearby vicinity that will add an additional 1200 rooms to the area.

Websites:
General Overview of the New Convention District

Image Gallery of Architect Renditions of Finished State

Details on New Hotels