Competition Supplies

[Sperkowsky]

Originally Posted by dtengineering

Excellent advice... note that many venues have restrictions on bringing in outside drinks, but they all allow empty water bottles to be brought in and the bottles can be refilled at sinks and fountains.

I found that having a bottle that could clip to my belt was the best way to ensure that I stayed hydrated at the competitions... it really does make a difference to your performance at the end of the event as well as your overall enjoyment of the event.

You may also want to plan in advance to have fruit and vegetable snacks available, perhaps just outside the venue if they aren't allowed inside. Most of the food available inside the venues is high fat, high sodium, and high priced. Three days of sugar, caffeine and cholesterol doesn't actually make people more social or team-oriented. Really... not even teenagers.

Jason

P.S. You know about bringing a cart for your robot, right? And having all the team paperwork sorted out... for releases, tech inspection and shipping (if necessary).

+1 on the water + food advice.

Some venues like NYC (Javits) do not care too much about outside food but venues like the one for The Long Island Regional (Hofstra University) does care a lot.

Dunkin Donuts is one of our sponsors so we usually bring a lot of coffee and donuts but, we also make sure to bring plenty of water and healthy snacks.

Tip to any new comers of the NYC regional. Plan to leave the venue for lunch. The javits center has a lot of good food in their "Food court" but most of the affordable places are closed during small events aka the NYC regional + whatever other events are going on. You can easily spend 25 dollars on a meal per person inside the venue. There is a hot dog guy outside so if you are ready for authentic NY then pay your $1.50 and get a hot dog but if your looking for something a little more 'nutritious' or clean there are a couple of Fast Food places a little walk away. There is a Mcdonalds a block down 34th street and if you walk a little less then a mile down 34th street back by Penn Station and Madison Square Garden there is a Five Guys, Chipotle, Wendys, Subway, Sbarro, Charleys, Tim Hortons, KFC, and Burger King. Do not ask me why I know all this I spend way to much time in that area of NYC. I am rambling on and on showing the signs of me not sleeping.... Good night.