Championship volunteer registration is beginning

[Doug Frisk]

A couple of nice features. You can register a guest as part of the process so a spouse doesn't have to register on site. They're collecting much more information about dining preferences and you need to opt in to breakfast/lunch/dinner for each day.

Plus, my favorite hotel the Marriot St. Louis Grand (formerly the Renaissance) is available to volunteers. I really like being able to walk across the street from the center and into the hotel.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again!

[Jon Stratis]

Yup, I heard the same thing... Although I haven't gotten my email confirmation yet At least the guy I room with down there has, so he's already been able to book us a hotel room. He's a ref (head ref here in MN), so I figure they just haven't gotten around to the inspectors yet

[Andrew Schreiber]

Good, I was just going to ping Tim to see if I could do this. Don't like to book flights without a room and flights get pricey later.

[jds2001]

I got into the Drury Inn Convention Center (I'm a ref). That's right across from the Dome as well, right?

[Koko Ed]

I'm driving over and staying at the Quality Inn by the airport (no way I'm EVER using any of FIRST's resources for booking my travel. Far as I am concerned it can't come close to the deal that Kelli gives me).

[ratdude747]

Originally Posted by DareDad

A couple of nice features. You can register a guest as part of the process so a spouse doesn't have to register on site. They're collecting much more information about dining preferences and you need to opt in to breakfast/lunch/dinner for each day.

Plus, my favorite hotel the Marriot St. Louis Grand (formerly the Renaissance) is available to volunteers. I really like being able to walk across the street from the center and into the hotel.

Looking forward to seeing everyone again!

I volunteered and was selected as scorekeeper!

Sadly, as nice as the Marriott is my budget means I'll have to get a room in the suburbs . Still beats not going!

[Bluman56]

I'm thinking of volunteering at Championships but I'd like to see what kind of prices for transportation/room I'd get coming from NYC. Is there anyway to see those FIRST-negotiated prices without being signed up as a volunteer officially?

[Jon Stratis]

I don't think you can. I know my hotel room ended up in the $400-$500 range (and then I'm splitting that amount with another volunteer, so it really isn't bad!).

[Bluman56]

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis

I don't think you can. I know my hotel room ended up in the $400-$500 range (and then I'm splitting that amount with another volunteer, so it really isn't bad!).

Did you also get transportation through them or are you getting there by your own means?

[Jon Stratis]

We got airfare separately.

[Jessi Kaestle]

If you can afford the time, there are normally teams that take a bus from the NYC area that you could ask for a seat with. That usually runs ~200$ depending on the size of the bus & how full it is. I would suggest reaching out to the winners of NYC & LI as well as the NJ teams that qualify from DCMP (though that won't be till post week 7)

Airfare is going to be more expensive, I bought my ticket a few months ago and from the Philly area paid ~400$

For hotels, you can normally find a room for ~500$ for the weekend, and there are usually volunteers that will be willing to share a room to lower the cost

**Shameless personal plug**
I still have room left in my room for championship, PM me if you are interested.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by jds2001

I got into the Drury Inn Convention Center (I'm a ref). That's right across from the Dome as well, right?

Yes, that is right in front of the dome.

[Wayne Doenges]

FRC Team stays at the hotels off I-70, mile marker 11 (Drury Inn, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn) We are staying at the Comfort Inn. Rates are good and there are nice restaurants and things to do. Plus we will be there

[rich2202]

I was assigned a volunteer role, and completed the volunteer registration a few weeks ago. I did get some role specific e-mails, but not the general volunteer information.

Has anyone received information on Volunteer Maps (where to check in, volunteer lounge, etc.), and if we get free parking?

Thanks.

[Doug Frisk]

Originally Posted by rich2202

I was assigned a volunteer role, and completed the volunteer registration a few weeks ago. I did get some role specific e-mails, but not the general volunteer information.

Has anyone received information on Volunteer Maps (where to check in, volunteer lounge, etc.), and if we get free parking?

Thanks.

There hasn't been free parking in the past. At least not near the dome that I've been aware of. If you use either of the main entrances, volunteer registration is pretty much the first thing you'll run into before you reach the pits area. If you use the America's center entrance it's on the right as you walk back to the pits. If you come in the dome entrance you have to walk past it before you reach the pits area. It seems I'll be on the practice fields again, just can't seem to get away, feel free to stop by and say hi.