Worlds General Know How

[Jeremy Germita]

+1 to all of the advice posted by everyone above.

If you didn't already do this for your previous events, I highly recommend establishing a whole-team(parents, mentors, students, etc) group communication method. We really like GroupMe. It has a really well built app and it helps us stay connected as a team. Facebook Messenger and Google Hangouts are also suitable if everyone already uses them, but GroupMe only requires a phone number to stay in the loop.
Group communication is critical for us as we had several different groups of students and mentors travelling separately. GroupMe helped us organize the logistics of dinner plans, team meeting places, emergency contacts, etc.

We also have a group specifically for scouting and strategy. That was great for communicating robot pictures, statuses, scouting data, etc.

Originally Posted by Pretzel

Championships truly is not about the competition, but about the experience.

QFT. I highly recommend making time to visit the other FIRST progression of programs in the other championship campus venues as well as the other championship event offerings like conferences, Scholarship Row, and the Innovation Faire. FIRST provides periodic shuttles between the venues and all of these events are definitely worth your time.

[nedwards28]

I agree with previous posts. Here are a few of my thoughts.

1. Buy roboProm tickets online now! Encourage your kids to go.
2. Use the Metro to get places. Don't wander out away when it's dark. We ended up in a terrible position trying to get to BBQ one night.
3. Food is tough there. Stadium food is expensive.
4. Take time to get the kids to the Arch, City Museum, and zoo.
5. Don't bother with the Experient and the other FIRST sponsored things to buy. I can't speak to the baseball game this year but, last year we did a few things and both were horribly done. Experient is a disaster.
6. Wear really great shoes!
7. Expect the check in process for all the badges to take a few hours. I was standing there for most of the afternoon.
8. Relax and enjoy the experience! It really is wonderful!

[MC_Stitch]

I am cross posting my own reply to this from Reddit.

Congratulations on making it to the Championship! I am one of the Lead Queuers at this years event. As you correctly guessed each "division" or field works like a regional with Qualifications, Quarter Final's, Semi-Finals's and Finals. Then each division's winner moves to the Einstein fields (energy and mass) where the 8 divisions are split into the 2 fields. Those fields narrow down to 1 and eventually we have a season champion.

Things to know about the Championship event and Venue.

There are lots of options for food inside the Convention Center and Edward Jones Dome (collectively called America's Center).

There will merchandise available for purchase with 2 satellite stores and one main store.

There are many additional options for food within walking distance.

Busch Stadium is not in walking distance of the convention center for most people, however our Light Rail System picks up from America's Center and drops off across the street from the stadium. Noted for the Cardinals Game.

Public Transit is readily accessible in Downtown St. Louis. Fares are $2.00 for Adults and $3.00 with a 2 hour transfer.

There is a good chance that the St. Louis Blues (NHL) will be in playoff contention. If hockey is your thing, there is a light rail stop at the Scottrade Center where they play.

The event will be very busy and crowded. The pits can be very loud. At championship you will never hear a team # called for whatever field if they are missing. If you miss your match it is on your team.

While some fields allow for repair work to occur on the robot in queuing, some, do not. Most fields follow a rule of no work to be completed beyond the center curtain where they field is. This is in an effort to keep matches flowing and fields on time. Many events have been getting behind for numerous reasons this season and it is being stressed to stay on schedule as much as possible.

The pits are in the exhibit halls of the convention center. And as such there will be a dedicated robot path for teams to enter and exit the competition floor in the Dome. IF, a celebrity is in the pits (on the field, etc.), either as a mentor to a team (Grant Imahara, Will.i.am, etc.) or to see the event in action, please do not block the path by queuing up to meet them. This causes backups for teams trying to enter and exit the fields.

***Please note, the celebrities are there to support what FIRST is about and to see you do well. Remember you are there because of the hard work and dedication you put in to the season. Please remember to use gracious professionalism when you meet these folks. They want to see you at work, not fan girl-ing over them. Focus on your task, if you have free time and want to meet them. Try not to interrupt the celebrity when they are with other teams interacting with them in their pit or on the field.

You will have lots of opportunities to network with many many people from the biggest corporations of the STEM fields. Be sure to be the best you can be hygienically. Freshly showered each day, wear deodorant, and clean clothes. Guys - remember AXE Body Spray is not the same as deodorant and can trigger asthmatic attacks for some folks.

If you have time between now and the championship, put together an academic resume. You will have an opportunity to speak with colleges in Scholarship Row and having a resume on you will allow you an opportunity to see what else you might need to do to qualify for admittance and scholarships when you are ready to apply. It also helps the recruiters identify which scholarships you may already qualify for.

REMEMBER to have fun. This is a competition and we want you to focus, but do not become over stressed about the outcome of the event. We are all there to celebrate our accomplishments and it is a big deal to just make it to the Championship. Remember that. I can not stress this more. HAVE FUN...

Whew... I wrote a lot and I could write more. I live in St. Louis, so if you PM with any additional questions, I will be happy to answer as best I can.


EDIT: Added after initial post on Reddit.

Metro will have all buses that run downtown stop at the Union Station Metrolink stop. Construction at the Civic Center stop (Scottrade Center) will be occurring.

As someone mentioned; Team check in may take a while. Only one representative will be needed for this process. There will be many people doing their best to make this process as smooth as possible. Please be patient with the folks helping as many of them may be volunteers assisting at the last minute.