Pittsburgh Regional

[MasterZeus]

Does anyone know anything about this regional? This was the only one left within a 10 hour drive for us, so we are going there this year (in addition to Cleveland).

Does anyone know exactly where it is? Pittsburgh is not the smallest city in the world. I am trying to make hotel reservations and the FIRST site doesn't say where the actual competition is.

Also, is this regional any good? It is not too popular because there are still a lot of openings while almost every other one in the country is mostly full.

Thanks,
Chad

[Jeff Waegelin]

I believe the competition is at the Petersen Center at the University of Pittsburgh. FIRST lists it as the "PITT Petersen Center" and when I looked it up last year, it is indeed on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh.

As far as the "quality" of the regional, I cannot attest. I know a few big teams, like 45, went last year, so you can ask them about it. The lack of "popularity" is probably due to two other midwestern regionals, St. Louis and Great Lakes, being scheduled that week.

[Steve W]

This is a second year regional. I was announcer last year and had a great time. There was a good mix of rookies and vets. Be prepared for a uphill battle before getting to the Pitt Centre. I believe that all hotels are below the center. This was the steepest hill I have had to climb in a while. Lots of food places within 15 min walk.

Not a large regional but that means lots of games. Our team 188 will be attending this year by choice. A group came with me last year and really enjoyed the experience. I'll be back and I know we will have a great time.

PS watch this regional fill up once the teams can apply for 3+ regionals.

[Travis Hoffman]

Keep in mind that smaller regionals are nice because your team gets to compete in more qualifying matches (we played 10 qualifying matches in Pittsburgh), and your chances of making the elimination rounds and winning team awards are also improved.

Team 48 attended the Pittsburgh Regional last year, along with many other veteran teams like 5, 45, 49, 63, 217, 291, and 322. 1114, the rookie team from Canada with the outstanding stacker bot, was also there.

34 total teams competed at the event in 2003, which did indeed take place at the University of Pittsburgh's Petersen Center. I thought the level of competition was excellent. 48 ended up the #1 seed, but our alliance bowed out in the semifinals. The alliance of 322, 548, and 49 eventually defeated 217, 291, and 63 to win the regional.

In 2004, the Pittsburgh Regional looks to be Canada South as 5 Canadian teams will be competing there. There is even a team from Brazil who signed up. I expect all 43 spots to be filled this year, and I'm guessing the competition will be equally as strong as last year.

I thought the pit accomodations were a bit on the cozy side, but the field is very close to the seating bowl, which provides a great close up view of the action.

Team 48 stayed at the Pittsburgh Radisson Greentree hotel, which is about three miles southwest of downtown Pittsburgh. Here's a link for more information:

http://www.radisson.com/hoteldirecto...ageLeve lID=0

Pittsburgh is a very hilly town (the Petersen Center is situated on a VERY steep hill), and the city's twisting streets and winding highways are often confusing to navigate, but it is a very picturesque city and a neat place to visit. Too bad the Steelers play there; otherwise, I'd be an even bigger fan. Go Browns!

Anyway, Team 48 is hoping to go back to Pittsburgh by signing up for an open spot on the 14th. We have several people on our team who are familiar with the Pittsburgh area. If you have any questions either before or during the event (assuming we get in), please don't hesistate to ask.

Thanks,

[Paul Copioli]

the Pittsburgh Regional was the best overall regional we attended last year. The field of competitors was good, the venue was nice, and the food situation was awesome. At the Peterson Center they did not check bags as you entered and they allowed outside food. Why? Because the food selection at the Peterson Center was reasonably priced and had a good selection, so they knew people would have a hard time finding a better deal on the outside. The food situation was the best at any regional I have attended.

217 plans on registering for Pittsburgh as soon as it opens for us on the 14th. We are also going to Detroit and MidWest.

-Paul

[KenWittlief]

Pittsburg is a very interesting city to visit.

Its as if the city had some law requiring a steel bridge, overpass, railing or other steel structure must be built every 100 feet

and for every 3 bridges you must have 2 tunnels

the city is like a giant trainboard. scale: 1 inch = 1 inch

very easy place to get lost

and BTW - if you have free time, excellent place to go for dinner is the Hard Rock Cafe!