2005 Palmetto Regional

[Billfred]

Alright, so now that Palmetto is functionally full, I guess it's time for the talk to begin about 2005.

I notice that a lot of teams are making a return to Palmetto...11 (teh champs), 34 (Creativity) 168, 180, 281 (teh champs), 337 (Motorola Quality) 342, 343 (Engineering Inspiration, plus #1 seed), 900, 1102, 1287, 1293 (of course), 1319 (Don't sleep on these folks--they were #1 seed for a while), 1336, 1398 (Rookie All-Stars for a reason; if you sit next to them, bring earplugs), and probably a few others who I can't remember.

I also notice we're picking up a few new faces...179 with 180 should be sufficiently loud, and I'm going to be interested to see how this batch of five rookies are going to perform. We seemed to get some pleasant surprises last year, didn't we?

So, who all is coming?

<edit>By the way, I'm going to work on a guide to the USC campus, especially the eating part. I had no idea there were this many options until I got on campus. Palmetto-goers, fear not: there is more to eating in Columbia than the Colonial Center and Wendy's!</edit>

[Aaron]

Well, as you mentioned before, my team (team 11) is coming again to South Carolina Again this year. We decided that the 14 hour bus ride from New Jersey was worth it. We had a great time last year, and of course, winning the regional was fun too. See you in the spring!

[tiffany34990]

S.P.A.M. is ready to come back again!! we had fun at palmetto-- liked the cool weather too--change for us but it's all good
it should be a fun season and i'm glad we can go back to palmetto and our sister 179 is coming with us- hee hee-yeah we'll be loud and having tons of fun

enjoy y'all!

[IMDWalrus]

It looks like we won't be returning to Palmetto. The trip was expensive, but it was worth it - we had a lot of fun, we actually did well in the competition, we won the Sportsmanship award, and we made a lot of friends on 393 and 507. We're signed up for Detroit and Great Lakes, and we've never gone to more than two regionals.

So...no 818 at Palmetto this year.

[Billfred]

Rats!

C'mon, I need another crack at riding in your van back from Sonic. This time, I won't go headfirst into that parts washer, I swear!

(long story, and sort of an in-joke)

[Billfred]

Alright, now I've got some motivation for y'all to come to Palmetto beyond great robot action...

FREE WIRELESS!

USC's putting in a new wireless network, which guests can get access to (provided your system is patched up properly). The network only opens up http access, but it's enough for me to check ChiefDelphi from the couch in the Preston lobby.

I have not been down to the Colonial Center to test access, but you definitely can get access on the Horseshoe, which is a couple of blocks uphill. (If you're looking at a USC map, the wireless network goes functionally from the Horseshoe to Swearingen--perhaps the Bates area at the south end of campus. I don't believe that Computer Services is aiming the network down to the Colonial Center area.)

And I'm still working on that campus guide slowly but surely...expect it after ship day.

[Corey Balint]

25 can literally not wait to get down there and experience the "southern" play style and a "foreign" regional. Annapolis is the farthest weve gone for aregional before, and we saw many famliar faces there, hopefully we will meet a lot of new people and make them familiar faces. Im sure its gonna be a great time.

[Frank L.]

Glad to see this thread opened up .... we are deep into the planning to make this the best regional yet. Following all of the teams input from last year, we are making all of the recommended changes that we can...i.e. large projections screen in the pits, walk through in front of the playing field so teams don't have to climb steps then come down...and so on. We are trying to incorporated as many of those type of changes, as possible. We are excited about the teams that are joining us this year. Great group with a lot of diversity. Stay tuned to this thread as we will be posting more information as it develops. Also, go to the Palmetto Regional website located on FIRST and check in...updated information is starting to appear. Again, we look forward to hosting the second Palmetto Regional and we wish all the teams the best of luck...we (343) will be seeing many of you in FLA a couple of weeks earler.

[Billfred]

Alright, as a bit of a prelude to my planned guide to the USC campus, I present...

HOW TO FIND KRISPY KREMES FROM THE COLONIAL CENTER
(thunder crashes)

Alright, so the nearest Krispy Kreme store to the event site, the Colonial Center, is about two miles away. Trust me, it is not something you want to walk to. But hey, we all have our cravings.

Note that if you follow Mapquest's directions, you'll not only start at the wrong spot, but also potentially contend with construction traffic. (Do NOT plan on being able to go from Assembly to Greene--it is blocked for utility construction.)

Starting from the fountain in front of the Colonial Center, you should be able to see the Carolina Coliseum on your left, and further beyond that is the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center. These points are important to get headed the right way, and they're really hard to miss--the Strom is bright yellow and new, while the Coliseum is gray and...not new. With that said:

• Start driving towards the Strom, staying within the bunch of parking lots between the Coliseum and the Colonial Center.
• You will reach Wheat St. at the end of those parking lots, with your vehicle facing the Strom. Turn right.
• Go straight for about two miles. The Krispy Kreme is on your right.

Nice and easy--just a really long straight.

(And by the way, feel free to hook me up with some if you're going. )

[Brandon Holley]

The Palmetto regional was by far the best regional our team has ever gone to. The weather was beautiful, the venue was great, and it was awesome to just be there. Im glad to see so many new faces coming to the regional also (ie. 179 and 25). You guys are in for a real treat.

[Jonathan M.]

Of course 845 Cutting Edge will be back in our home regional. Good luck to every one!

[MikeGriffith]

Yes Good 'ole palmetto, can't wait to see how much diversity of teams there will be this year from different states. The only thing I hope to be better this year is the social. I mean seeing a dude in a chicken costume was interesting but not quite what i hoped for. Anyway good luck to everyone, live long and prosper or whatever.
-Mike

[techtiger1]

Can't wait! 1251 will be up at Palmetto can't wait to see the competition our first year there so it should be a great time .

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=35245

check out the new 1251 bot

year of the tiger
Drew Disbury Tech Tigers
2004 Ucf rookie all star award winners

[Billfred]

Originally Posted by MikeGriffith

I mean seeing a dude in a chicken costume was interesting but not quite what i hoped for.

As a student of the University of South Carolina, I am obligated to say that the aforementioned "dude in a chicken costume" is the one and only Cocky, the official mascot of the University (and the 2003 National Mascot of the Year).

Personally, as long as the pizza's there...

[Frank L.]

Originally Posted by MORT~11

The Palmetto regional was by far the best regional our team has ever gone to. The weather was beautiful, the venue was great, and it was awesome to just be there. Im glad to see so many new faces coming to the regional also (ie. 179 and 25). You guys are in for a real treat.

Thanks for the comments....we are working hard for Palmetto to be the best...Great that you guys are headed back...Good Luck.