FIRST 101 [3/27/06]

[Jay H 237]

I remember driving down to New Jersey for the regional back when it was held at Rutger's University. 237 wasn't competing in it, rather a few of us went down there only as observers. After getting there they wouldn't allow us in there due to the fact there were too many people. We had to stay in an adjacent building and watch the matches on a large screen TV. Later on we were finally allowed in and it was packed! I believe this was back in 2000.

Needless to say, FIRST has outgrown original facilities in many areas.

[Greg Marra]

"Imagine the seating currently...now eliminate about 5000 seats"

Let's see, at the UTC regional, two bleacher banks that are designed to seat one thousand people each, minus five thousand...

This year's UTC regional was extremely action packed, and it was impossible to get in or out of the stands because people were sitting (or standing and cheering) in the aisles! It was very intense.

[dk5sm5luigi]

That line to get into the New England Regional was terrible. My parents drove all the way up from CT to watch and they ended up in an adjacent building watching it on a tv. People also have great stories from the old team parties and eating cold chicken in the mall.

[Ashley Weed]

Ohh back in the good old days in New Jersey downtown at the University gymnasium. Receiving wristbands daily so your "necessary" people could be guaranteed entrance to the venue. My parents too, along with team members have experienced the fire codes. Driving several hours to see competition only to be sent to a remote location. The intensity of the crowds was unlike anything you will ever see these days. Teams packed in right to the last inch of the playing field and player station - when we were still aloud to use noisemakers!

... mmmm and the lunch breaks down the street to the kiosk for a FatCat.

[Justin]

Give me those days over any current FIRST venue any day...period.

Nuts? Andy and I frequently lament about the atmosphere of the good ole' New Hampshire College/DEKA New England Regional venue to anyone who will listen ;-) The truly unfortunate part is, while Andy's post is a good start, the New Hampshire College venue cannot be explained with words, pictures, or video...it had to be experienced. Sadly those who have experienced a regional at this one of a kind venue are a vanishing breed. I would give my FIRST career for one more regional of 30 or so teams and 2000 people packed into that gym.

Long live the DEKA New England Regional,

Justin

P.S. Dean with a full beard...rock on!!