2007 Greater Toronto Regional

[Steve W]

We can discuss all here. Are you coming, what is good and bad, FIRST's only Super Regional.

2 fields, largest event outside of Championships, great competition, lots of teams and a great place to tune up just before Championships.

We are hoping that 2007 tops all of the past years. Those that have been to GTR can speak for themselves but even though it is my home event, I believe that it is one of the most exciting. With 2 fields there is not stop competition. This does cause a little problem for the scouts but hey, let them work for a change.

Hope to see you all there. Here is a link to the new FIRST Robotics Canada web page where you can link to either GTR or Waterloo:

http://www.firstroboticscanada.org/site/index.php

[Ricky Q.]

Better watch out, I hear a certain WI team is venturing north of the border to join the fun.

Yes we are coming, can't wait.

[Travis Hoffman]

You'd wonder when 48 would ever tire of going, but we'll be back at GTR again for the sixth consecutive year.

One suggestion - give the crowd a little extra time to completely fill up the stands around the finals field right after semis are over - the energy and sound coming from the packed stands around 2005's single field seemed greater than that from last year, where the crowd seemed a bit spread out.

[Jonathan Norris]

610 will be there again for our 6th year in a row as well. It is a great event every year, and you get a much different experience at GTR then at some of the smaller regionals. The experience is as close to that of the championship as you can get. Competing and winning at GTR is almost as difficult as winning a division at the championship. I like to think of it as our 'local' championship. I wonder if we will get more than 70 teams again this year?

[JackN]

Any American team that wants to see what it is like better go this year, because soon the Canada-America passport law will take effect.

[Nica F.]

Originally Posted by 1derboy

Any American team that wants to see what it is like better go this year, because soon the Canada-America passport law will take effect.

if im not mistaken, it will be put into effect starting this December. well at least thats what they lady told me when I got my passport months ago for last year's GTR.

[Steve W]

It has been postponed for 17 months (passport stuff). It's not that difficult to get and lasts 5 years. I am not sure about US but Canadian are cheaper for younger students (16 or 18 not sure)

[Karthik]

Originally Posted by RAWRimaPANDA

if im not mistaken, it will be put into effect starting this December. well at least thats what they lady told me when I got my passport months ago for last year's GTR.

- For air and sea travel across the Canada-US border, a passport will be mandatory as of January 8th, 2007
- For land travel across the Canada-US border, a passport will be mandatory as of January 1st, 2008

This law is currently under review, and there is a lot of talk that it will not be instituted. Time will tell.

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

Either way, both the Greater Toronto and Waterloo Regionals are hoping to have many visitors from our neighbours to the south. If you come up, I can promise you'll be shown some good old Canadian Hospitality, and one amazing time Eh?

[Jay Trzaskos]

I'm hoping to make the trip across the border for the third year in a row. (and the 4th time since 2002) Only time will tell whether or not 229 will also be making the trip.

[dtengineering]

This year will mark our fourth straight year of winging it out to T.O. from the west coast. GTR (then the Canadian) was our first regional, and it is still an amazing experience.... well worth the 6700km round trip. With any luck (and a bit of generous sponsorship from local firms) we'll bring a rookie team or two along this year as well.

It was particularly enjoyable at GTR last year as it was the first year that we attended where we did not get snowed upon! I think it is always good for my students to learn why people make jokes about Canadian winters... here in Vancouver the snow stays on the mountains where it belongs. :-)

Jason

[J Flex 188]

This is as close to the championship as you can get folks in terms of organization, preparation, number of teams and the general atmosphere. One of the things that I think that particularly sets the GTAR apart is a very diverse collection of very very experienced teams and other very new and very raw teams. What is particularly interesting is that this formula has repeated itself since the original inception and with that, some of the original new teams are starting to take over the reins. This is what FIRST lives and breathes in competition mode. Don't miss out!

[neilsonster]

From what I've heard this is the only regional 772 has made a decision on going to so far. The team is finishing up some reorganisation (as of tonight, actually) and should know what other ones they will be attending soon.

GTR last year was incredible, I really hope to make it to this one, but it depends on where my co-op job is. I can't wait!!!!

It can't be said enough times... if your team has never crossed the border for this event, there's no reason why you shouldn't give GTR some strong consideration!!! You won't regret it .

[Laura 1547]

Does anyone remember the team from England last year?

What team number were they and are they coming back again this year?

[Kims Robot]

Well, our team picked Boston for our second regional this year... but we do have a bunch of us that want to come up and volunteer anyway

My only comment as to the super regional, is while it is definitely WAY cool... I didnt see the excitement there last year that I did the year before... less cheering, no dancing, etc :-/ It didnt quite have the same vibe.

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by Laura 1547

Does anyone remember the team from England last year?

What team number were they and are they coming back again this year?

I don't recall which UK team was at GTR last year. 759 from Cambridge and 1884 from London are both registered for the 2007 New York City regional.