Best Regional in the East

[Koko Ed]

I will admit that of all the FIRST events I have ever attended there may have been better overall competition but non ever came close to the amazing level of energy and enthusiasm that was at the 2005 Finger Lakes Regional. That was an amazing weekend.

[RoboJedi75]

I've been to New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Boston. Every regional has good teams and advantages to being big/small. You just need to put in the attitude and you'll have a blast.

After all, it's not where you are but the people you're with that make it worth while.

[lallamavolador]

The best regional i have been to is definately Long Island, I had the best time of my life, all the time were soo nice and great, it was teh friendlyist atmosphere . The announcer was also hilarious, everything, the arena, down to the seats was perfect

[Kate00]

Waterloo. This is my personal favourite event. Although the competition may not be as fierce as, say GLR, and there aren’t as many teams as, say GTR, it has an amazing feel. At Waterloo, there is a feeling of, for lack of better term, family.

I have seen some of the greatest acts of sportsmanship ever at Waterloo. Teams are so willing to help each other out, as at every other FIRST event, but the teams with many resources aren't spread so thinly. And, there's weight rooms.

At Waterloo, there are usually a smaller amount of teams, but that just adds to the whole feeling of the event. You get to play with the greatest and most inspiring teams there so many times, and you really can create amazing working partnerships and some nice rivalries as well. Your robot is always noticed, I know every single robot that was at that event, and the cool things about every single one. I spent time talking to people from every single team at Waterloo. That kind of feeling cannot be duplicated.

The location is also amazing. The University of Waterloo is one of the most prestigious engineering universities in Canada, and being actually on campus in the PAC gives students a way to sense the feel of the campus, as well as being able to take campus tours in their spare time.

Plus, there's the Mongolian Grill. Best food ever.

The worst part of the entire event has got to be the bleachers. But aside from those, it's got to be the most fun I've had in my high school career.

[Kim Masi]

Although I dont remember which one I voted for heres my list and why

1. Boston- great venue, GREAT competition. It was fun being able to volunteer there. Also theres ton to do in the Boston area. I like it for personal reasons too.

2. UTC New England- Well because its only about 15 minutes from my house and the fact that the new CT convention center is absolutely amazing, you cannot beat the venue. The competition there has always been fierce, if you look at all the great returning teams...173, 237, 236, 177, 176, 126, 20 etc the competition is always great.

And besides BAE, the only other regional I've been to is Philly.

3. Philly- I really like the city of Philadelphia, but personally, I dont like sitting in a 110 degree gymnasium for three days other than that, the competition has always been great, and I really like the social event as well as the hospitality of other teams...

[RoboMadi]

Aghh!

I've read over all the posts, so far, in this thread and here's the conclusion
- Every single Regional posted in the poll has been commented on, stating that its the Best Regional in the East.

Now here's my CONCLUSION

"FUN IS WHERE F.I.R.S.T IS!!!!"

PERIOD!

[FourPenguins]

Originally Posted by RoboMadi

Aghh!

I've read over all the posts, so far, in this thread and here's the conclusion
- Every single Regional posted in the poll has been commented on, stating that its the Best Regional in the East.

Now here's my CONCLUSION

"FUN IS WHERE F.I.R.S.T IS!!!!"

PERIOD!

Amen to that

[wendymom]

Originally Posted by Jane

Could anyone provide suggestions as to which regionals have the best travel access to and from the airports as far as proximity and safe guards against getting lost?
Jane

Edit: Clarification
Travel eastbound for 2007 is just for me - and yes, I'm capable of getting lost. Very.
I'm getting a lot of help via PMs.
Thanks.

I would have to say the travel access in Orlando would be incredible as I would pick you up at the airport and take you wherever you wanted to go!!!! Nothing like a personal tour guide.

Actually.....to get to the site from the Orlando airport is very easy....its mostly highways. Less chance to get lost, and being a tourist town.....there is LOTS of signage.

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by wendymom

I would have to say the travel access in Orlando would be incredible as I would pick you up at the airport and take you wherever you wanted to go!!!! Nothing like a personal tour guide.

Actually.....to get to the site from the Orlando airport is very easy....its mostly highways. Less chance to get lost, and being a tourist town.....there is LOTS of signage.

haha - thank you Wendy!
This is a side note but a little plug for FIRST spirit wouldn't be bad in a thread like this, I don't think.

I met Wendy at LSR '06 when she and Exploding Bacon were there.

Constantly on the move, constantly motivating - Wendy. I think her voice gave out at some point but that didn't seem to stop her much. Two things I remember most:
Wendy came up while I was listening to a practice run of our presentation team. She listened along and offered some suggestions to them and was later told that her suggestions helped them.
The second thing she did was see me with one of the pit crew - over on the floor doing a quick repair to one of the bumpers. She got down on the floor and helped, getting it ready just in time for the next round.
This post does not surprise me somehow....
Ok, back to the thread topic.