Is it true that there is not going to be UC Davis Sacramento Region next year?

[jimmythetulip22]

Its sad to hear this if it is true...

[laultima]

I had heard in the past they had some problems with funding for this year, but Chevron came through and was able to make a donation after a team they where sponsoring couldnt compete this year. Ill inquire more about it tomorrow.

[Koko Ed]

Originally Posted by jimmythetulip22

Its sad to hear this if it is true...

If that's true then that would be the first time FIRST lost a regional.

[Cleinhun]

Well, I can say that team 1678 only exists because of this regional, since we're from Davis. Our first three years, we could not have easily afforded going out of town.
Plus, it's a fun regional, and I like the venue than most that I've seen.

[jimmythetulip22]

Originally Posted by Cleinhun

Well, I can say that team 1678 only exists because of this regional, since we're from Davis. Our first three years, we could not have easily afforded going out of town.
Plus, it's a fun regional, and I like the venue than most that I've seen.

I know, we are from woodland so thats the only reason we have a team, so if there is no longer a regional at davis then theres no more first for us! Im graduating this year so it really doesnt bother me, but it is sad to see it happen!

[octothorpe]

If I may ask, where did you hear this? The Davis Regional has been around for quite a while and still gets pretty significant attendance (37 teams if I counted right), so I'd be very surprised if they intended to cancel it. Plus, this year half of the attendees are either rookies or second-year teams, so canceling the regional could potentially cause several of those teams to fold. I just don't see this happening – if anyone is seriously concerned, the best bet is probably to contact the regional director, Randall Lam (email address available from the usfirst.org list of regional contacts).

[Cow Bell Solo]

Its hard to say because I know at the MN Regional and the Wisconson There are about 50 teams, If they do cancel it maybe there will be a new one somewhere nearby, that is if they cancel it.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Cow Bell Solo

Its hard to say because I know at the MN Regional and the Wisconson There are about 50 teams, If they do cancel it maybe there will be a new one somewhere nearby, that is if they cancel it.

That's the problem. I think SVR (the nearest event and the nearest host area, other than in Sacramento) is already almost at capacity. The nearest place other than that to hold an event would be half a day or so away, in Merced, Fresno, or Bakersfield. I don't think any of those has enough teams right now to host. (And Bakersfield is getting into the range of the L.A. regional, anyway.) It's going to be very hard to replace Davis with another regional that's still within striking distance of the area teams.

[Woody1458]

[EDIT] My post is now irrelevant due to Randy's post.

[Ali Ahmed]

If this is true then it's very sad news. I really hope it doesn't happen. I remember volunteering at the Sacramento Regional, which was the UC Davis Regional before it moved to Davis, in 2003 and there was so much rookie energy, it was incredible. Let's cross our fingers.

[Cory]

I've heard rumors for years that the Sacramento/Davis regional would be no more.

It'd be pretty surprising if it did go away (FIRST would have to add another event in the greater Bay Area), due to SVR being at capacity for years, as mentioned.

[115inventorsam]

Although we aren't dependent on the UC Davis Sacramento Regional, Team 115 would be extremely saddened if that regional were to be discontinued.
I believe that the team has gone to the regional every year ever since it was created, and our members have always enjoyed being at Davis, and I speak for the team in saying that we hope that the UC Davis Sacramento Regional will not only stay alive, but also thrive.

[RLam]

Whether or not there is going to be a Davis Regional next year is a question that cannot be answered at this time. However, it is a possible scenario. A number of factors are considered to decide a Regional's success, which can, in turn, determine whether it is going to be held the following year. This includes, but is not limited to funding (sponsors- few for Davis), sign ups, the planning committee, etc., but the final decision is made by FIRST in Manchester. At this point in time I don't think anybody can tell you about next year, not even FIRST. For right now, let's hope for a terrific Davis Regional that we are all working for!!!

Randy Lam
Regional Director
Davis/Sac

[Rick TYler]

Originally Posted by Koko Ed

If that's true then that would be the first time FIRST lost a regional.

Well... there was only one Seattle regional back in 2001 (or so). It was "moved" to Portland, but still, there was no Seattle regional again until this year 2008. Did you see that Seattle still has one opening?

[ahecht]

Originally Posted by Koko Ed

If that's true then that would be the first time FIRST lost a regional.

Don't forget that Manchester, NH lost it's regional sometime around 1999, although they got it back in 2003.