2008 Greater Toronto Regional!

[T3_1565]

Originally Posted by scirobotics

a fedorah hmm? well that is easy... btw that banner thing you haveve totally blew my mind

we should totally start a fedora club for the canadian regionals lmao

whos with me!?!?!

[1337Nerd]

Definately. Fedora's ftw!

[T3_1565]

Found out mine is technically a "Alpine Fedora" cause its from Germany and had a feather. Who knew??

[1337Nerd]

Anyone on the advance team for their team? I'm on the 1006 one.

[T3_1565]

yep I'll be there!

[Gutgarts]

anybody know if there is going to be a social there?

[Vince lau]

According to the GTR agenda http://www.usfirst.org/uploadedfiles..._ON_Agenda.pdf
there is no social
some teams make their own socials by going to dinner with other teams or going to playdium (big arcade type place)

[Graham Donaldson]

1676 is going to the playdium on Thursday night.

Speaking of which, it may be a little late now, but I have a question for area residents/teams that have attended before: (at least this year) the Playdium offers two different packages. One's a two for one on credits (160 credits instead of 80 for the same price), and one is 80 credits and a meal voucher or something. Here's my question: for people with experience at the Playdium, which is the better idea? Will a person run through 160 credits easily, or is 80 enough? Should we get the 160 credits anyways, even if we won't finish them, because the meal prices are realistic and buying your own food isn't a big deal?

Looking for opinions/commentary on this...

[Vince lau]

the 2 hour unlimited is probably the best deal, but I guess it depends on what games you want to play since some games are exclude on the unlimited card.
I would go with the 160credit if you're not planning on getting the unlimited card, because the credit value varies depending the game you play. I'll call them later and ask what the credit for games range from.
i'm guessing you'll have more then 3 people go so the price for the 160credit is 22.50, so its a $0.50 difference between the unlimited and160 credit

[Graham Donaldson]

Another question from 1676: Communication. How do American teams communicate with each other at Canadian regionals? Cell phone prices are outrageous, and as far as I know, we can't have radios (walkie-talkie's) at the competition. My guess would be just to send runners to find someone, but I'm not sure.

In addition, are there any other tips American teams that have been to Canadian regionals before have for our team? Since we (my family) are Canadian, we have an idea, but we certainly don't know everything.

[Vince lau]

bring a warm jacket, from past exerience (i've been to every Canadian Regional/GTR since it started) we had snow on the first day of the competition and by saturday its warm and sunny outside. I think for the first few years it was always cold on the first day when we had to wait outside to get in open the crates.
can't think of anything else, but if you have anymore questions feel free to ask

For all teams if you need to do a food/parts run you can find me in team 1605's pit ask for Vince and I can take one of your mentors with me

[Racer26]

Originally Posted by robotcanuck1676

Another question from 1676: Communication. How do American teams communicate with each other at Canadian regionals? Cell phone prices are outrageous, and as far as I know, we can't have radios (walkie-talkie's) at the competition. My guess would be just to send runners to find someone, but I'm not sure.

In addition, are there any other tips American teams that have been to Canadian regionals before have for our team? Since we (my family) are Canadian, we have an idea, but we certainly don't know everything.

I wouldn't be too worried about this, yes, GTR is held in the biggest venue I've been to a FIRST event in, but its usually not a problem, as long as you organize where your team members are going to be in the stands. (Yes, I know, Atlanta, but 1075 has never been... no money)

Cell Phone prices are outrageous for all us non-mississauga canadian teams too, I know my cell phone will kill me for roaming if I use it... Also, if cell phones ARE your way of communication, I believe text messaging with most US carriers is only about 15 cents a message when you're in canada. Of course, check with your specific carrier to be sure.

[Travis Hoffman]

Originally Posted by robotcanuck1676

Another question from 1676: Communication. How do American teams communicate with each other at Canadian regionals? Cell phone prices are outrageous, and as far as I know, we can't have radios (walkie-talkie's) at the competition. My guess would be just to send runners to find someone, but I'm not sure.

In addition, are there any other tips American teams that have been to Canadian regionals before have for our team? Since we (my family) are Canadian, we have an idea, but we certainly don't know everything.

Most important advice to American teams (which won't apply this year):

If it's anywhere near April 1st, beware of individuals with funny-colored hair. They come bearing false and temporarily disturbing information.

As for communication, we always just bit the bullet and used our cell phones - some phones (including my Sprint phone) didn't work at all. I believe you need a GSM phone to even have a chance at roaming. Perhaps that has changed.

Also - AVOID THE ETR 407 (Express Toll Route). The people running that scam like to steal American money and line their pockets with it. There are no toll booths - they use cameras to record your license plate - you'll get a lovely bill in the mail at your home.

There are many useful stores in the vicinity of the Hershey Centre - huge grocery stores, a Home Depot, etc. Ask the locals.

Lick's (great hamburger joint) and Montana's on Hurontario (between 401 and 403) are good places to eat - all in the same plaza. There's also a good pizza place there, whose name escapes me.

If you get a chance to go to Niagara Falls, go. It makes a great side trip. Typically you should stop there for a few hours on the way into Canada.

I can't think of anything else to "watch out for" at the GTR. It's so well organized and operated, you really have to search for things to complain about.

Have fun!

[Steve W]

Originally Posted by Vince lau

bring a warm jacket, from past exerience (i've been to every Canadian Regional/GTR since it started) we had snow on the first day of the competition and by saturday its warm and sunny outside. I think for the first few years it was always cold on the first day when we had to wait outside to get in open the crates.
can't think of anything else, but if you have anymore questions feel free to ask

For all teams if you need to do a food/parts run you can find me in team 1605's pit ask for Vince and I can take one of your mentors with me

Remember no food is to be brought into the arena.

[T3_1565]

Originally Posted by Travis Hoffman

Also - AVOID THE ETR 207 (Express Toll Route). The people running that scam like to steal American money and line their pockets with it. There are no toll booths - they use cameras to record your license plate - you'll get a lovely bill in the mail at your home.

LOL.. That's the 407 actually not the 207 and yes it is a scam.. even for us Canadians. It's actually to aviod the traffic Toronto gets during Rush Ho... wait....anytime in the day....

I think the best best for communication, is to know where everyone is sitting (or the majority of people) and do runs.. and if you have to use something else, texting seems the way to go!

Have Fun and See you there!!