Thoughts from an Outsider

[Tstone]

Originally Posted by JudyVandy

Re: Programs

I've attended 3 regionals so far and have found slightly different availability of programs at each regional. The only consistent thing was that each team was given 5 of the Program booklets at each regional. Also, this has been the tightest season as far as those program booklets are concerned. Twice, the Pit Admin table did not have them to distribute...

The suggestion to print and then sell the booklets may be a reasonable solution to the availability issue. I have heard comments about the high cost of printing them.

The programs are produced locally, not by FIRST directly. They usuall arrive courtesy of the Regional Director or that person's deputy.

Of course, I think that teams should get something for free but as for full color programs? Those are pretty expensive and some teams have over 50 members. How about something like three free ones for the teams and then put the rest on sale? What a great souvenier and of course, as to my original point, VERY useful to spectators.

As a spectator, I have to pay for EVERY other high school sporting event I attend. Would anyone really object to a small entry fee for spectators accompanied by a free program? I pay like $6.00 for football games and something similar for wrestling matches. Heck, I was paying $6.00 for parking at the Denver Regional. Frankly I was surprised when they DIDN'T charge me an entry fee. The fee could be used to enhance the spectator experience including programs and funding of the additional displays, signage, etc.