DECORATING the PIT

[emhw1994]

How should we decorate our pit?

[EricH]

As long as it doesn't violate any rules in Section 3, however you like.

[gorrilla]

we never have,

we just have a banner with our team name and number, and all our sponsors on it

[Gravitynerd]

HUGE HOCKEY STICKS WITH PIRATE FLAGS ON THEM!

[WhiteShadow1474]

My advice would be something that would get the other teams to look your way. Something that just makes them go, hey. That team doesn't look that bad.

So maybe a banner and a few other creative things

[JaneYoung]

Originally Posted by emhw1994

How should we decorate our pit?

Efficient organization is an eye-catcher.

Looking at pits is one of my favorites things to do at a competition. Also, talking with team members who are excited about their pit area as a work area, gives the observer an idea of how the pit crew works together and what the team attitude is like.

All of that can be carefully managed with an efficiently organized/run pit. I've learned a lot from rookie teams, 2nd and 3rd year teams, as well as the older veteran teams, in how to run a smooth pit that meets the robot needs well and provides an opportunity for the general public to get a bird's eye view into the make-up/personality of the team.

If you search through some of the older threads here in CD, you will find photos and descriptions of pits that teams have generously posted in CD to share with all of us.

When you are at competitions this season, make it a point to tour the pits and look at all the different ideas. Teams love to talk about their team and their pit area.

edit: This is an example of a thread that I found when I used the words, pit design, in my search.

[Church]

Originally Posted by WhiteShadow1474

My advice would be something that would get the other teams to look your way.

Exactly what I would say. Not just eye-catching, but themed to your team's colors or mascot. Recognizability will make your team stick in peoples' minds. It's hard to keep all the teams straight, so finding a way to make people go "Oh, team x, they're the green ninja ones, right?" will separate you from the others.

[16MentalTempest]

Whatever you do, be smart about what you and who is in the pit! 2046 had at least ten people crammed into a pit that was jumbled like an unfinished puzzle with tools that we either never used, or were strewn around the area. Organization is key! And yes, I have to agree with the above posts: do something that fits your team's style. 2046 Bear Metal, if we have time, might do something music oriented with blue and gold all over the place. What are your team colors and mascot?

[wendymom]

Originally Posted by 16MentalTempest

Whatever you do, be smart about what you and who is in the pit! 2046 had at least ten people crammed into a pit that was jumbled like an unfinished puzzle with tools that we either never used, or were strewn around the area. Organization is key! And yes, I have to agree with the above posts: do something that fits your team's style. 2046 Bear Metal, if we have time, might do something music oriented with blue and gold all over the place. What are your team colors and mascot?

Our first year (and the 2nd one too) we were like you. Then we visited 744 Shark Attacks pit. Its the most organized thing I have ever seen. We followed their lead and bought LOTS of shelving units to line the pits with. We have a giant Orange panel with all our sponsors on it. We are very easy to find now.

[jamie_1930]

Last year (when 1930 still existed) we extended our claw and arm up all the way and attached a pirate flag, to emphasize our Peter Pan theme. When we would put it up in between matches there would be a tower above the entire pit area. Although there was a problem with the team opposite from us not liking our pirate flag when "there's was up first"