First Time in Atlanta

[Rick TYler]

I've only been to Atlanta once, and that was last year for FTC. In my experience, 5-8 minutes is wildly optimistic. Schlepping a robot back and forth is not much fun, and we always allowed 15 minutes each way. The walk back and forth to the pits was just about the worst part of the experience. The absolute worst part is the tendency of large groups to squat on large blocks of seats and then save them like they own them. EVERY time I tried to watch an FRC match I had some kid telling me, "You can't sit there, those seats are saved." Every time for three days. I can see why the general public doesn't turn out for robotics events -- it's an extremely unfriendly environment. Thanks for listening. It's the one thing about youth robotics that drives me absolutely nuts. I won't even talk about the large group that parked itself on the edge of the FTC fields and didn't budge for two days (taking terms staking out seats so that no one else could sit there). Very non-GP.

Anyway, the people are fun, the pits are a great experience, and when they aren't trying to kick you out of your seats, the FRC games are always fun.

Take earplugs, drink plenty of water, and wear comfortable shoes.

If you have questions about crossing the border with small robots, you might post on the Vex forum (www.vexforum.com). A lot of Canadian teams read that board and might be able to help.

We are a US team that drives into Canada two or three times a year with a van full of robots and parts. We've never had the slightest problem. In fact, the border guards usually want to ask about the robots and our strange t-shirts. Good luck.