pic: Closing Ceremonies

[The Lucas]

Originally Posted by M.O.R.T.

And plus getting a free Mandy Moore concert was uber cool too!!!

I think these pics are from 2001 (atleast that’s what the caption reads). The Mandy Moore concert was in 2002. I remember Mandy Moore, because one of the guys on my team threw his MOE Jersey at her. Mandy Moore may very well be wearing a bright green vintage MOEHawk Jersey right now, but probably not.

That guy wasn't on the team in 2001 (my rookie year) when we won the champs (Im probably somewhere in that new medal pic). Ahhhh.... the memories come rushing back. There is no place like Disney and I hope FIRST will return.

[Mike Norton]

1997 was the first year they had it out in the parking lot at Epcot. Very small pits hard to get around. But great closing show great food.

Then every year after that the pits got better but the show went down hill plus the food went down hill.

Last year they had it, most all the field where inside tents with AC. that was great. The pits had lots of room.

I think Disney was the best place to have the National. It gave the students something to do after the competition. Very kid friendly.


The good old days

[Swan217]

Originally Posted by The Lucas

I think these pics are from 2001 (atleast that’s what the caption reads). The Mandy Moore concert was in 2002. I remember Mandy Moore, because one of the guys on my team threw his MOE Jersey at her.

You are correct. Mandy Moore was 2002. The best thing about a the free Mandy Moore concert was everyone walking out 10 minutes into it because we're all too geeky to pass up Epcot. (Hot chick, Epcot, Hot chick, Epcot... Epcot!)

2001 was the first year of the FIRST water. When that picture was taken, I was dripping wet from the water fight, which took place right before Dean started talking about all the kids in Africa that don't have clean water to drink. The hat and visor that I had Dean and Woodie sign were dry though . I still have an unopened bottle of FIRST water from that first year sitting on my trophy shelf.

[Scott Ritchie]

I do miss the open air events. I am sure they are a nightmare to worry about running but they are such a great setting for robots. The facility at the IRI could actually be revamped for an out door event and we have talked about it but after pricing the outdoor amphitheater tent and the rainstorm we experienced last year I doubt we could make it happen. Those days in Disney were such a more festivous atmosphere (hope that makes sense and not just a Seinfeld reference). Remember port-a-pot row and what a great experience that was. Einstein field gave you a much more of a rock star feel with the raised stage. Oh those were the good days.

[Collin Fultz]

I remember the Mandy Moore show. I was just really happy that I was holding my video camera with the massive zoom on it.

I also remember a girl on our team getting pooped on by one of the birds they released.

/misses WDW/

[robbekid]

Florida is still the most fun place for championships. i havent gotten a chance to go to either houston or Atlanta. But still i dont think either have the capacity to top florida. FL was the most fun outside normal competition stuff, including the theme parks and all the other things, including the friday night socials that were held by first were much better i think. Maybe some day the good old days will come back. Till then we can only hope.

[Tim Delles]

As i graduated last year, I was the only high school student on the team that remembered nationals at Epcot. Now who could forget a place like this. Every year when the FIRST season begins I always think about 2001 (my rookie year), and the time we had at nats.

But considering I have been to Disney, Houston, and Atlanta, I would have to say Disney was by far the best place. Now it was more expensive, but it was in my opinion a better set up, even if we got flooded.

[team222badbrad]

Originally Posted by Dan Swando

I still have an unopened bottle of FIRST water from that first year sitting on my trophy shelf.

Me Too!

Wasn't the year of the floods in 2001? I remember having to move everything up off the floor that one day when the temorary flooring was covered with water.

One of the coolest things was the team party in Epcot what is better than WDW with free food, rides, and ice cream?

I remember having to ride The Living Seas attraction to get to the food one year.

[Scott Ritchie]

[quote=team222badbrad]Me Too
One of the coolest things was the team party in Epcot what is better than WDW with free food, rides, and ice cream?




If I remember that food wasn't free and had a hefty price tag. If I was a student there it probably seemed free but as mentors that set arrangements up it was expensive. Maybe worth the price if you could afford it.

[Joe Matt]

When I go to Epcot I still go to that part of the parking lot and remember all the fun.

Hell, I hope it goes back to Epcot in that format sometime, but as a regional or something.

[George A.]

Originally Posted by Joe Matt

When I go to Epcot I still go to that part of the parking lot and remember all the fun.

Hell, I hope it goes back to Epcot in that format sometime, but as a regional or something.

I gotta say, the idea of an Epcot regional would be cool....maybe they could move the Florida Regional from where it is to Epcot...that would be neat!