Ideal Regional?

[Garrett.d.w]

I'd like a two stage regional. One stage that is very competitive and you go to test your metal (no pun intended) with other teams.

The second stage would be a relaxed event, where rookie teams would get a chance to work with the powerhouse teams (winning alliance of the previous stage).
This would theoretically help level the playing field through the sharing of experiences. It would also create a tighter knit community by giving people time to hang out with each other away from all of the stress and chaos of competition.

[StevenB]

Originally Posted by Garrett.d.w

I'd like a two stage regional. One stage that is very competitive and you go to test your metal (no pun intended) with other teams. The second stage would be a relaxed event, where rookie teams would get a chance to work with the powerhouse teams (winning alliance of the previous stage).

At the risk of local horn-tooting, this is more or less how the season works in New England. There are now four regionals (BAE GSR, WPI, Boston, and UTC CT), all of which have their share of pretty competitive teams. They're intense and hard-fought.
But after the official season comes the fun. We have a ton of off season events*, which are generally fun and relaxed. Everyone gets a chance to tweak their robot (or build a new one), try new drivers, or just wipe the dust off for one last hurrah. There usually are fewer teams, more matches, and many opportunities to interact and learn from other teams. And the cost for all of these events is on the order of $1000 - for all of them combined. That's ideal, if you ask me!


* including Mayhem in Merrimack, Beantown Blitz, WPI Battlecry, Bash at the Beach, River Rage, Where is Wolcott, Mainely Spirit, and one or two more I can't remember.