Sell Me Your Regional!

[Lil' Lavery]

Originally Posted by Roger

I think this would be a deal-breaker Won't anyone think of the scouts and parents? This is probably the things they are looking for, in venues. After all, if you're going to be there for 3 days, what to expect. An arena style vs convention hall.

I also have to think about NYC, though we'd drive there. The drive from LaGuardia to downtown is longer than the drive from Walpole, isn't it? But if I was going to the beach it would be Jones Beach on LI. (Nearer to where I grew up!).

NYC is also in a convention center and has bleacher seats. Unsure about the Long Island regional.

[MARS_James]

The Orlando regional is held at the UCF arena which can hold over 9,000 people. Inside the arena are several of the normal arena food places, along with a jimmy johns, but being in the heart of the campus within walking distance are a Papa Johns, Starbucks, Burger King, and more all on Campus. Though I am not entirely familiar with all of the restaurants in the area we have never had issues with finding a place to chow down for dinner (Bubbalou's is always popular after Saturday with between 3-8 teams showing up)

There are more than 10 hotels within two miles of the arena and all are used to us all showing up, and the Orlando International airport is a 20 min drive from the arena. My team has never had to utilize public transport but depending on the size of your team it might be more convenient to rent vehicles, which isn't very expensive for the convenience it gives.

It is Orlando do I really need to tell you what there is to do in the area? Though if you are worried about money :http://myoldtownusa.com/
Is free to enter has a lot of shops to browse and has several rides that are pay per rides

Anymore questions? (Initial registration has only 11 slots of our 54 left so time is ticking)

Edit: I just now noticed your team location 125 and 348 are going from Massachusetts this year if you want someone to split costs with I am sure they would be more than willing

[ehochstein]

Originally Posted by Laaba 80

I'll second this. Duluth last year was probably overall the best regional experience I've ever had. In addition to the great city/venue, the volunteers there were fantastic. From my perspective everything seemed to run incredibly smoothly.

I would like to add Duluth as well - I've been taking summer trips ever since I can remember to Duluth and now I take a yearly FIRST trip up there as well.

[jessss]

Originally Posted by Wiifi

I would like to add Duluth as well - I've been taking summer trips ever since I can remember to Duluth and now I take a yearly FIRST trip up there as well.

I'd have to agree, Duluth is well worth going to. Duluth is beautiful, it's right next to lake superior and everything about Duluth is fantastic. Now that there are two regionals up there it will be a fantastic area during the regionals.

[rsisk]

Inland Empire.... New regional, great location (arena.csusb.edu), week 5, and I can guarantee NO SNOW.

30 minutes from Ontario Airport (ONT), close to mountain resorts in case you do need a snow fix, close to Palm Springs (check out the Palm Springs tram), close to Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, Hollywood, universal Studios, and other so cal locations.

And don't forget, wild card spots favor later regionals.

[MrTechCenter]

Sacramento. Tons of team spirit. Lots of coopertition. Conga lines that stretch the length of the building. Lots of dancing. Short drive from the airport. Tons of places to eat and stay and hang out. The teams here are great! It's a little chilly here in March and windy with a possibility of rain, but it's way too much fun anyhow.

[mega900997]

New York City Regional
-It's New York, come on.
-We got JFK and LaGuardia.
-It's New York, need I say more?

[missluce]

I know that 2648 would LOVE to have 1153 at Pine Tree. Although I can't guarantee there won't be snow, I can guarantee it will be an awesome time!

It's a new regional, it's week 6, and you definitely won't want to miss it!

Come up to Maine!

[SarahBeth]

Originally Posted by missluce

I know that 2648 would LOVE to have 1153 at Pine Tree. Although I can't guarantee there won't be snow, I can guarantee it will be an awesome time!

It's a new regional, it's week 6, and you definitely won't want to miss it!

Come up to Maine!

Team 157 is also looking at Pine Tree for our second regional. We'd love to see 1153 there, as we had a fun time with them in Boston last year.

[DonRotolo]

Originally Posted by Jon Stratis

Besides, you never know what you're going to get... 20 degrees below 0, or 10 feet of snow!

Or BOTH...

Wait a second... The beach in March or Duluth Minnesota? Are you kidding me? Maybe in 40 years when global warming has done its thing, but for now it is darn COLD up there.

That being said, NYC has some pretty good action. No beach though.

[JRuegsegger]

I'm going to fifth (or sixth?) Duluth. The whole experience there as a student was one of the best I've had for a regional, with maybe Midwest somewhere close.

[MARS_James]

To Continue about Orlando:

We always have international teams again this year; Brazil, Germany, and Dominican Republic. You may never meet them anywhere else.

180 and 233 the Captains of the Einstein Finalists compete there

No shortage of hotels since it is Orlando. International Airport. Disney, Universal, Sea World.

The Goodies. Hacky sacks, inflatable aliens, bouncy balls, buttons, lanyards, beads (and that is just what 1523 gives away )

The Bacon Bash (if it continues)

Teams from Massachusetts, South Carolina, and Texas are also attending.

Always a learning experience for out of state teams to improve (Ask 118, and 25)

[Mark McLeod]

Originally Posted by DonRotolo

That being said, NYC has some pretty good action. No beach though.

Manhattan Beach
Brighton Beach
Coney Island

Kayaking in the Hudson is a stones throw.

All rather chilly in March I admit.

[RoboMom]

This thread made me smile.
OK, here it goes...

Interesting week - 7. The dynamics around this week are going to be fun to watch.

Pros:

• An 8-9 hour drive. Or,
• Airport with direct (non-stop) flights from Boston (or Manchester or Providence) on SWA, or others.
• Easy transport from airport to downtown.
• Venue is a big convention center downtown, within easy walking distance to numerous sites that are popular with visitors. Natl. Aquarium, MD Science Center, Pinball Museum (really), Inner Harbor. In the shadow of both Camden Yards (Go O's!!!!!) and M & T (Go Ravens!) Holds 60+ teams and plenty of pit space.
• Lots of eating choices, including chains and local places.
• Lots of choices of hotels, both through Steele Meetings and others. Choices within walking distance to venue or if you have a vehicle, lots of choices near airport. Drive from airport to downtown is 20 minutes.
• This event has historically attracted teams from up and down the east coast, and usually 1 or 2 come from a distance. Last year we had teams from CA and FIM. http://www.mdfirst.org/programs/firs...2-results.html
• By week 7, the daffodils will be up. No guarantees on snow, but historically unlikely.
  • A committee and volunteers who work very hard to make it a fun, fair and friendly regional. (Thanks for the shout out Seth. It was fun having 192 join us last year.)
  • And it's Balmer, hon. As quirky a city as they come.

Cons:

• It will cost you to park your vehicle.
• The convention center food is pricey and you cannot bring food into the venue.

The Chesapeake Regional.

[Jimmy Nichols]

I would like to say when I opened this thread based on the title, I thought something totally different. Especially since we are in the midst of fundraising for the QCR event.

Since QCR is Week 4, I doubt I can convince you to comeout.