2004 regionals

[Rich Wong]

Originally posted by Andy Baker
OK, I have a bit of an update:

It has been clarified to me that "Open Capacity" does not necessarily mean facility capacity. If a regional has an open capacity of 40 teams, their facility capacity may be more, depending on how many spots the regional coordination committee are being saved for rookie teams (who often register late) Grant teams, local teams and sponsor teams.

Andy B.

yeah, I didn't want to mention about the reserved spots at some regionals for rookies, locals, last year winners and sponsor teams.

Since you mention it first, they can't blame me for talking too much!


PS- I wish I can go to Canadian Regional!!!!

[Travis Hoffman]

Originally posted by Andy Baker
Also... from my observation and experience, it looks like FIRST has done a very good job with scheduling.

...

There are 26 regionals here. During the past three years, FIRST has presented us with more conflicting schedules than they did this year, that is for sure.

I say this: good job FIRST.

Andy B.

I agree completely, Andy. They've done an outstanding job with the regional scheduling this year. The geographic distribution of events during any particular week is about as good as it gets. The competitions are scattered all over the map.

I for one can't wait for everyone on Team 48 to go back to Canada for a third time. With 70 teams and 2 fields, that event is going to be beyond exciting. Our Canadian hosts do a wonderful job staging this competition every year, and it would be nice if a larger number of American teams could come up and participate in 2004 - I guarantee you will not be disappointed!

It has been clarified to me that "Open Capacity" does not necessarily mean facility capacity. If a regional has an open capacity of 40 teams, their facility capacity may be more, depending on how many spots the regional coordination committee are being saved for rookie teams (who often register late) Grant teams, local teams and sponsor teams.

I wonder how many spots are not being included in the 70 "open capacity" slots listed for Canada? It's mind-boggling to consider how immense this regional might become if there are a significant number of reserved spots we don't know about yet. I'm getting dizzy even thinking about it.

[ChrisH]

Originally posted by Andy Baker

Also... from my observation and experience, it looks like FIRST has done a very good job with scheduling. I am suprised to see people complaining about having certain regionals on "back to back" weekends. You guys should know that there are many variables involved with scheduling these facilities (spring break, athletic events, corporate events, vendor availability, regional load balancing, FIRST staff availability, regional planning member timing conflicts, etc.). Think about this stuff before you complain that two regionals which are 150 miles apart are scheduled on back to back dates.

There are 26 regionals here. During the past three years, FIRST has presented us with more conflicting schedules than they did this year, that is for sure.

I say this: good job FIRST.

Andy B.

I agree. This is the best schedule we've had on the West Coast since before there was an LA regional. Finally we can compete in two regionals without a 400mile drive to one of them. On top of having them on back to back weekends. Of course we still have a 400 mile drive to one of them, but that's what we get for living in Paradise. That weekend in between makes all the difference.

Sheesh you East Coast people complaining about back to back regionals in cities a couple of hours apart. Get a clue. I know people who commute that far each way daily. Surely you could handle it for a few days. Out here, we've been living with worse for years and have just been glad to have another regional to attend. This schedule looks like somebody at FIRST finally took into account the realities of life in the West.

Thanks Jason! I know you worked hard at this.

[Alaina]

I am SO happy with the dates for Sacramento and San Jose...I thought I would have to miss one of the two because of a band trip to Hawaii, but now I'll get to go to all three!

[Ryan Dognaux]

Looks like we have a new regional - Detroit, Michigan! Alright!

Midwest Represent.

[marlon_jbt]

I was thinking the same! Now, I get to go HOME and sleep in MY OWN BED. (But who sleeps during a FIRST Competition?)

This is a good thing for Detroit. It raises the awareness of FIRST. I ask a lot of people about FIRST, and they don't know, or mention a thing.

[Wetzel]

Woo...now I can start making travel plans...

Week 1 - VCU
Week 2 - Florida or Pittsburg
Week 3 - Anni
Week 4 - So Cal
Week 5 - San Jose
Week 6 - Nats


Look for this Sunday's edition of Zits for the real story behind my trip.


Wetzel

[dez250]

hey jeff, i never knew you drove a VW Bus...LOL! Well jeff, if you go, you will need a navigator, ill do that with pay(to you) as Krispy Kreme Doughnuts...
~Mike


LOL