What would you like to see at a regional?

[Zzyzx]

A nice Frizbee tounement, if there is a park nearby, would be fun.

[Greg Needel]

Originally Posted by Lisa Perez

Oh.. If the venue isn't decided yet, make sure there is enough space for teams and spectators alike. Detroit was really awesome, but there definitely wasn't enough space - it was like a can of sardines in there.

the venue is decided and it will be at RIT's new fieldhouse.....i don;t remember how many people it holds but it has a full size running track/ LAX field....i have been to many regionals and we definatly have plenty of space

[dlopez]

An Ultimate tournament between teams would be great...although seeing how its rochester in winter it probably wont happen

[JAH]

One thing that bothers me most is, try to have electricity in the stands. I mean, I know that is a venue thing but possibly run extention cords or something for us. I was on the scouting team this year, and we used my laptop in the stands and it was crummy having to sit way up top or out in the mezzanines(spelling??). Another thing, allow the teams to tape freely. I understand not having huge crowds down there, but let the guys with cameras film and don't nag them. I know in Chicago, the event staff were always coming and nagging us about standing up in the front. I completely understand not having whole teams there, but come on, one guy filming, give him a break. I was also the video guy this year and it got annoying to always be told to move. It was my job on the team, and I had to do it. I understand that if you're not shooting, move back, but when I was recording with the video camera they would come up and tap me on the shoulder. Possibly give each team 4 media passes or something, and if your team is not up, ask them to move back. Just my opinions...

[Matt Leese]

Originally Posted by JAH

One thing that bothers me most is, try to have electricity in the stands. I mean, I know that is a venue thing but possibly run extention cords or something for us. I was on the scouting team this year, and we used my laptop in the stands and it was crummy having to sit way up top or out in the mezzanines(spelling??). Another thing, allow the teams to tape freely. I understand not having huge crowds down there, but let the guys with cameras film and don't nag them. I know in Chicago, the event staff were always coming and nagging us about standing up in the front. I completely understand not having whole teams there, but come on, one guy filming, give him a break. I was also the video guy this year and it got annoying to always be told to move. It was my job on the team, and I had to do it. I understand that if you're not shooting, move back, but when I was recording with the video camera they would come up and tap me on the shoulder. Possibly give each team 4 media passes or something, and if your team is not up, ask them to move back. Just my opinions...

Possibly a "media" area would be a good idea. FIRST gives out media badges for the Championship so why not at the regionals also?

Matt

[Joe Matt]

Back in 2001 there was one small thing that happend during the matches that made it more dramatic and entertaining, they used to have lights. They got rid of them, and I'm sad. I loved the flashing and colored FIRST logo spirling around on the field. It's something I miss and hope to see come back, it added more of a professional type appearence.

[Marc P.]

The lights were sacrificed as part of the "streamlined" regionals in order to cut costs for 2002. FIRST lost a lot of incoming money from companies unable to financially sponsor such large events, and the lights were cut to make the regionals more palletable for sponsors. See this thread for more info.

[Don Knight]

Originally Posted by Marc P.

The lights were sacrificed as part of the "streamlined" regionals in order to cut costs for 2002. FIRST lost a lot of incoming money from companies unable to financially sponsor such large events, and the lights were cut to make the regionals more palletable for sponsors. See this thread for more info.

If your looking for a "Full Service" Regional (not streamlined) you might try looking at the Arizona Regional. They still even have a Team Social!

[sanddrag]

Originally Posted by Don Knight

If your looking for a "Full Service" Regional (not streamlined) you might try looking at the Arizona Regional. They still even have a Team Social!

Every time anyone says Arizona I just cannot say enough good things about that regional. Incredible incredible incredible regional. And a lot of that was due to a ^^^ great announcer ^^^

[Greg Needel]

we will have a social!

[Frank L.]

Good luck with the planning of your regional....big job, but sure worth the effort...just several things that we learned planning the first Palmetto. Make sure you check with FIRST or your regional contact that is hired by FIRST to assist you regarding some of those "good" ideas. Many things that we wanted to include and do at Palmetto were not allowed...most for good reason. Keep in mind that most venues (i.e. Colonial Center for the Palmetto) has certaing rules that must be followed...for example, the sale of food and beverage. For example, the Palmetto planning committee wanted to give water out to each team. We have suppliers that would donate it, but the venue would not allow it...so, our major sponsor purchased the water from the Colonial center for two dollars a bottle. We gave out 100 cases of water...figure that one. The music...most adults do not really here or understand some of the latest music...FIRST contracts for the music...the planning committee has no input into it....We have already made some recommendations directly to first regarding the music...that will not happen again at Palmetto. Dancing...not sure how to get around that, but we have some pretty creative minds looking and thinking. Also, keep in mind when working with the venue that in most cases you actually pay for the space you use...so don't think you can use all available space...FIRST contract with a company to do the floor layout and stage location...contact and work with these people early...keeping in mind that they ultimately make the decision. We did a follow up with most teams and got some good feedback...we are trying to incorporate that feedback into the planning for next year...right off, designate someone to work the pit area...just to talk with the teams...see if they need anything and try to help. So, you are doing the right thing asking what people want...but, understand that all is not possible...just do your best and it will be a great regional. Oh....you can't have enough volunteers. Good luck and don't hesitate to call and we will give any and all of our info to you regarding what we did...

[Matt_Kaplan1902]

I think it would be good to have a set place were teams can go to trade buttons and shirts and stuff like that. I can get pretty annoying when you're rushing to fix something for the next match and you have people asking you for buttons.

Also, try and get as much media attention for the event as possible. Anytime the FIRST word is spread, no matter how small, you never know who is gonna see it and what they can do to for the competition.

[cvhsrobotics]

I would like to see fire and pyrotechnics when people score No one ever did that and it would look cool. but again you dont want to hurt teams

[Paul H]

The main thing that I have to say is make sure the DJ is good and has FIRST experience. I've said this before, and I'll say it again, nobody gets pumped up to the droning beats of techno. Compare....say....VCU with the IRI. If you were at both (I was), the IRI put it to shame. Then again, the IRI has the best music of any comp.

Let me just say, winning a regional and hearing the same techno song that's been playing for 15 minutes is not cool. This happened to us at VCU this year.

Winning a regional and hearing "We Are The Champions" IS cool. This happened a month later to us in Canada. Oh, and the confetti they dropped on us in Canada was very cool too.

Just fly Ryan (I think that's him...IRI DJ) out to your regional. Or at least ask on here for people to post songs and give a copy to the DJ.

[cvhsrobotics]

Wow, as for the first timer I didn't expect that much this is year, but I will let Dean choose this one but I did want pyrotechnics!