Best Regional in the East

[Sgraff_SRHS06]

Keepin it simple: What's the best regional in the East?

[Jonathan Norris]

Ahum.. GTR gets my vote. Sadly it won't be counted. How can you compete with it being the largest regional, Canada, and a Championship-like atmosphere. Never been to any other east coast regionals in the states, but we are going to New Hampshire this year which should be awesome. Please add GTR to the list if you can, thanks.

[Heretic121]

This is tough since ive only been to 4 of those regionals...

Boston - From a first year perspective... i dont know how it can get much better!!! From it being a first year regional and how amazing it was it definatley hit the standard for great regionals and i cant wait to see how much better it gets this year!!! A LOT to do around town and very assecable!!

UTC/HARTFORD - With the new venue the sky is the limits. I loved the setup of fans on both sides and the field in the middle, was the best atmosphere a driver could ask for. Fans are close all around you and it was just electrifying. And only 1/2 of the Convention Center was in use which is crazy considering 40 team pits, the field, a full vex tournament w/ 2-3 fields... Could easily become a "super" regional in years to come with the way FIRST is expanding and it being the ORIGINAL Eastern Regional *post 95???* it will be the bar setter for FULL REGIONALS *VEX & FRC*

Granite State*NH* - Typical arena feel and great easy flow to the arena. Pricey foods. other than that no complaint.

Jersey - Same as NH. Not much room to grow unless its found a new venue *havent looked at this years loca*

So my conclusion is Boston or UTC... Cant wait to go to both this year once again!!!

[Billfred]

Hey, this can't be a legitimate poll! It leaves out Palmetto and Peachtree! (Granted, I'd doubt that many would pick Peachtree over Palmetto, but it's still a regional in the East.)

That said, Palmetto is my favorite regional thus far. Pretty competitive, good mix of teams, great venue, great crew behind it, and you just can't beat the commute. (Well, I just can't beat the commute--your mileage may vary.)

[Richard Wallace]

How East is East enough?

Toronto (79 deg W longitude) is further east than Orlando (81 deg W longitude). It's also further east than Columbia, SC (81 deg W) and Atlanta (84 deg W). It's in the Eastern time zone. Isn't that East enough?

[Adam Richards]

I don't think people quite understand. Its all about the UCF Florida Regional...

[mrs. p]

have to agree. florida is a great regional. awesome competitors, great weather, good venue. yeah, i guess i'm a bit biased

[Steve W]

GTR hands down. Don't need to add much more.

[Jeff Rodriguez]

UTC always has a crazy high caliber of teams and now with a new venue that provides a great atmosphere its the best in the east.

[David Guzman]

I think the UCF (Florida Regional) is amazing and always has great teams. I have also heard rumors that once the new arena is finished the Florida Regional will be able to hold two fields and over 80 teams. Also the 2007 Florida Regional promises to be great with very competitive teams.


David

[Stephen Kowski]

Originally Posted by David Guzman

I have also heard rumors that once the new arena is finished the Florida Regional will be able to hold two fields and over 80 teams. Also the 2007 Florida Regional promises to be great with very competitive teams.

Not a rumor....Erik Halleus (Head of the FL Regional) announced this in one of his speeches last year during the florida.....

As far as the poll, I would give the nod to UCF if it was either all indoors (like every other regional) or all outdoors (because i miss KSC)....either way this half inside, half outside stuff is not that appealing to me....I'd give the nod to Palmetto, if that was an option...

[Tom Bottiglieri]

I voted for NJ. My home regional is UTC but lately I can't say I've been very impressed with the teams. 236 will win Chairmans every year and except for 177 this year and Rage last year, nothing has really come out the CT area lately in the robot area

[Jeremytice]

Go Finger Lakes!

[Ben Piecuch]

When determining what the "Best" is, are you refering to the best robots, the best competition, or the best venue? I voted for Chesapeake because it seems to have the best combination of all three. The venue is, by far, one of the best in the country, with great viewing areas, great pits, excellent food, and a wonderful area to visit. The competition is always strong, with visiting teams such as Buzz, Rage, 341, 237, etc in recent years.

Tom, I couldn't disagree with you more about your choice for the NJ regional. While the robots may be great, I can't say the same about Trenton or the arena. Blah!

BEN

[AmayaSaria]

Well, I've only been to the NJ Regional, so thats what I voted for! ^^; Last year our team went to Boston, and I heard they had a blast there. I couldn't go.

But, I believe any regional can be the "best" so long as you put in the effort to make it your best! As long as I have fun, I don't care which regional I'm at.