First Time in Atlanta

[Abra Cadabra IV]

I think the walk will be a bit better this year; last year they had to deal with tornado damage on top of everything else and I think the route we had to take from the pits to the dome was affected by it. However, it's still going to be a long walk. DEFINITELY invest in something to help you carry your robot. Last year we made that mistake and spent a couple matches hand-carrying our 20lb robot to the field and back until we found a collapsible luggage dolly (which I do NOT recommend using except as a last resort). Even if your robot's light, it's a long walk and you don't want to risk dropping it.

In regards to matches, I think last year each team got 7 or so. They also gave us 2 practice matches at the beginning of the first day, which I don't think were included in the total of 7.

Also, if the scheduling is anything like last year you might not get much time to visit the FLL pits or matches. They run on roughly the same schedule as FTC, if I remember correctly, and if queuing is the same as it was last year then you're going to spend a lot of time in the Dome waiting for your match. (Last year the matches ended up delayed by a good hour or so but teams were being queued according to the original schedule.) But even with this, you'll still have an entire day to watch FRC matches. The final matches in particular are definitely worth seeing, especially if you're lucky enough to get good seats.

Overall, Atlanta is a wonderful experience and definitely worth the trip. It sounds like you and your dad are pretty well prepared for this, but if you run into trouble other teams are usually willing to help out, lend parts, or even share scouting information. Good luck, and I'll see you there!

[rspurlin]

The configuration of the facility and the logistics could be different from previous years, but assuming no weather related massive changes ... The FTC fields will be in the Georgia Dome on either side of the fifty yardline. There will be two FRC fields on either side of you (sort of in the corners of the field/floor). I think if you look you can find typical layouts and maps online somewhere. The pits will be in the adjacent building, the Georgia World Congress Center, one of the largest exposition centers in the world. Plan to spend lots of time walking between venues. Even so, this is one of the few places in the world with such facilities adjacent to one another.

Although others have suggested that there is any easy path from the stands to the floor of the Dome, FIRST strongly discourages people from making such a move. Do not count on being able to do this. I second the recommendation that you have your father act as coach and come along with you on the walk from the pits to the field. His view will be much better also.

As FTC and FLL are mostly running simultaneously, you won't have much time to view FLL stuff. Assuming the pits are laid out as they were in previous non tornado affected years, you'll be close enough to visit their pit areas though if you have some spare time between matches.

Atlanta is a big city like most others. There are certainly parts of town that are nicer than others. I can't vouch for specific hotels where it may be safer to leave certain valuables, as I live here, but use common sense. Strangely enough, comments about laptops being safe in the pits during the event are mostly true. But I wouldn't leave a laptop bag unattended anywhere outside the venue, regardless of what city I'm in.

You should have time to visit friends, and I'll also recommend you host them in visiting the FRC events on Saturday. Maybe you'll be able to show off a trophy.

Congratulations on the invite and good luck on making the most of your trip.

[basicxman]

Thanks again everybody,

Is there open wi-fi in parts of the convention centre and dome?

[Phil Ross]

Originally Posted by basicxman

Thanks again everybody,

Is there open wi-fi in parts of the convention centre and dome?

in the past there has been. although this year I would not count on it because of the new FTC and FRC field controls. The FRC rules have said that there is to be none of that stuff. At some regionals there have been designated areas for Wi-Fi. Hopefully there will be some sort of "cyber-cafe" for people to use.

Good luck and see you in ATL!

[ManicMechanic]

I've always enjoyed this view of a walk to the pit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSjKVDgnWwY. We never quite made it in 37 seconds!

[BenX02]

It is a giant place, I was there in 2005 with my FLL team, and it took us about 5 minutes to get to the playing field from the pits.

[dman14]

gratz 168, it was great to play with and against you, good luck in atlanta

[Rick]

Pit setup and registration is on Wednesday afternoon in Atlanta. Make sure you are there for that.

[ptan]

Originally Posted by basicxman

... We have raised enough money to go to the Atlanta championships that we were invited to via the second round lottery pick. We're driving to Atlanta from Toronto.

Congrats on making it in!! We enjoyed having you as our alliance partner and we look forward to seeing you guys again in Atlanta!

As far as logistics goes, we are actually planning on leaving our robot at the FTC pits, however, we are locking it up inside a box. Also, we are planning to bring the cart you saw us push around at the Ontario FTC Tournament. Having been to Atlanta a few times before as an FLL team, we know how long the walk from the pits to the dome is! You really don't want to be carrying your robot by hand all that way.

Don't forget to hang around for the Canadian Team group picture -- All the Canadian FLL/FTC/FRC teams gather around for a picture together. Also, in previous years, we had a reception for Canadian Teams. I don't know if there is plans again for it this year.

As far as visiting the FLL and FRC teams, the schedules will be tight. You'll be fairly busy with your matches. I remember last year when we went down as an FLL team we wanted to watch some of the FTC matches, but our schedule was just too tight. I assume the FTC schedule would be just as tight.

Feel free to email to call me if you need further information (just email me through Chief Delphi and I'll respond with my contact info).