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New design to match the 2008/2009 season FLL competition medals for everyone who's familiar with those.
Very cool!
I'm not a big fan of the solid red or blue color ribbons this year though for the 1st place (Blue) & 2nd place (Red) Regional Competition winners though.
02-03-2009 01:14
Akash RastogiI know that its really just a material possession, but I was disappointed to see the small trophies at NJ. I pictured 1089 walking back up into the stands waving around a big gold topped trophy that we all know and love. Oh well though, whatever saves money in these times, I guess?
02-03-2009 01:17
Elgin Clock
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I know that its really just a material possession, but I was disappointed to see the small trophies at NJ. I pictured 1089 walking back up into the stands waving around a big gold topped trophy that we all know and love. Oh well though, whatever saves money in these times, I guess?
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02-03-2009 01:21
Akash Rastogi|
I saw that mentioned in another thread about Team Overdrive's award.
I was shocked too, but you have a point. Saving money is good... up until a point. ![]() (btw, in my opinion that point hasn't been reached yet - I'm sure I'll have some comments when I feel it is) Also, speaking of saving money, did you notice the Suppliers/Sponsors were not listed under the FIRST logo banners on the curtain behind the field this year? I don't know if that was just for the NJ regional, or all of them, or even for that reason, but it's interesting none-the-less. |
02-03-2009 01:21
Justin Montois
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I know that its really just a material possession, but I was disappointed to see the small trophies at NJ. I pictured 1089 walking back up into the stands waving around a big gold topped trophy that we all know and love. Oh well though, whatever saves money in these times, I guess?
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02-03-2009 01:26
Akash RastogiNot to mention Trenton this year wasn't even packed or as lively as it usually is. Idk, something was just different and depressing about NJ this year. =(
It didn't have that same week 1 excitement it usually does.
02-03-2009 01:31
Greg Needel
I guess they don't care about our feedback....
http://frcdirector.blogspot.com/2008...s-in-2009.html
for my .02 I would rather see them choose a game element which doesn't cost $10 each. There are lots of ways to save money it seems funny that they would choose one that affects the teams so much.
02-03-2009 01:36
Justin Montois
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I guess they don't care about our feedback....
http://frcdirector.blogspot.com/2008...s-in-2009.html |
That's sad.
02-03-2009 01:38
Akash Rastogi|
I guess they don't care about our feedback....
http://frcdirector.blogspot.com/2008...s-in-2009.html for my .02 I would rather see them choose a game element which doesn't cost $10 each. There are lots of ways to save money it seems funny that they would choose one that affects the teams so much. |
02-03-2009 01:39
smurfgirl
I actually really like that design, I think it's cooler than years past. The red/blue ribbons don't bother me either. I do wish the old trophies were still around, but I guess I can compromise because the medals are neat! (And saving materials to save money/the environment is a noble cause too, I suppose.
)
That's sad.Does anyone know if the team surveys mentioned in Bill's post have a trophy question included on it? He seems to reference that as a way to legitimize the change. |
02-03-2009 01:52
Elgin Clock
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Dude yes! I was waiting for someone to point that out! I thought that those were maybe forgotten in shipping or something. I'll ask Ackley. When I was up there Don Bowers didn't answer when I asked. Neither did Bart.
edit: just confirmed with Ackley, it was cost cuts and as far as he knows its the same at most if not all regionals. Very nice picture btw. Can I get a copy? email to lilstogi@gmail please ^_^ |
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Yes, they did. I remember this survey, I participated in it last year. The main themes of the survey were about going green and about the possibility of a new tournament structure as FIRST expands. The awards we're seeing this year and the Michigan district competitions appear to be part of the results of this survey.
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02-03-2009 02:18
Cory
at 20,000 lbs for 40something regionals, that works out to all of 475 lbs per regional.
475 lbs is basically nothing when you need an entire semi to haul all your stuff from event to event. That's a pretty poor reason.
I guess they do need the money so they can spend $2000 per field, per weekend on Orbit balls. 
02-03-2009 03:01
paul_v"475 lbs is basically nothing when you need an entire semi to haul all your stuff from event to event. That's a pretty poor reason."
The reason I am sure is to save money in general, not just the shipping cost. The blog states "to reduce this cost," meaning the cost of 20,000 lbs of trophies. That is a lot of material to pay for, and I would hope that smaller trophies cost much less than large trophies.
I have not tried to order 20,000 lbs of trophies, but I assume it is expensive, and I also assume FIRST employees have more than one reason for making decisions.
-Paul Ventimiglia
02-03-2009 03:50
waialua359After seeing the trophy size with better clarity, I didnt realize just how much smaller they are with respect to the previous years.
That's too bad.
Gotta save those old trophies now............
02-03-2009 03:59
AliviaI volunteered at the Midwest Regional this past weekend and was one out of a select few who had the honor of unpacking the awards and getting them ready for the Awards Ceremonies on Friday and Saturday. So, a few words...
First, make sure you thank each and every volunteer you see, because A LOT goes on behind the scenes that you probably don't even know about. It took 3-4 hours to get the awards unpacked, looking nice, with their award tags on and lined up on a table to hand out. This was something I didn't know happened until I actually got to work it, and it gave me some new appreciation for ever getting to win those awards.
Secondly, I understand it's kind of disheartening that the trophies are smaller, but in this economic crisis, sometimes you just can't go big. However, I think that if FIRST wants to show that the Chairman's Award is the most prestigious award a team can receive, I think they should keep that trophy the size it was prior to the change. All the other trophy changes I can deal with.
Finally, a bit of confusion on my side. While unpacking the awards, it came to my attention that FIRST ships awards for several different regionals to one event. (i.e. I was at Midwest and there were awards there for three-four other regionals not taking place this weekend). These awards were not back-up awards, and the crates were never opened. It seems to me that this would cost a lot of money to do. Does any one know if it is actually cheaper to do this?
02-03-2009 04:00
MoltenThis may sound cheesy, but....Isn't the 120 pound regional winning bot a big enough of a trophy? Honestly, I'll keep a little medal for a commemorative thing, but if it gets too big it just gets in the way. Don't know, I just never cared for the ridiculously huge trophies that take two hands to carry.
02-03-2009 04:03
waialua359Trust me, I am sure teams wont mind having that problem, if they win either a CA or RC award ('08 and previous year's trophy size).
My recommendation was that events keep the boxes they came in, so teams can easily transport their awards without damaging or scratching them.
The FIRST symbol at the top of the trophies can break off easily if your not careful. We know from first hand experience........ 
02-03-2009 04:18
Elgin Clock
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Finally, a bit of confusion on my side. While unpacking the awards, it came to my attention that FIRST ships awards for several different regionals to one event. (i.e. I was at Midwest and there were awards there for three-four other regionals not taking place this weekend). These awards were not back-up awards, and the crates were never opened. It seems to me that this would cost a lot of money to do. Does any one know if it is actually cheaper to do this?
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02-03-2009 07:36
Josh GoodmanAre the CA and EI awards red and blue strips as well?
02-03-2009 08:42
flyingcrayonsyeah the medals we got for chairman's have blue ribbon stuff... however, the medals themselves aren't that great quality, some of them are starting to fray on the bottom, and a couple of people have broken theirs because they fell off the pin holding the ribbon to the medal itself... 
on the other hand, the pins attached to the ribbons look like the national CA award, the clock, and they are AWESOME!!!
02-03-2009 09:03
nlknauss
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This may sound cheesy, but....Isn't the 120 pound regional winning bot a big enough of a trophy?
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02-03-2009 09:09
Josh Goodman|
yeah the medals we got for chairman's have blue ribbon stuff... however, the medals themselves aren't that great quality, some of them are starting to fray on the bottom, and a couple of people have broken theirs because they fell off the pin holding the ribbon to the medal itself...
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02-03-2009 09:14
IKE|
If we wanted to compare apples to oranges, a study could be done about & the effects they have been trying to "go green" I guess. I agree the control system change to keep them year after year will help with this, - less repeat manufacturing (in theory) but what are the effect of holding more tournaments in lieu of less (Michigan competition Structure) which means more energy used at events, more waste from teams at the sites & more supplies for making more fields. The alternative is that teams aren't competing miles away & may be traveling less, but I hardly see the environmental impact (in a positive way - yet at least) this may bring. I guess we may see the results of that as time goes on, but like I said, I don't see the immediate positive impact... yet. |
02-03-2009 09:22
usbcd36I noticed a few changes at the Buckeye.
- Less cameras than previous years (there were at least 3 last year, but only one this year). I don't blame them, though; renting cameras and hiring operators has to be pretty expensive, and it didn't really detract from the game.
- No sponsor banners beside the screen, but they showed sponsors on the screen every chance they could get.
- Smaller Friday trophies (both this year and last year, 1787 won Xerox Creativity, but the trophies this year are slightly smaller). Most of the size change is due to reducing the thickness of the base blocks of the trophy; the prisms/cylinder are close to the same height.
02-03-2009 10:46
Jetweb|
This may sound cheesy, but....Isn't the 120 pound regional winning bot a big enough of a trophy? Honestly, I'll keep a little medal for a commemorative thing, but if it gets too big it just gets in the way. Don't know, I just never cared for the ridiculously huge trophies that take two hands to carry.
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02-03-2009 12:02
Libby K
I'm not a huge fan of the smaller trophies, or the solid ribbon... but I like to think about it this way:
YOU STILL WON!
I know for the veteran teams that have a lot of wins behind them, the trophies look tiny, but for teams like mine that have never won anything official before- I'll take it no matter what size it is! I know my team accomplished something, and I'm proud to display whatever FIRST will give me to commemorate that.
I agree with a lot of posters that there are definitely better ways FIRST could have cut costs, and downsizing the trophies was not one of the best-looking options to us, the teams; but then again, none of us work at FIRST, right? We don't know what goes on there.
I think our best bet to voice this concern is to send that email Bill Miller suggested here, and actually have another suggestion to back it up. An email saying "OMG! THE TROPHIES SUCK THIS YEAR!" won't accomplish anything. A well-crafted reasoning, as well as your ideas and thoughts, might have a little more impact.
02-03-2009 12:12
Fireworks 234
02-03-2009 12:23
A_Reed
I think the medals themselves look really nice and the idea of the solid ribbons is growing on me (didn't the national chairman's medals used to come in a solid color?).
As for the trophies I recall saying to myself when they were carted out 'where is the second table with the "Big" trophies on it'. It wasn't until they started awarding the Finalist awards did I realize that was it, no big ones. I'm not complaining about the size or anything, I would be honored to be a recipient of any of the trophies FIRST produces to commemorate the efforts of the teams, I was just shock at first sight of them being so small.
All in all no matter how small the trophy they still carry the same meaning and carry with it the same memories of how it was earned through blood, sweat, tears and ultimately Gracious Professionalism.
No matter how small, carry it and yourself with pride!...You DID just WIN!
02-03-2009 12:52
Tt321bCan someone explain why a team is given two exactly the same trophies when they win one? Wouldn't just giving a team one trophy cut costs by half?
02-03-2009 12:55
A_Reed
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Can someone explain why a team is given two exactly the same trophies when they win one? Wouldn't just giving a team one trophy cut costs by half?
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02-03-2009 13:28
Jared Russell
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Typically one trophy is given to a team to keep the other is to give to their major sponsor and more can be ordered at the expense of the team after the event.
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03-03-2009 01:52
Ryan Dognaux
Any reason behind not having the sponsor banners at each regional? Buckeye was missing these banners as well and only had the FIRST logo in their places.
Keep the big awards for the Chairman's Award. Having that big trophy is just the coolest thing and the teams who receive the Chairman's Award have earned it.
03-03-2009 01:55
AdamHeard
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I have to dis-agree, getting that big award after a big win is a really cool thing.
I mean just look at there faces. ![]() |
03-03-2009 02:19
waialua359the idea of giving one trophy status quo in size vs two smaller ones now, sounds like a great idea.
Maybe FIRST could offer additional ones at a lower price compared to what they cost now. We ordered extra trophies from last season to give to student members who won awards from their division on our team, as well as mentors, and certain sponsors. They are not cheap at all!
If my memory serves me correctly, the CA last year was $500 a piece.
(I'll edit this if I'm wrong). I know that the smaller awards were about $60 and division finalists were $115.
Any links to the cost? I dished out so much last year, we forget already.
03-03-2009 02:29
Molten|
I have to dis-agree, getting that big award after a big win is a really cool thing.
I mean just look at there faces. |
03-03-2009 03:29
AdamHeard
Here's one thing most of FIRST is missing in my mind.
WHAT THE COMMUNITY THINKS.
If FIRST wants teams to change culture, at least make it easier for us.
Regardless of whether or not the GP-mongers like it, a BIG trophy makes it way easier for the team to get attention (if they use it well).
Period, you won't convince me otherwise.
If FIRST wants to save money, there are a bunch more things they can cut before the trophies.
The fact that a regional trophy is smaller than some of the trophies my brother and I got as kids playing league sports upsets me (I also sucked at most of those, so the teams weren't going real far).
03-03-2009 12:58
KillraineAt least the Woodie Flowers trophy is still the coolest trophy that has ever existed.
03-03-2009 13:36
Protronie
I just hope FIRSTdoesn't cheap out with the trophies at the Championship
in Atlanta. Okay so they downsized the regional ones... but there's only one Championship event each year and it should have the biggest, the brightest, and heaviest awards/trophies.
-p 
03-03-2009 13:49
JaneYoung
I've been following this thread as it has grown. Here's a couple of thoughts:
a. if you are unhappy with the changes - make sure that the team member responsible for submitting the 2009 feedback form to FIRST - gets your feedback and submits it for 2010 considerations.
b. size has nothing to do with the standard of excellence that is being recognized in the award and symbolized in the trophy.
03-03-2009 14:02
Cory
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b. size has nothing to do with the standard of excellence that is being recognized in the award and symbolized in the trophy.
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03-03-2009 14:16
Molten|
...it sure matters to everyone not affiliated with the program (Schools, sponsors, etc).
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03-03-2009 14:20
Madison
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To put it simply, I don't care about them. If my sponsor is going to care about trophy size, maybe they shouldn't be sponsoring a robotics team. My experience is that the companies that care about petty things such as trophy size, generally are going to sponsor the football team anyway. Those that sponsor robotics care more about the students then the picture opportunities.
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03-03-2009 14:24
JaneYoung
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Sure it does. Maybe not to those of us participating, because we know what we've done, but it sure matters to everyone not affiliated with the program (Schools, sponsors, etc).
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03-03-2009 14:27
Vikesrock
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To put it simply, I don't care about them. If my sponsor is going to care about trophy size, maybe they shouldn't be sponsoring a robotics team. My experience is that the companies that care about petty things such as trophy size, generally are going to sponsor the football team anyway. Those that sponsor robotics care more about the students then the picture opportunities.
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03-03-2009 14:28
JVN|
Secondly, I understand it's kind of disheartening that the trophies are smaller, but in this economic crisis, sometimes you just can't go big.
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03-03-2009 14:30
Molten|
I would expect that you are providing them with other data that demonstrates the value of their ongoing contributions.
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03-03-2009 14:35
Jared Russell
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To put it simply, I don't care about them. If my sponsor is going to care about trophy size, maybe they shouldn't be sponsoring a robotics team. My experience is that the companies that care about petty things such as trophy size, generally are going to sponsor the football team anyway. Those that sponsor robotics care more about the students then the picture opportunities.
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03-03-2009 15:01
Alivia|
I heard McDonalds was going to shrink the size of their hamburgers but keep the price the same. Economic crisis, after all.
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03-03-2009 15:26
Akash RastogiLol I'm surprised this conversation continued for so long.
For those of you who don't care about the trophy size, then please stop posting in the thread. Those of us who do care are unlikely to change our minds (I know I am).
For those of us who DID submit into the survey, what did you actually write? If you didn't submit one, then please do so.
03-03-2009 15:31
waialua359|
I heard McDonalds was going to shrink the size of their hamburgers but keep the price the same. Economic crisis, after all.
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03-03-2009 17:39
Molten|
For those of you who don't care about the trophy size, then please stop posting in the thread. Those of us who do care are unlikely to change our minds (I know I am).
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03-03-2009 17:52
Akash Rastogi|
I guess some people will never know the true meaning of Christmas.
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Dollars don't know intent. I guarantee you that much of the money supporting FIRST teams comes (unfortunately) in the form of tax writeoffs from otherwise apathetic corporations. And you better believe that big trophies at a demo can help direct the dollars at those particular board meetings.
(Nobody has ever accused me of not being a pragmatist) |
03-03-2009 17:56
ChexpositoI kind of like the new medals. they're not too much and not too little. also anybody notice that the engineering inspiration trophy is the same as the rest. i really haven't noticed it before, but for a trip to atlanta you would think that it would be a decent size. especially considering the second place finalists get a bigger trophy and don't get a trip. also there was no engineering inspiration banner, really surprised me also since it's a trip to atlanta. no complaints just observations
03-03-2009 17:58
thefro526
Not to step up on a pedestal here but....
This whole discussion of Awards seems little petty. At a certain point in time who cares about the size of the trophy? IMO, all a trophy should do is remind you of what you did to earn it.
I think to much emphasis is put on the Awards. I'd much rather go out and play some great matches and make some awesome friends then win awards. If you're just in it for the awards you're missing out on a lot.
(This Post is not directed towards any individual but the FIRST community as a whole)
03-03-2009 17:59
A_Reed
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I kind of like the new medals. they're not too much and not too little. also anybody notice that the engineering inspiration trophy is the same as the rest. i really haven't noticed it before, but for a trip to atlanta you would think that it would be a decent size. especially considering the second place finalists get a bigger trophy and don't get a trip. also there was no engineering inspiration banner, really surprised me also since it's a trip to atlanta. no complaints just observations
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03-03-2009 18:00
Chexposito
03-03-2009 18:01
Akash Rastogi|
If you're just in it for the awards you're missing out on a lot.
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You know me, you know I'm not in it for the awards. That isn't the point I was trying to make.
03-03-2009 18:20
Nuttyman54
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i haven't really looked into it but one of our banners on the pit is a website banner... not really as big as engineering inspiration if you ask me.
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03-03-2009 18:29
Chexpositowell my team would fork over $200 for something like that
rolls eyes...
even though we're trying to raise a truckload of money to get the team to atlanta without paying if for ourselves out of pocket.
03-03-2009 20:08
Libby K
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Any reason behind not having the sponsor banners at each regional? Buckeye was missing these banners as well and only had the FIRST logo in their places.
Keep the big awards for the Chairman's Award. Having that big trophy is just the coolest thing and the teams who receive the Chairman's Award have earned it. |
03-03-2009 21:03
NoahTheBoa
03-03-2009 21:10
Billfred
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I think there may have been a banner prior to 2007. And is it really still a trip to the Championship. I thought only Regional winners, Chairman's, and Rookie All-star got qualified?
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03-03-2009 21:11
waialua359I wanted to reiterate that this post doesnt imply that all we care about are medals/trophys, its just the thread topic for discussion as the trophies are smaller than in previous years.
After being in FIRST since 1999, its sort of like tradition, and I guess, sometimes its hard to see changes to something less, DUE to the economy.
Just for the record, I hardly think anyone does it most importantly for trophies. That aint worth it for the time, sweat and tears it takes to run such a program. I (speaking for our team) do it because #1 its FUN!!!!!!!
03-03-2009 21:25
A_Reed
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I think there may have been a banner prior to 2007. And is it really still a trip to the Championship. I thought only Regional winners, Chairman's, and Rookie All-star got qualified?
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03-03-2009 22:00
AlexD744|
At least the Woodie Flowers trophy is still the coolest trophy that has ever existed.
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03-03-2009 22:06
A_Reed
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Could I see what one looks like. We nominated a mentor and I'm new so I don't know yet. Please an Thank you.
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03-03-2009 22:11
Elgin Clock
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Could I see what one looks like. We nominated a mentor and I'm new so I don't know yet. Please an Thank you.
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03-03-2009 23:24
Cory
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I get the feeling it's expensive to reprint them every year as the sponsors change.
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03-03-2009 23:31
R.C.
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Didn't the regionals last year have two LCD panels flanking the main screen with sponsors appearing on them?
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