So You Are Going to Championship (Detroit)!
The most common question by folks who are new to attending Championship is “What should I expect?” The straightforward answer is “A lot".
But a breakdown is in order.
Security
This is definitely a big deal. We are a large event that will have certain security protocols to follow thanks to guidance and direction given to the venue(s) by the Department of Homeland Security.
Cobo Center
Thanks to our event being unique, certain policies are more lax than others but not all. Be prepared for a wait. You will have to pass through security to enter and it is Detroit in Spring.
Basically, any tool you need in the pit, queue, or field side should be packed and stowed with your other tools (this includes leatherman tools). It is not uncommon in the first day for security to give you a difficult time about it.
Due to the nature of the event all bags and boxes must be inspected upon arrival through pedestrian entry points no matter how many times you re-enter the venue. If you are bringing bags in, make sure you have all pockets/zippers open and all boxes open and unsealed. This will greatly speed up lines and reduce wait times for everyone.
Ford Field
It is easier to copy and paste the Lions and NFL policy as it is enforced for our event. Last year entry was a nightmare because people did not listen, read, and follow directions.
The Detroit Lions have implemented the NFL’s new bag policy for their games at Ford Field. … One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar) Small clutch bags, approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap, may be carried into the stadium along with one of the clear bag options.
The items not permitted into Ford Field, stadium plaza areas, stadium gates, or when approaching queue lines of guests waiting entry into the stadium are in accordance with the NFL Best Practices and are strictly enforced during stadium events. Prior to gate entry, guests should return prohibited items to their vehicles. Ford Field is not responsible for any items left at the gates or in the trash receptacles. Under no circumstances will the items be checked at the gates. Prohibited items may also be confiscated by staff. Guests should come prepared to show keys, cell phones or other metal items in their hands during the screening process. Please follow all signage and direction from security personnel. Early entry is encouraged.As a reminder, smoking is prohibited inside of the stadium. This includes the use of electronic cigarettes and vaporizes. Ford Field reserves the right to expand or modify the prohibited items at any time.
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WILL BE PERMITTED AFTER INSPECTION:
Small bags, purses and fanny packs, must comply with the maximum size for entry, 8 1/2” x 14” x 10”
Diaper bags (only if accompanied by a child)
Binoculars and binocular cases
Cameras
without extended lenses or detachable lenses and small camera cases
Small radios (must be used with an earpiece).
Umbrellas, small compact only. Must be placed securely under the seat.
PROHIBITED AND RESTRICTED ITEMS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
Aerosol cans (hairspray, mace, pepper spray, etc.)
Animals (except certified service animals to aid guests with disabilities)
Backpacks, luggage, grocery & paper bags, duffle bags, large bags, large purses or large camera cases.
Balloons (air or helium)
Balls (beach balls, footballs, etc.)
Banners or large flags
Cameras with extended lenses or detachable lenses are not permitted.
Selfie Sticks are also prohibited.
Decals, stickers, confetti or glitter
Drones and/or remote controlled aircraft
Electronic equipment including laptop computers, video recorders, GoPro cameras and tripods
Fireworks
Food, beverages or liquids (cans, bottles, boxes, flasks, etc.)
Illegal substances
Knives, pocket knives, box cutters, scissors, etc.
Laser pointers
Markers (permanent) and/or paint
Noisemaking devices (bells, horns, kazoos, whistles, etc.)
Objects that can be used as missiles or projectiles (sticks, bats, clubs, Frisbees, etc.)
Offensive or profane messages or images on signs and clothing. Must comply with standards of taste and decency
Seat cushions
Signs, posters, or banners
Strollers and infant car seats or carriers
Tablets or Ipads
Umbrellas (large size)
Weapons
No weapons are allowed in the stadium. Possession of a firearm or any other weapon is strictly forbidden. Possession of such a weapon will result in immediate confiscation, ejection and possible arrest. Only sworn on duty law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity working at Ford Field are able to carry a weapon.
Speaker sessions
The will be a myriad of Speakers throughout the championship scheduled to speak. Make sure you check the schedule and plan accordingly to check these things out.
Field Seating
Seating is not reserved and holding seats is not permitted. So, make plans to assign certain folks to sit in the stands for scouting, etc. Be respectful and especially during Playoffs, make room for others to sit as well.
Whatever you do, do not run inside the building to “save” seats.
Food
It is expensive inside the Cobo Center. Lots of options are available. but also make plans to eat off site to reduce costs. I believe (but need to confirm) that outside food and drink is not permitted, except in certain cases based on allergies.
Pits
Right off the bat, I want to tell you the pits can and will be very loud. This makes it extremely difficult to hear announcements let alone anyone outside your pit. Which makes this point even more important. Pay attention to your match schedule and fields’ timing. No one will call out missing teams over the PA in the pits. It is your responsibility to make sure you are on time to your field. FTA’s will only hold matches if the field is running ahead of schedule. If they are running behind, they will not. They have a goal of making this be the best experience for you, but they can not if you are not there.
Celebrities
The pits are in the exhibit halls of the convention center. And as such there will be a dedicated robot path for teams to enter and exit the competition fields. IF, a celebrity is in the pits (on the field, etc.), either as a mentor to a team (Grant Imahara, Will.i.am, etc.) or to see the event in action, please do not block the path by queuing up to meet them. This causes backups for teams trying to enter and exit the fields.
***Please note, the celebrities are there to support what FIRST is about and to see you do well. Remember you are there because of the hard work and dedication you put in to the season. Please remember to use gracious professionalism when you meet these folks. They want to see you at work, not fangirling over them. Focus on your task, if you have free time and want to meet them. Try not to interrupt the celebrity when they are with other teams interacting with them in their pit or on the field.
Hygiene
You will have lots of opportunities to network with many many people from the biggest corporations of the STEM fields. Be sure to be the best you can be hygienically. Freshly showered each day, wear deodorant, and clean clothes. Guys - remember AXE Body Spray is not the same as deodorant and can trigger asthmatic attacks for some folks. Girls - remember perfume is not going to mask that body odor.
Academic Resume
If you have time between now and the championship, put together an academic resume. You will have an opportunity to speak with colleges in Scholarship Row and having a resume on you will allow you an opportunity to see what else you might need to do to qualify for admittance and scholarships when you are ready to apply. It also helps the recruiters identify which scholarships you may already qualify for.
In Conclusion
REMEMBER to have fun. This is a competition and we want you to focus, but do not become over stressed about the outcome of the event. We are all there to celebrate our accomplishments and it is a big deal to just make it to the Championship. Remember that. I can not stress this more. HAVE FUN…