We're getting ready

Good MorningTeams,

I know it’s been a while since I’ve had a minute to write, but if you could see the activity here at headquarters, I think you’d understand. Have you ever considered what it takes to run Championship? FRC sets up seven playing fields every year (five in the dome and two practice fields in the pits). Six of those fields come directly from regional events (Lone Star, Las Vegas, 10,000 Lakes, Palmetto, Michigan and Sacramento this year). The seventh field spent the season in storage in Tennessee prepared to ship at a moment’s notice in case anything happened to a field as it traveled the country from regional event to regional event. (I’ll bet you didn’t know that). But seven fields are only the beginning. Two more tractor trailer trucks will leave headquarters today packed to the roof with supplies for pit administration, the hall of fame, scholarship row, judges, referees, FLL, FTC and all the high level meetings that happen in the background during the three days of competition. Early next week, additional trucks will deliver new carpet, new regolith and everything it takes to set up the AV systems, pits, machine shops, opening and closing ceremonies, and FIRST Finale.

Almost everything we need is staged on the third floor right now and there’s hardly enough room to move around. Staff are packing last minute items and figuring out the most efficient way to fit everything into the truck. Early this morning the staff will begin loading trucks, then we’re off. The first staff members fly down late Sunday. Monday the final pre event meetings happen, rigging is flown in the dome and electrical drops are put in place. Tuesday the drapes go up, the first fields are constructed and everything that arrived on a truck is delivered to where it’s needed. Wednesday is our last chance to get everything finished in time for teams to enter the pits for load in at 6PM. It’s going to take almost three days and an astonishing number of people to get everything set up.

With luck the number of FRC teams may work out perfectly this year. At the moment we have 348 teams registered to attend. That works out to 87 teams in each division and 29 complete alliances. There will be time for each team to play 7 qualifying rounds on Friday. Remember if you can’t make it to Atlanta, you can still watch the action live thanks to NASA. Details on viewing either the webcast or NASA TV is available here.

If you’re coming to Championship, I invite you to stop by the FRC Future Technology booth in the pit area and to join us in the FRC New Technology Showcase Thursday at 5pm (tickets sponsored by Rolls Royce) to see what’s in store. We’re also offering a free FRC Control System forum Thursday 6:30-8:00 where you can hear from our team and share your ideas and experiences. If you can’t make it to either of these talks on Thursday, we’ll repeat a combination of both events Friday 11:00-12:00.

Due to the difficult economic conditions, FIRST is encouraging all teams that want to take their robot directly home to do so. This will lessen the financial impact on our valued sponsor FedEx, and also allow you to have quicker access to your robot. Please note the same rules apply regarding getting your crate back home and the "no use" of the loading docks. Teams attending Championship will receive an email blast soon with more details

And the 2009 FIRST Championship is on Twitter!

5 days until Championship,
See you there!

P.S. LV Mastery is offering LabVIEW hints, tips and tricks specifically designed for FRC teams. Check out their free video blogs for FRC teams