Minnesota FIRST Hosts Twin Regionals in 2009!
By Greg B., October 10, 2008
Team 1816 is proud to announce the first ever FIRST Double Regional!
The rapid expansion of the FIRST Robotics Competition in Minnesota has certainly presented some unique problems, one of them being the fact that a number of area teams weren’t able to get into last spring’s Minnesota Regional because it filled up so quickly. In working towards solving this challenge, Team 1816 is proud to announce the first ever FIRST Double Regional! Two completely separate – but equal -- regional events will be held April 2 – 4, 2009 at the University of Minnesota. The 10,000 Lakes Regional will take place in Williams Arena, while just across the street, the North Star Regional will debut in Mariucci Arena. At top capacity, there may be room for more than 100 FIRST teams!
This year, it is anticipated that the number of teams in Minnesota may top 80.
With the phenomenal growth taking place in Minnesota over the past four years—spurred on in part by The Green Machine’s active role in promoting robotics through the media, appearances at the State Fair, mentoring new FRC teams, and hosting events such as Minnesota Splash and the Kickoff events— the number of teams in the state exploded leading up to the inaugural Minnesota Regional in March 2008. This year, it is anticipated that the number of teams in Minnesota may top 80, all of whom would like to be able to participate in a local regional tournament. A double regional hopefully will provide enough room for all teams to attend! For more information, be sure to check out the promotional video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrCJJ2JHnEU&fmt=6, with 1816 alumni (and engineering undergraduates), Alex and Chris Gough.
