Purpose of the page is to provide team captains, mentors and coaches useful news regarding Granite State Regional participation. Periodically it will be updated and we encourage FIRST teams to regularly check the page for updates.

For current weather conditions in Manchester, NH. visit  Weather.com.

Important Forms and Information
(Both forms are required for all FRC team members, coaches, & volunteers attending the GSR):

• 2010 Consent Form
• Release and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement
• Public Agenda March 4-6, 2010

Verizon Wireless Parking:

A local business has offered their parking lot for a small fee during the event. The parking lot is located on West Auburn St. (formerly Rockwell Automation) just south of the Verizon Wireless Arena. The lot will open at 7AM every day. There will be a sign posted at the entrance that says “Secure Parking $5.”

The cost of parking is:

• $5 for cars
• $10 for busses

Verizon Wireless Arena Food Preordering

This year teams can place orders for food at the Verizon Wireless Arena ahead of time. Orders must be placed by February 20th. Interested teams should contact Debbi Roy , 603-206-1659.

Meal options include:

Option 1 – Sandwich - $8.00:

1. Turkey or Ham sandwich on a bulkie roll
2. Soft drink
3. Chips
4. Oreos

Option 2 – Hot Dog - $7.00:  

1. Hot dog
2. Soft drink
3. Chips
4. Oreos

Thank your mentors for all of they do!

• Recognize Your FRC Mentors

Hotel Specials

• Fairfield Inn
• Holiday Inn

Rules at the Verizon Wireless Arena:

• New sound boards were put in at the arena and absolutely no team signs are to be placed on them. Teams can hang their signs by string. We hope to have string available at the pit administration table if teams don't have any. Damage fees will be incurred if this new restriction is not adhered to.

• There is a New Load-in/Load-out policy for FRC teams at the Granite State Regional FIRST Robotics Competition.

  Team load-in policy: Teams are to choose 1 location option for Thursday morning load-in and should notify Carolyn Andrews at Carolyn.Andrews@baesystems.com of option prior to event.  Load-in includes supplies, carts, and 3 team members.  Attendants will be at each entrance with the list of which option each team signed up for. Default will be Option 1 entry.    Both doors will open at 7:45AM for pit access.

  Option 1: Verizon (VWA) Loading dock (At gate on Harry Theo Lane):

  • For teams with large carts and tool boxes
  • Drop off beginning at 7AM with actual building entry at 7:45 (consistent with front entry)
  • Driver will need to drop off team members and supplies at the gate and then proceed to parking area.
  • An attendant will be at the gate with a listing of teams that responded for Option 1 entry. 
  • Upon entry through the gate, a line will form to the loading dock door.
  • There will be no dock access whatsoever; the drop off point will be ground level.

  **This is contingent on weather conditions.  Please be prepared to neatly pack your cart as you will negotiate a gradual grade

  Option 2: Verizon (VWA) Front entrance (entrance from previous years)

  • For teams with few supplies that can be easily carried.
  • An attendant will be at the door with a listing of teams that responded for Option 2 entry, similar to past years.
  • There is a pedestrian elevator available for smaller neatly packed carts

  Team load-out policy: Only critical team members and coaches are requested in the pit area during load-out (i.e. following the alliance pairing), to minimize traffic in the pit.  This is being done in response to feedback we received from last year. Two options will also be provided for load-out.

  Option 1: Verizon (VWA) Loading dock (At gate on Harry Theo Lane):

  • For teams with large carts and tool boxes
  • Any time after the alliance pairing, if a team is ready to load-out, they should let Pit Admin know that their team is ready for load out.
  • Pit Admin will radio to the pertinent personnel that your team is ready for load-out. No more than 5 team members will escort their equipment out the rear door and up the ramp to the gate where a vehicle will pick up the equipment and then the vehicle will proceed to parking.
  • There will be no dock access for any reason whatsoever.

  **Again this is contingent on weather conditions.  Please be prepared to neatly pack your cart as you will negotiate a gradual grade

  Option 2: Verizon (VWA) Front entrance (entrance from previous years)

  • No communication with Pit Administration necessary
  • For teams with few supplies that can be easily carried.
  • Hand-carry items through front door, as you have done in past years.
  • There is a pedestrian elevator available for smaller neatly packed carts

  Additional Load-out information:

  In an effort to enhance safety The Verizon Wireless Arena has requested that we have no more than 5 team members after the closing ceremonies to break down your Pit area.  We are requesting that the remaining team members find seats in the arena, preferably pit side until the booth is packed and ready for departure.  You will be reminded at the event regarding this new policy and we thank you in advance for your adherence. 

Video Department needs your help:

The BAE Systems Video Department is gearing up to produce this year's FIRST Robotics opening video. Part of the fun is seeing your team on the big screen. So we want to include pictures from as many teams as possible. We'd like to ask for your help in arranging to collect both still photos and video clips of your team during production of its robot. The deadline is February 17 to allow for production time.

What we need:

• Still digital images (300 dpi, 5x7) of team activities, jpeg is the preferred format
• Team photo with as many team members as possible, preferably wearing team T-shirts
• Video clips on tape in mini DV or DVCam format. Document milestones and activities regularly (send your footage as you acquire it, rather than waiting until the deadline.) Make sure all safety rules are observed during documentation.

Who to send it to:

• Digital stills and video clips can be sent via UPS or FedEx to:

  Steven LeCours
  BAE Systems
  144 D.W. Highway No.
  Merrimack, NH 03054
  603 885 6317
  
  Or, via USPS to:

• Attn: Steven LeCours
  BAE Systems
  PO Box 868, MER 24-1552
  Nashua, NH 03061-0868
  603 885 6317

• Deadline: February 17

Posters Released:

The Committee has left space at the bottom for you to write in any additional details about your participation, team name, pep rally details, etc. Teams are encouraged to post them in high-visibility areas throughout the school and community. You may contact Carolyn Andrews to request additional posters. In your request, please state the team name and number and complete mailing address.