Minnesota Regional Venue Information
March 27-29, 2008
The competition field for the Minnesota Regional will be constructed on the floor of Williams Arena, the notable venue situated on the University of Minnesota campus. Teams will compete on the same very floor that both Gophers basketball teams play on, as well as numerous other teams. Spectators will have the opportunity to view all of the action from the 14000 plus seats, most recently renovated in 1997. Including all the standard food stands and amenities, visitors will be able to sit back and watch the action, just as the thousands of fans in 1994, 1995, and 2007 that flocked to the arena for the Women’s NCCA Basketball tournaments.
Directly connected to Williams Arena, the “pits” for the regional will housed in the equally impressive Sports Pavilion. Home to Gophers wrestling, volleyball, and gymnastics, the expansive facility will be the perfect place for teams to do all the important work on their robots. Just a couple minutes walk from the arena; teams will be able to transport their robots quickly and efficiently between the “pits” and the playing field.
Event Location
Williams Arena & Sports Pavilion (both facilities are in the same building)
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
1925 and 1923 University Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
NOTE: The venue will not accept or store team robots or toolboxes.
WEB SITES: Williams Arena (competition field)/Sports Pavilion (pits)
Directions to Williams Arena/Sports Pavilion complex
Event Parking and Directions Maps
From the Airport Exit airport on Highway 5 westbound towards 494 and Bloomington. Merge with 494 westbound and continue to Highway 77 northbound. Follow Highway 77 northbound to Highway 62. Exit onto Highway 62 westbound towards Minneapolis. Exit onto 35W northbound towards Minneapolis. Follow 35W to U of M/3rd St. exit. 35W is open to the U of M/3rd Street exit. Follow the far right lane for the East Bank exit and merge onto Washington Avenue. Cross the bridge over the Mississippi River to the East Bank. Continue on Washington a few blocks and turn left Oak St. SE. Cross University Ave (one-way) and Williams Arena will be on your left. Oak St runs into 4th St. (one –way opposite direction of University Ave). Once past Williams Arena, turn left to get onto University Ave. Parking is on University Ave. across the street from Williams Arena.
From the North 35W is open to the University Avenue/4thStreet exit. Turn left at the second set of lights onto University Avenue SE and head east a few blocks to campus. Williams Arena is on the left hand side of University Ave. and parking is across the street.
From the South 35W is open to the U of M/3rd Street exit. Follow the far right lane for the East Bank exit and merge onto Washington Avenue. Cross the bridge over the Mississippi River to the East Bank. Continue on Washington a few blocks and turn left Oak St. SE. Cross University Ave (one-way) and Williams Arena will be on your left. Oak St runs into 4th St.(one –way opposite direction of University Ave). Once past Williams Arena, turn left to get onto University Ave. Parking is on University Ave. across the street from Williams Arena.
From the West Follow 394 east bound to 94 east bound. Continue on 94 to the 35W north bound exit. 35W is open to the U of M/3rd Street exit. Follow the far right lane for the East Bank exit and merge onto Washington Avenue. Cross the bridge over the Mississippi River to the East Bank. Continue on Washington a few blocks and turn left Oak St. SE. Cross University Ave (one-way) and Williams Arena will be on your left. Oak St runs into 4th St.(one –way opposite direction of University Ave). Once past Williams Arena, turn left to get onto University Ave. Parking is on University Ave. across the street from Williams Arena.
Site Restrictions
Please read the following restrictions and adhere to them in order to promote an orderly, safe, pleasant, and exciting competition. As a group, we all should honor agreements with the venue and help promote the spirit of good partnership. Please:
- Do not bring food on the site. If you bring food, do not bring it onto the property.
- Do not use noisy devices, such as any type of floor stompers, whistles, or air horns.
- Do not save seats. It is not fair to other teams or to the public guests we hope to interest as team sponsors or volunteers.
- Do not ship robots directly to the site. All shipments go through the Drayage Company.
- Do not arrange for Internet access on the site or bring free phone lines for same.
- Do not sell any products. This includes food, hats, shirts, or any promotional products.
- Do not give out any free food products, such as candy, water, soft drinks, or fruit. You may trade team pins, however.
- Do not use helium tanks.
- Do not bring live bands to play in the audience. This dilutes the presentation on the playing field and is too loud and confusing for the audience.
- Do not play loud music in the Pit because it interferes with important announcements. If a team receives more than a warning or two, the power to the team’s Pit Station will be shut off and/or the music confiscated.
- Do not run in the venue.
- Open-toed shoes are not allowed.