It’s Time for Kickoff!
The 2008 competition season is set to start the morning of January 5th. In Minneapolis, more than 60 teams and 600 people will be ready in the University of Minnesota’s Coffman Union to watch the live stream that officially kicks off the season. Participants are expected to arrive at Coffman Union between 7:15 and 8:15 that morning to register and turn in all necessary FIRST consent forms. Following registration, it will be time to film a “Greetings from Minnesota” segment to be shown barely a half-hour later in the video stream. This no-more-than seven-second clip will showcase the audience of teams present, so please have your team in place and ready to go at 8:15 AM.
After the filming is completed, hopefully by around 8:30, the introductions and keynote speech will commence. If anyone has suggestions for helpful information for teams, email Mark Lawrence, chairman of the Minnesota Regional Planning Committee (MarkL56821@aol.com). At exactly 9:00 A.M, the live broadcast from FIRST Headquarters, Manchester, N. H., begins. Featuring FIRST greats like Dean Kamen and Woodie Flowers, the 90 minute segment will include special remarks and news for the newly inaugurated season and, of course, the unveiling of the game challenge. When the segment concludes there will be an opportunity for teams to view mock playing field elements in an adjacent room. Each team will also be able to pick up their Kit of Parts immediately following the broadcast. As a warning, these consist of three crates each weighing between 20-40 lb., so come with a handcart or other means to transport them. Teams are free to leave anytime after they get their Kit of Parts so they can get started brainstorming!
As a side note, 19 volunteers are still needed to help during the Kickoff event. Three are needed to help collect consent forms, and eight each are necessary for serving refreshments and handing out the Kits of Parts. Volunteers will need to arrive at Coffman around 7:00 that morning. If you would like to volunteer, contact Mr. Lawrence at MarkL56821@aol.com.
Agenda for Kickoff
Team Registration/Turn in FIRST Consent Forms - 7:45 a.m.- 8:15 a.m.
Video shoot - 8:15 a.m.- 8:30am
Local introduction and keynote address - 8:30 - 9:00am
Kickoff Broadcast - 9:00 - 10:30am
Field elements viewing - 10:30 - 12:00pm
Kit of Parts pickup - 10:30 - 12:00pm
Kit of Parts Pickup Directions (PDF)
Site Information
Coffman Memorial Union
300 Washington Ave., SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455-0110
Directions:
From the south: Take I-35W to the U of M/3rd Street Exit. Follow the East Bank Sign. Merge onto Washington Avenue. Once you cross the Mississippi River, Coffman will be the second building on the right. Turn right onto Church Street and then right onto Delaware Street. Coffman’s south entrance and drop-off locations will be on the right. Entrance into East River Road Garage is on the left.
From the north: From I-35W, all traffic must exit onto the University Avenue/4th Street exit. Turn left at University Avenue and head toward the East Bank. Turn right onto Oak Street, then right onto Washington Avenue. Coffman is five blocks ahead on the left. To park or drop-off, turn left onto Church Street and right onto Delaware Street. The south entrance will be on the right.
From the east and west: Take the Huron Boulevard exit from I-94 (north exit only). Turn left onto Washington Avenue. Coffman is approximately seven blocks ahead on the left. Turn left onto Church Street and right onto Delaware Street. Coffman's south entrance and drop-off locations will be on the right. Entrance into East River Road Garage is on the left.