Venue Information

North Star Regional | 10,000 Lakes Regional | Lake Superior Regional

In 2012, the FIRST Minnesota Lake Superior Regional will run in the DECC, Duluth, while the double FIRST Minnesota Regionals will run concurrently in two venues on the University of Minnesota campus. The 10,000 Lakes Regional will take place in Williams Arena, on the very same floor that both Gophers basketball teams play on. Directly across 4th Street SE, teams competing in the North Star Regional will face off in Mariucci Arena. This event is free and open to the general public! Spectators will have the opportunity to view all of the action from the stadium-style seating in both arenas. Included are all the standard food stands and amenities, allowing visitors to be able to sit back and watch the action. 
NOTE: The venues will not accept or store team robots or toolboxes. All Minnesota Regionals in 2012 are Bag & Tag Events. Only teams with exemptions allowed by FIRST will ship via the Drayage Company. See Section 5 of 2012 Manual, Robot Transportation. 

The Pit at William's Arena

Lake Superior Regional, March 8 - 10, 2012

Duluth Entertainment Convention Center
350 Harbor Drive
Duluth, MN 55802

DECC Maps:  http://www.decc.org/parking-directions/directions.html

New for 2012! FRC Teams competing at the Lake Superior Regional are invited to enter the "Junkyard Robot" competition! Please read this flyer for specific entry rules and construction details. Deadline to state your team's intent to build a Junkyard Robot is February 21, 2012. Email Mark Lawrence, markl56821@aol.com. State your team's intention to build a Junkyard Robot and include your Team Number and contact information (name, email and cell phone) for the person in charge of your team's Junkyard Robot. 

 

10,000 Lakes Regional, March 29 - March 31, 2012

Williams Arena & Sports Pavilion (both facilities are in the same building)
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
1925 and 1923 University Avenue SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455

Directly connected to Williams Arena, the “pits” for the 10,000 Lakes Regional will be housed in the Sports Pavilion. 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 via a designated corridor.

Williams Arena Map: http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/maps/WmsA/

Special Note for teams in 10,000 Lakes: All robot carts must be less than 34” wide to fit through the connecting corridor.

North Star Regional, March 29 - March 31, 2012

Mariucci Arena
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
1901 4th Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 554555

Mariucci Arena: http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/maps/MarA/

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:

  • No outside food is allowed in the venues. Please take advantage of team box lunch offers or plan to visit an area restaurant.
  • No noise devices are allowed, such as any type of floor stompers, whistles, or air horns.
  • Do not save seats in the arenas. It is not fair to other teams or to the public guests we hope to interest as team sponsors or volunteers.
  • 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, buttons, et al, however.
  • No helium tanks or balloons.
  •  No live bands areallowed to play in the stands.  This dilutes the presentation on the playing field and is too loud and confusing for the audience.
  • No 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.
  • There is no running, rollerblading, skateboarding or use of other sports equipment allowed in the venues.
  • NO Open-toed shoes! Both toes and heels must be covered at all times. No Crocs, sandals, or flip-flops.
  • FIRST Teams must bring Safety Glasses for All Mentors and Team Members. Safety Glasses are loaned to the general public and visitors, only.