I'd like to open the floor for nominations and suggestions for the location of the 2008 United States Rubik's Cube Championships. Since 2004 and 2006 are both in California, it would be best to see the competition in the midwest or on the east coast. The location will be decided on a number of criteria: Venue Accessibility Convenience for cubing population Practicality Persons assisting with the organization of the competition

Fellow Cubers, I have seen that a few people have viewed this thread, however no one has thrown their "hat into the ring", so to speak. Therefore, I will be the first. I am nominating Boise, Idaho to be considered to host the 2008 U.S. Nationals Championships. Now, before you immedately shake your heads, and blast off at how preposterous this idea is, please consider the following: 1. Venue - I work for a hotel, and have various connections with other hotels in the area that make finding a quality venue very easy and affordable. (If not free) The meeting space at my hotel alone would be very ideal for a competition of this size. Having been to the Exploratorium a couple of times in the last few years, and seeing the space that was provided for the competition, I believe that this would be a better fit. There is plenty of room to accomodate the cubers, family members, spectators, volunteers and press. There would be no issues of crowding, and everyone would be comfortable. The lighting in the meeting rooms is optimal, temperature is easily controlled as well as less noise interferance than in a place like the Exploratorium. I also have access to a large amount of audio/visual equipment which would make displaying and announcing results very easy. Also, I know that we all want to stay in a place where most cubers are staying, and since the competition would be held in a hotel, lodging for travelers would be easily decided. When events like this are booked, discounted room rates are given. Reasonable room rates for staying in a nice hotel. Nice? 2. Accessibility - Granted, Boise may not be a very large city, but traveling to and from bigger locations is not that big of an issue. I have traveled quite a bit to the other competitions, and the air fare has been very similar to all locations. The venue itself is also very accessible to the city for entertainment, food, etc... 3. Convenience for Cubing Population - While I would love to say that Boise has a very large number of speedcubers, I really can't. If we wanted to go with the most populated area, then Nationals would always be held in California. If we look at the top U.S. Competitors, we would probably see that having a competition held in San Francisco, Dallas, New York or Florida would be no more convenient than the the rest. While it may be convenient for Leyan to have a competition in California, it may not be as convenient for Jon Morris. Likewise, it would be convenient for Casey Pernsteiner if the competition were held in Dallas, but that would be less convenient for Quinn Lewis. The point I am trying to make, is that anyone who is dedicated and wants to come to this competition will make it happen. 4. Practicality - To me, this seems to tie in with the previously mentioned points. 5. Persons assisting with organization of the competition - I can honestly say that there would be a large number of people dedicated to helping make this competition happen in Boise. I would be willing to give up competing to be the main organizer. I have organized other events including the Idaho Open 2005. I have also organized or assisted in the organization of two large dance competitions that were both quite successful. I have participated in many cubing competitions, so I am well aware of the rules and regulations. I feel confident that the other members in the Idaho Speedcubing Club would be willing to assist in the organization as well. (I haven't pitched this idea to them yet) Not to mention, I know of many other people willing to volunteer their time to help with judging, data entry and compiling, as well as registration. Hopefully, some of you may consider the points that I have made, instead of just seeing Boise, Idaho, and shooting it down. I am not saying that this is the absolute best place for the competition, but I know that it should be considered. Frank Morris

I would like to nominate Washington, DC as a possible area to consider. David Barr and I both live in the area and have discussed the possiblity of holding a competition. Here are a couple of points I wanted to make: -Having the US Championship held in the nation's capital would be appropriate for a nationwide tournament. -Maryland is more or less in the center of the east coast, making travel for cubers in the eastern half of the country more viable. -This would be an opportunity for cubers from around the country to visit the nation's capital. I would be happy to help guide some tours around the various parts of DC, including the Smithsonian museums and various memorials. There would also be the option of seeing Baltimore (only 45 minutes away). I believe that sightseeing in DC is worth doing at least once in your life. -I know of at least a dozen people who would help run, judge, and scramble at the event. I also have quite a few people who would be willing to have cubers stay at their places and assist with travel needs to make the trip cheaper for long distance cubers. -As far as the specific venue goes, some possibilities include the Smithsonian museums, the Maryland Science Center, the University of Maryland, or even one of the outdoor ampitheaters near the various memorials. Other possibilities are hotel ballrooms, churches (I have been to multiple that would host in their theater/gathering rooms), or schools in the area. -The area is very easy to travel if you are in proximity to the metro lines. Bus lines extend out beyond the DC borders, and as said before, I know of many people who can help with travel arrangements. Reagan National Airport has a metro stop inside the airport, and BWI is about halfway between Baltimore and Washington. If you all have any questions about the area, let David Barr or myself know. -Chris Parlette

I'd like to second Boise Idaho, this is something we discussed at the Draughons competition, and I think the resources Frank has available are more than enough to accomodate a competition the size of US Nationals. Also, in terms of judging and help for data entry/scrambling/etc. I am willing to help out, and I know if people help pitch in to judge categories they don't compete then things will run smoothly. I have experience with this from both the Chattahoochee competition and the Draughons competition. I think the location is fine, Frank makes a good point if the competition is still West Coast I think that's ok, as long as th venue is good enough to support the competition. As an east coaster I am perfectly willing to travel. Now having said that I think it would be nice to eventually get some of us east coasters together and hold nationals somewhere over here, but I think Frank's opportunity to use the hotel as a venue is a really good option, and I would like to second Boise Idaho for Nationals in 2008. Chris

I'll also wholeheartedly support Boise as a great option. Frank makes some excellent points. Boise is a great city--it ranks 8th on the recent list of Money magazine's Most livable cities in America for many good reasons that should also make it attractive to informed cubers. e.g., it has great restaurants, beautiful scenery, low crime rate, and people are just down right friendly in Boise. The cost to travel and lodging is generally very reasonable, and it's not even that far or that bad of a drive from many Western and Northwestern locations. The venue Frank mentioned is first rate and is definitely more than adequate--no worries about crowding or bad lighting, and no cost of admission. For those who've never been to Boise, come see for yourself before you discount the viability of this location. There's an empty bedroom at my place for any cuber who wants to come check it out. Obviously, to run an event, you need volunteers, and I'll add my name to those who are eager and willing to help out, and I know others. happy cubing! --Kirk

Boise, Idaho definitely does sound tempting. What about the publicity at such a place? The one main advantage the Exploratorium and other science museums provide for cubing competitions, especially large national events, is their public relations department. The Exploratorium does a lot of work publicizing our event to the national media. We end up getting stories in newspaper, time on the television, and other great things that really further and support the cause of the Rubik's Cube world. I'm afraid an event sponsored at a hotel in Boise, Idaho might lack the media attention of an event in the middle of New York City. Though, I'd like to add that our cubing competitions are still young and publicity grows with every competition. If 2008 is successful, by that time I'd imagine the US National Cube Championships would be a "bigger" deal. Perhaps by 2010, we'd have a serious sponsor, in which case with a suitable venue in Boise, it'd be an ideal place for a competition. I think the best preference for 2008 is on the east coast of the United States. Boise is certainly an attractive venue, especially if things pick up after the US 2006 Nationals in San Francisco. We can all talk in San Francisco in 10 days...

[b:1ucbpzyx]Venue[/b:1ucbpzyx]: Mall of America Bloomington, Minnesota. [b:1ucbpzyx]Accessibility[/b:1ucbpzyx]: You can register to plan an event on the Mall's official website. Quicklink if you want to see the registration details. http://www.mallofamerica.com/adults_plan_event.aspx [b:1ucbpzyx]Convenience for cubing population[/b:1ucbpzyx]: Due to the Mall of America being the second largest Mall in the world and the largest in the united states (Largest in Edmonton, Canada), it is bound to attract plenty of attention to the Speedcubing community. [b:1ucbpzyx]Practicality[/b:1ucbpzyx]: It's in the Midwest. It's in the center of the USA, so East coast and West coast don't have to travel as far, and it's welcoming the central states. [b:1ucbpzyx]Persons assisting with the organization of the competition[/b:1ucbpzyx]: At the moment, there are 3 active Cubists willing to participate in helping. B Logan, D Grewe, and Myself, N Hevey.

There's a lack of an edit button, so I'll just post this separate. I am under the current knowledge also that the Mall of America has Hotels right in the same facility. Another point I would also like to point out is that the Mall of America attracts more than just Minnesotans, but tourists around the USA as well as the world every day.

I'll say a few other things about Minneapolis. 1) Since it's a large metropolitan area, there's plenty of mass transit for those who may not to rent a car. Light rail and buses. 2) The Mall of America provides plenty of entertainment for spouses and children who may not want to watch speedcubing. There's an amusement park and lots of shopping, along with movie theaters and more. Away from the mall, there are plenty other things to do, such as the science museum, children's museum, and zoos. 3) The airport will probably be a direct connection for most people coming from large airports. 4) Amtrak also comes through, providing another mode of transportation. 5) There are other possible venues, such as the science museum and the Minneapolis convention center.

Thankyou for adding that Blogan. I hope they choose Minnesota. Hopefully I won't be away at college during it though if it is chosen of course. I can always crash at home anyways.

I'd also like to add the Newly renovated Minneapolis Public Library. It has 23 miles of shelves and 34 million articals in it. I had a trip there for archetecture today. It has a auditorium for rent and I talked with public resources and they are more that willing to help out if it were to be held there. This is in central Minneapolis and is the largest public library in the central USA. 4 stories tall and worth checking out. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis_Public_Library Provides a couple images. http://www.mpls.lib.mn.us/ Buildings website.

I think San Fransisco is a good place. People around the world know where it is, there have been rubik's events there in the past, and there are tons of potential venues.

I think there should be a competition in D.C. wich the president having something to do with it and it being on TV (after Bush leaves the White House, of course).

Minneapolis would be great, so would NYC, or Boise. Any or all are fine by me. DC is also good if you are looking for attention. I'd bet we may be able to get the president involved into it in someway and gain national attention.

that would definately work

[quote="pjk":18fkt5w0]Minneapolis would be great, so would NYC, or Boise. Any or all are fine by me. DC is also good if you are looking for attention. I'd bet we may be able to get the president involved into it in someway and gain national attention.[/quote:18fkt5w0]I think that the Mall of America would yeild more publicity because, in a given year, an average of 40 million visitors. That's an average of about 109,000 a day (if it was open 365 days of the year) As for the President of the United States, I doubt he would be able to disrupt his busy schedule for something 'as trivial' as a Rubik's cube competition. (Reference link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mall_of_America)

Indianapolis: Convention Center enough said

Javitz Center in NY - get serious or get out of the way. New York is your location.

Memphis, TN. It's in the center of the entire U.S. practically, and it's awesome.

The location has already been announced: http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/cal ... ssage/2497

That's the 2007 US Open, not 2008 nationals. Actually, Chicago would be a great place for me. I would have come to the US Open last month, but I was at camp at the time. Does anyone who attended the US Open have an opinion on the quality of the venue? Also, I'd like to start some discussion on when the competition should be held. Any weekend from July 4-6 until August 15-17 should work for me. At any other time, I probably can't come due to school and/or miscellaneous vacations. Happy cubing!

Chicago was nice, the hotel was expensive and not too great, but it was nice. Idaho would be neat... I can try setting something up in Denver if you guys want. There are tons of venues in Denver that we could probably get into. I don't think we should do the '08 Nationals in Chicago, since we just had the '07 Open there. What about San Antonio, TX, or Minneapolis, MN? Anywhere is fine by me, but those both seem like great places. Also, what is the time we are thinking about doing this? Will it be early/late summer, or what? Thanks

I'm guessing Minneapolis probably won't be in the running for Nationals '08, since this year was in the Midwest. I'm also trying to get a Minnesota tournament up and running, so that should handle that area. I've contacted a few venues and am waiting to hear back from them. But people need to realize that there are no qualifying tournaments. Nationals are just the name for a tournament that moves around. If you want a tournament in your hometown, then do something to make that happen.

[quote="Ravi":3c6rxb0h]Also, I'd like to start some discussion on when the competition should be held.[/quote:3c6rxb0h] That's assuming that it hasn't already been decided. Does anyone know about the date? Thanks! -Ravi

I think Minneapolis and Chicago are definitely the best choices, since they're more or less in the middle of the US, and for those who won't be able to fly (like yours truly), it will minimize the drive.

I think the Mall of America in Bloomington is the best place to do it. - Lots of attraction - Unbelievably large - Food EVERYWHERE - Open for a looooong time - Middle of US - Easy to reserve space for an event.

I vote for Boise. It's close to Utah.

[quote="ChrisParlette":34yoyguk]I would like to nominate Washington, DC as a possible area to consider. David Barr and I both live in the area and have discussed the possiblity of holding a competition. Here are a couple of points I wanted to make: -Having the US Championship held in the nation's capital would be appropriate for a nationwide tournament. -Maryland is more or less in the center of the east coast, making travel for cubers in the eastern half of the country more viable. -This would be an opportunity for cubers from around the country to visit the nation's capital. I would be happy to help guide some tours around the various parts of DC, including the Smithsonian museums and various memorials. There would also be the option of seeing Baltimore (only 45 minutes away). I believe that sightseeing in DC is worth doing at least once in your life. -I know of at least a dozen people who would help run, judge, and scramble at the event. I also have quite a few people who would be willing to have cubers stay at their places and assist with travel needs to make the trip cheaper for long distance cubers. -As far as the specific venue goes, some possibilities include the Smithsonian museums, the Maryland Science Center, the University of Maryland, or even one of the outdoor ampitheaters near the various memorials. Other possibilities are hotel ballrooms, churches (I have been to multiple that would host in their theater/gathering rooms), or schools in the area. -The area is very easy to travel if you are in proximity to the metro lines. Bus lines extend out beyond the DC borders, and as said before, I know of many people who can help with travel arrangements. Reagan National Airport has a metro stop inside the airport, and BWI is about halfway between Baltimore and Washington. If you all have any questions about the area, let David Barr or myself know. -Chris Parlette[/quote:34yoyguk] I second this. I would strongly LOVE a US Nationals held in D.C. All of Chris's points are excellent. Plus it is only a 2 hour drive from my house! But please Ron, make sure it is NOT in April, June 14-July 16, and in December, because I will be on vacation during those time periods!

I think it should take place in Boise, Idaho as well. It's a great city and has great potentional for a tournament. Cubers from California and the West Coast could come easily and it's close to where I live so I could come as well.

I want it more for D.C., the Mall of America is good too. But has anyone considered [b:3tuzscx5]Kansas City, Missouri[/b:3tuzscx5]? It has a population of over 400,000, and another +100,000 on the Kansas City, Kansas side. It is my home town, But: It is the CENTER of United States! That is somewhere to put the U.S. Nationals - In the direct middle of the United States.

Kansas City seems to be a much better option than Boise. For one, check out the arrival and departures are the airport. For Boise, there were single flights to major hubs, and not that many hubs. That means people would have to spend two extra days (and hotel nights) (one before, one after) for a competition. When you have something that's a major hub, people can arrive in the morning and be able to leave on a redeye. Also, this means that people won't have to make a bunch of connecting flights.

I like this Kansas City idea. Any specific suggestions for the venue?