Fragapalooza '08

Thorin · August 11, 2008, 11:46:28 AM

So how was the venue? Did the concession make good money? Was the power nice and clean?

Tonnica · August 11, 2008, 12:07:23 PM

Quote from: Thorin on August 11, 2008, 11:46:28 AMSo how was the venue? Did the concession make good money? Was the power nice and clean?

The venue was mostly nice. It looked a bit like we had all been locked in a giant basement but it was air conditioned, spacious, and regularly maintained. The bathrooms had an attendant in there practically every hour keeping things clean and stocked up which was great.

I'm betting the concession made a small fortune off of us. Everything came with fries and it wasn't fancy but it was all very convenient and the staff were all very polite.

Negative things were the vibration that irregularly rocked the building due to nearby construction and the drop in temperature overnight with the air conditioning running. I saw a lot of folks huddled up in blankets to keep warm overnight, but it's always easier to warm up than sit through heat.

The power and internet stayed up and consistent throughout the entire event. I didn't hear about any problems but I seriously doubt there were any. People kept their stuff off the power trunks and there was lots of power to go around.

Thorin · August 11, 2008, 12:58:45 PM

I'm glad the Sportex did a good job providing the venue. I used to work there as a clean-up crew for dog shows when I was in Scouts. Great fundraiser, and they did a good job keeping everything tidy and humming along.

Didja know you guys were on the news last night at 11? Global had a 30-second bit about Frag. Dunno if this is the same article or not: http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=09efcaae-0b31-4431-a6b7-5004d301c980

Tom · August 11, 2008, 04:45:54 PM

The sad thing is we probably have to go back to the Mayfield, and ALL of the good things about this years Frag will disappear. (things like a kick ass internet, steady power, working AC, and a CLEAN venue).

Thorin · August 12, 2008, 09:12:06 AM

Why would you have to go back to the Mayfield?

Tom · August 12, 2008, 09:21:26 AM

The SportEx is being torn down this year. And the Agricom is likely way too pricey to book for frag. The other options are places like the Shaw conference center, which are either too expensive or too small. Not a lot of choices for an event that draws ~1000 cheap gamers.

Mr. Analog · August 12, 2008, 12:33:48 PM

Well, I've had a day to decompress and think back here are the pros and cons as I saw them:
PROS

The venue was spotless, cheers to the SportEx staff and the Fraga volunteers
A concession that had reasonable prices and friendly staff
Security was spot on
Lots of fun events
Network stability
Power never failed that I noticed
Gigabit internet connection
New RAND!!
TF2!!!! BONK!
Dedicated Fraga servers!
No old @%&#ty Counterstrike official tournament

CONS

Sound system tweaking. Seriously, when seated you can't hear @%&#
Start contests and stuff earlier, not that I have anything against Karaoke at 2 AM... just... ew...
More events/contests during Fraga spread out through all four days
100 MB network cap :noes:
An attached (good) hotel would be a plus... though the cabs were fast and efficient

Personally, I think this is one of the best Fraga's I've been to (not number one though, I think last year was pretty good). I had tons of fun, everything ran smooth and I won stuff.

Mr. Analog · August 19, 2008, 11:10:51 AM

Fraga in the News:
http://www.futurelooks.com/fragapalooza-2008-canadas-largest-gaming-event/8/

I can't believe it LOLOLOL

Darren Dirt · August 19, 2008, 01:50:29 PM

who's dat?

Mr. Analog · August 19, 2008, 01:55:15 PM

Quote from: Darren Dirt on August 19, 2008, 01:50:29 PM
who's dat?

Some weirdo...

Tonnica · August 19, 2008, 02:13:02 PM

Quote from: Darren Dirt on August 19, 2008, 01:50:29 PMwho's dat?

He is PRIZ-OR purveyor of pretty prolific prizes!

Well at least he can feel confident he wasn't the biggest weirdo there.

Mr. Analog · August 19, 2008, 03:32:37 PM

Quote from: Tonnica on August 19, 2008, 02:13:02 PM
Quote from: Darren Dirt on August 19, 2008, 01:50:29 PMwho's dat?
He is PRIZ-OR purveyor of pretty prolific prizes!

Well at least he can feel confident he wasn't the biggest weirdo there.

Haw!

Darren Dirt · August 19, 2008, 05:11:21 PM

He looks rather happy. Like a cheery version of Mr. A -- wow small world eh?

Thorin · August 20, 2008, 08:57:11 AM

Quote from: Tonnica on August 19, 2008, 02:13:02 PM
Well at least he can feel confident he wasn't the biggest weirdo there.

Nice job on the TF2 Spy costume!

Tonnica · August 20, 2008, 09:01:05 AM

Quote from: Thorin on August 20, 2008, 08:57:11 AMNice job on the TF2 Spy costume!

Thanks! Maybe next time I'll complete my costume before an event instead of after.

I think it helped me get into the finals of the dance-off. It had to have, I've got no game! (and yes there are videos on YouTube and Google Video)