I went with a bunch of buddies back around 2000. It was the worst experience we ever had. Hardly any refs, only a couple of Charon's, and poor organization. Even tried to run it as a reenactment instead of a Big Game. They tried to sell it off as a big hit with over 800 people. there was only around 300, maybe a bit more and most of them had already left when before the game even ended on Sunday.
I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Smaller Big Games (200 or so) that are well run is far more enjoyable.
I'd try it again if I were you. They've come along way in the 12 years since you were there last. With around 4,000 people attending nowadays I'd say they have a winning formula, not to mention all of the off-road ATV and milsim airsoft events they do. It's better organized now with a lot more well trained refs and officials than there ever has been. I believe they have 10-12 chronos going now, especially on Game Day. I'd be at the very back of the chrono line with hundreds of people in front of me and be done in 20-30 minutes. Despite what it may have been set up like in the past, the outcome of the games can go either way now. It can be as fun as what you make of it, so unless you had just a ridiculously awful experience beyond belief and swore to never attend again then I urge you to give it another shot.
Anyone who ever attends I'd highly suggest you get involved with a squad (not just your friends in your group) and others in your camping area. My first year I went alone and just kept to myself near my campsite when I wasn't playing a game. When I went back my second time I was much more involved with a squad of guys I had never met before and my division was also very active during the week on and off the field. I had 10 times more fun my second D-Day than my first time. I have absolutely 0 gripes about the way the game was ran or officiated. The only detractor I put on my division/squad was that we were "too involved"; I got maybe 5 hours of sleep each night and had little time to rest my body in that tough heat. For the mini games they might move groups from one side to the other to make the game fair, but for the big game you are guaranteed to play for the side you signed up for. Cheating is going to happen, there's no way around it even with a bunch of refs. I play for the allies and I thought to myself, "Hey, those Germans are wiping SOB's!"; then they changed my group over to the German side for a round and I thought, "Hey, those Allies are wiping SOB's!". It all balances out in the end, just worry about yourself and play honorable. Try not to get a hot head and remember that this is just a game you're playing to honor the vets who fought for real.
