Qualcomm is going to be invaded by two teams of pirates looking for Super Bowl booty. The Raiders and the Buccaneers will occupy San Diego this Sunday, and the frenzied fans will inevitably get a little scary.
Be honest with yourself. Some of you would indeed cross the street if a strange warrior from the north, covered in silver and black paint, was coming in your direction.
Don’t worry. You will not be wandering the streets wondering what to do or living a life holed up in your cave of a room, hiding from the Super Bowl.
Yeah, we at the Guardian know that this isn’t the sports section. Hardcore Hiatus devotees may or may not follow the wide world of sports, but we’ll let you in on a little secret: Just because the Super Bowl is a football game does not mean that you have to actually like sports to enjoy the perks of such a day.
So what can you do in anticipation of this pseudo-holiday?
Lots. Albeit football-related, the following are not actually sports.
MUSIC IN THE GASLAMP
Rochelle, Rochelle
San Diego locals Rochelle, Rochelle, formed in August 2000, were nominated for “”Best Rock Album”” and won “”Best New Artist”” at the San Diego Music Awards in 2001. The band also won the “”Best Rock”” award in 2002. Their live shows are energetic and manage to get the audience dancing. Bands Skylab, Driven and Large Marge round out the lineup for the night. Catch them for free Jan. 24 at 6 p.m. between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue.
And/Ors and Ilya
Don’t miss the 12-hour set that includes headliners And/Ors and Ilya. The show, which is also between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue, will be on Jan. 25 from noon to midnight. This free event is all ages until 5p.m., and those 21 and up can get in until midnight.
AM Vibe, Congress of the Cow
AM Vibe, a band with a thick guitar and a clear, uncomplicated sound will perform. Alt-rockers Congress of the Cow put tender loving care into their melodies, yet the foursome has a vigorous live show with high energy and a strong beat. Love Light Shine shares the stage in this game-day show. Performances take place on Jan. 26 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and are 21 and up. The free show is between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue and J Street and K Street.
STUNNINGLY EXPENSIVE — WELL, YOU COULD JUST HANG AROUND OUTSIDE THESE EVENTS
NFL Alumni Legends Golf Tournament
A benefit for youth oriented programs, this high-end tournament will feature NFL-proclaimed legends out of their 100-yard element and on the green. Will they make par? Probably not, but that makes it funnier. The tournament is Jan. 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Torrey Pines Golf Course and costs $7,500 per foursome.
Gridiron Glamour
This celebrity fashion show and luncheon, hosted by ex-Raider, former Heismen Trophy winner and USC alumni Marcus Allen, features upscale designs from Saks Fifth Avenue. The real treat is that professional athletes will model the clothes, as if they didn’t get enough attention with the Super Bowl in town. Proceeds benefit the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center at USC. The strutting will go down Jan. 25 at 11 a.m. at the San Diego Convention Center. Runway Tables cost $7,500, the Touchdown Table is $5,000 and the Field Goal Table is $2,500.
ACTIVITES WITH A MINOR COST
The Family Huddle
Frolic with current and retired NFL players in this Lego wonderland, only to be interrupted by a performance by Jessica Simpson. Huddle up Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Legoland. Tickets are $34.95 for kids ages 3 to 16 and seniors, while it’s $41.95 for adults. Children under 3 are free.
Super Bowl Gospel Celebration
Sing your soul out — or just observe Grammy Award winners Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams and Donnie McClurkin, plus a host of top NFL players. Belt it out Jan. 24 at 8 p.m. at the San Diego Sports Arena. Entrance costs $35 per person.
Game Day Gridiron Celebrity Hoops
Off the field and onto the hardwood, NFL football players will compete with celebrities for the amusement of the crowd — and to benefit local charities. The night includes free celebrity autographs (NFL players Marcellus Wiley, Terrell Owens, LaDainian Tomlinson and Curtis Martin; rapper Bow Wow; and actors Morris Chestnut and Anthony Anderson are scheduled to appear), interactive games and prizes. The real mystery is why this is called “”Game Day Gridiron”” when it’s really not Super Bowl game day. See the dunks Jan. 24 from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Jenny Craig Pavilion (USD). Prices range from $20 in the upper leve, to $45 for lower level general admission, to $100 for VIP admission.
IF YOU ARE REALLY POOR
Free Organ Concert
The Spreckels Organ Pavilion at Balboa Park will take pity on all the broker-than-a-jokers out there with a performance by San Diego’s own Civic Organist, Carol Williams. Strangely, the organ rocks. But wait — the Super Bowl tie-in is that Williams plays selections from the football playbook. Fight songs will echo throughout the park. Rally on Jan. 23 at 2 p.m. at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park for free.
Cultural Arts Bowl & Festival
It’s not the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl, but it’s still pretty spicy. Ethnically diverse art will be featured, proving that arts and athletics really do go hand-in-hand (if you stretch it). Get creative Jan. 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the San Diego Convention Center for free.
ESPN Classic TV show
Hosts Ron Thulin and Emmitt Smith, plus thier many guests: Joe Namath, Art Shell, Adam Vinatieri, Bruce Smith, James Lofton, Paul Hornung and Max McGee (all the big names in football), will host this free screening of classic clips. Nostalgia central is Jan. 25 adjacent to the Fleet Science Center/IMAX theater in Balboa Park from 1p.m. to 3 p.m.
Sycuan Super Fireworks Spectacular
Don’t miss the official fireworks show of the Super Bowl, presented by the Sycuan band of the Kumeyaay Nation — not that you could even try to miss it. This is slated to be the biggest fireworks show in San Diego. The dazzling sights happen Jan. 25 at 9:15 p.m. at the San Diego Harbor, and admission is free.
VOLUNTEER
Rebuilding Together “”Kickoff to Rebuild 2003″”
Several low-income residents of City Heights will get their houses revamped in this officially sanctioned NFL event. The all-day event draws volunteers from San Diegans to NFL celebrities, and aims to help these families rebuild their homes. Help out Jan. 24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in City Heights, at 4880 Lantana Avenue and 4870 Lantana Avenue. For volunteer information see www.rebuildingtogether.org.
Half-Time Show
Well, technically you volunteer your time, but this position has its advantages. Be on the field during the half-time show and go crazy during musical performances. The catch: You must attend three mandatory rehearsals to be considered for the big game, and on Sunday, expect to miss the first three quarters of the Super Bowl. Three thousand screaming fans will be selected. For further information, see http://www.1iota.com.
TICKET HOLDERS ONLY
NFL Stadium Club Qualcomm Stadium Parking Lot
Pre-game and post-game fun for game ticket holders with food, entertainment, and current and former NFL players. Go to see, be seen and gloat to everyone else that you have the golden ticket. Times are from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Super Bowl Sunday.
Super Bowl XXXVII
Oakland Raiders vs. the Tampe Buccaneers only means one thing: scary, fanatical, maniacal football fans. Naturally, it’s on Jan. 26 at 3 p.m. at the Qualcomm Stadium.
And finally, some hot hiatus tips:
Transportation
The trolley is a must. Driving downtown will be a nightmare — even walking may be faster. Think alternative: bikes, roller blades, unicycles, stilts or your favorite pair of running shoes.
Lodging
To really be at one with the teams and share the experience, book some rooms quickly! The Buccaneers are staying at the Hilton Torrey Pines, while the Raiders have taken over the Hyatt La Jolla. They came to San Diego and stay in La Jolla. Interesting.
