In the days leading up to Super Bowl XLIII, there are a number of planned events and festivals taking place in the Tampa Bay area. Some events are directly connected to the Super Bowl while others just happen to coincide with the game.
Following is a list of some of the events scheduled which may appeal to area residents and visitors regardless of their actual Super Bowl plans:
- What: The NFL Experience
When: Saturday, Jan. 24, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 25, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 29, 3 to 9 p.m. and, After Dark, 9 p.m. to midnight; Friday, Jan. 30, 3 to 10 p.m.; and Saturday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Adjacent to Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa
Overview: The NFL Experience will feature more than 50 interactive games and attractions as well as special programming such as football clinics, autograph sessions, a football card show and NFL Coaches Chats.
- What: Lights on Tampa
When: Jan. 10 through Feb. 1, 6 p.m. to midnight
Where: Various locations in downtown Tampa, including the Tampa Convention Center, Fort Brooke Parking Garage and Channelside.
Description: Lights on Tampa, a partnership between the city of Tampa and the private sector, seeks to bring free access to artistic excellence by working with internationally recognized jurors and artists to create unique and site-sensative art installations.
- What: NFL History from Getty Images
When: Jan. 22 through Feb. 28, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, 200 N. Tampa St., Suite 130, Tampa
Description: This special photographic exhibition in honor of Super Bowl XLIII will feature 30 photographs from the extensive archives of Getty Images.
- What: Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadians
When: Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Description: NHL hockey game.
- What: Up Close and Personal with Jordin Sparks
When: Jan. 27, 7:30 to 11 p.m.
Where: Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine, 4243 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa
Description: This event will include Roy’s signature Hawaiian Fusion cuisine and an intimate performance by Jordin Sparks, the season six winner of American Idol.
- What: NFL YET Center Career Expo
When: Jan. 28, 3 to 6 p.m.
Where: Jackson Heights NFL YET Center, 3310 E. 34th St., Tampa
Description: The M.O.M. Squad will sponsor this free career expo which will include vendor booths displayed by various trade schools, junior colleges, corporations and nonprofit organizations.
- What: Super Hyde Park Music Series
When: Jan. 28, 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Hyde Park Village, found at Swann and Dakota avenues
Description: This free open-air concert will boast a festive atmosphere. Proceeds from beverage sales will benefit the NFL YET Centers of Tampa Bay which provide programs and activities to children in underserved communities.
- What: Super Bike Night
When: Jan. 28, 6 to 11 p.m.
Where: Quaker Steak & Lube Restaurant, 10400 49th St. N., Clearwater
Description: Don Garlits will be showing off his legendary Swamp Rat as 4,000 motorcycles converge on Quaker Steak & Lube Restaurant to celebrate Super Bowl XLIII. The Big Brother Band will perform.
- What: The Second Annual Jordin Sparks Charity Concert
When: Jan. 28, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Grace Family Church, 5101 Van Dyke Road, Lutz
Description: Sparks, along with season six American Idol fan favorite Chris Richardson, singer Christa Black and the Grace Family Church iO Band, will perform at this charity concert.
- What: Mike Ditka’s Gridiron Greats Dinner of Champions & VIP Reception
When: Jan. 28, 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 North Orient Road, Tampa
Description: Mike Ditka and Bob Costas will be joined by over 100 NFL legends and players at an event featuring a cigar and scotch reception, dinner, entertainment and auction.
- What: Celine Dion
When: Jan. 28, 8 to 11 p.m.
Where: St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Description: Celine Dion will bring her Taking Chances Tour to the Tampa Bay area.
- What: Dinner with the NFL and Getty Images
When: Jan. 28, 8:15 to 10:30 p.m.
Where: The Tampa Club, 101 East Kennedy Blvd., Suite 4100, Tampa
Description: Mario Prosperino, sports league manager of NFL Getty Images, will speak at this gourmet dinner.
- What: Super Tailgate Throwdown
When: Jan. 29, 30 and 31, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where: Al Lopez Park, 4810 North Himes Ave., Tampa
Description: This free community event will feature live entertainment, interactive kids’ zones, games and ice sculpting. Food will be available for purchase.
- What: Sports Career Expo
When: Jan. 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Marshall Student Center, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa
Description: This sports career conference will showcase career opportunities within the professional sports industry. Students must register through their high school.
- What: Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash
When: Jan. 29, 6 to 11 p.m.
Where: Ford Amphitheatre, 4802 U.S. Highway 301 N., Tampa
Description: This special concert will include performances by Rihanna, Fall Out Boy and Lifehouse. Actor Jerry O’Connell will host. The concert will be broadcast live on VH1.
- What: Champions of the Good Life
When: Jan. 29, 7 p.m.; Jan. 30, 7 p.m.
Where: The Venue, 2675 Ulmerton Road, St. Petersburg
Description: Attending this Vegas Fight Night themed extravaganza will be Winky Wright and Sean “Diddy” Combs.
- What: Super Bowl NFL Charities Celebrity Bowling Classic
When: Jan. 29, 7 to 11 p.m.
Where: Pin Chasers Veterans, 5555 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa
Description: Amateurs will join current and former NFL stars in a bowling tournament.
- What: Eagles
When: Jan. 29, 8 to 10:30 p.m.
Where: St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Description: The Eagles will bring their Long Road Out of Eden Tour to the Tampa Bay area.