Everything but the game: The parties and events

2009 Super Bowl Breakfast Pro Football Hall of Famer Bart Starr presents his Bart Starr Award (voted on by his peers) for a person who exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. This year's program features Derrick Brooks (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Coach Tony Dungy (Indianapolis Colts), Anthony Munoz (Cincinnati Bengals), Lee Roy Selmon (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and a few other NFL greats. Sat., Jan. 31, 8 a.m., USF Sun Dome, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, $20 general (includes box meal), 813-974-3000.

2009 Players After Party Current free agent and former Buccaneer defensive end Greg Spires hosts this Super Bowl party with DJ Kid Capri. Sun., Feb. 1, 9 p.m., Mirage Night Club, 3605 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, $150 VIP Express (other VIP packages available for $850 and up; general admission tickets available the day of the party), 2009playersafterparty.com.

Aja Super Bowl Weekend of Events Hosted by DJ AM, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Hugh Hef exes/Girls Next Door hotties Holly Madison and Kendra Wilkinson, Pamela Anderson, Simeon Rice. Thurs.-Sat., Jan. 29-31, Aja Channelside, 290 S. Meridian, Tampa. See the Celebrity Parties Guide.

Band Together Former offensive tackle Jerry Wunsch and Cheap Trick's Robin Zander stage this fundraiser for the Wunsch Family Foundation and The First Tee (Zander's Charity). Zander and the Greg Billings Band perform. Sat., Jan. 31, 6-10 p.m. Sirata Beach Resort, 5300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 20 general/$100 VIP, 813-393-8986.

Blu Bash A launch party for blu, a new luxury lifestyle magazine with Vanessa Carlton and Food Network Chef Tyler Florence. Thurs., Jan. 29, 7 p.m., 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, $175 general/$250 VIP, 813-273-4000, blutampabay.com. See the Celebrity Parties Guide.

Celebrities 4 Charity Golf Tournament Hosted by the Bucs' Earnest Graham and boxer Antonio Tarver, this 18-hole tourney gives local foursomes who purchase raffle tickets a chance to be paired up with a participating celebrity of their choice. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., with the shotgun start at 10 a.m.; silent and live auctions are held throughout. Proceeds benefit 1Voice, Earnest Giving Inc., and the Antonio Tarver Foundation. Thurs., Jan. 29, Cheval Golf and Country Club, 4312 Cheval Blvd., Lutz, $1,000 individuals/$2,500 foursomes, 813-948-4010.

Celebrity VIP Night Earnest Graham is the only identified celebrity at this Whiskey North party featuring an intimate concert by Sister Hazel, food and drink. Proceeds benefit 1Voice and Earnest Giving Inc. Thurs., Jan. 29, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $100 general/$350 unlimited top shelf drinks VIP/$1,000 celebrity access VIP, Whisky North, 11921 N. Dale Mabry, Carrollwood, 1voicefoundation.org.

Charles Fazzino Super Bowl Art Party NFL-approved Fazzino — who's created commemorative artwork for the last nine Super Bowls — displays limited edition commemorative paintings, 3-D art and helmet sculptures for Super Bowl XLIII at this party with Bucs Quarterback Brian Griese; a portion of proceeds from the event benefit Judi's House, Griese's nonprofit grief support organization for children and families. Thurs., Jan. 29, 6-9 p.m., Nuance Galleries, 804 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 813-875-0511, nuancegalleries.com.

Circuit City Celebrity Flag Football Challenge Past and present NFL players and celebrities gather and compete in the seventh annual challenge. Sat., Jan. 31, noon-3 p.m., Tradewinds Island Grand Resort & Conference Center, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, $15 spectators, 727-363-2215.

Diamonds & Pearls Celebrity Gala Rub shoulders with more than 100 professional athletes, their wives and entertainment industry celebs at this "Diamond & Pearls"-themed gala to benefit St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Guests enjoy live mood music by jazz saxophonist Eric Darius, a lavish soul food buffet, stand-up by comedian Demetrius Wheeler and a Judith Ripka Jewelry display and silent auction (to benefit the Diamond Empowerment Fund); hosted by the Professional Sports Wives Association. Cocktail attire required. Fri., Jan. 30, 6 p.m.-midnight, GLC Entertainment Complex, 1910 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, $50-$250, prosportswives.eventbrite.com.

DirecTV Celebrity Beach Bowl Unidentified NFL Hall of Famers and Hollywood celebs compete in an old-school grudge match game of flag football; a concert by an unnamed artist follows. (Previous beach bowls have featured Fall Out Boy, David Spade and Blake Lively). Sat., Jan. 31, Progress Energy Park, 203 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, free admission for spectators, 727-825-3137.

The Good Life Experience Hosted by Sean "Diddy" Combs and others. Thurs.-Sat., Jan. 29-31, The Venue, 2675 Ulmerton Road, St. Petersburg. See the Celebrity Parties Guide.

Gridiron Celebrity Hoops XI NFLers, celebs, streetballers, NFL mascots, cheerleaders, high school dance teams and marching bands join pro athletes in this basketball game to raise money for charity. Sat., Jan. 31, Thomas Jefferson High School, Tampa.

Gridiron Greats Autograph Extravaganza Bring your favorite piece of memorabilia and get it signed for a charitable price during this meet-and-greet with football legends and members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, among them, Mike Ditka, Don Shula, Steve Largent, Tony Dorsett, Marv Levy and Deacon Jones. A portion of proceeds benefit the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, which provides financial and medical assistance to retired players in dire need. Fri., Jan. 30, 2-5 p.m., Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ballroom, 5223 N. Orient Road, Tampa, $25 admission (additional donations required for each individual players' signatures), 800-708-1078, gridirongreats.org.

Helmets and Hotties Push claims confirmed attendance by pro players, celebs and models for a two-part Super Bowl XLIII party. Game Time at 5 p.m. features jumbo screens and plasma TVs broadcasting the game, a full restaurant menu, prize giveaways, interactive games with special guest pro-athletes, and more. The Post-Game Party kicks off immediately after the game and features an "Elite Midnight" fashion show (full body paint included) with clothing by Monaco Boutique and swimwear by Raydiance Tanning. Sun., Feb. 1, 5 p.m.-2 a.m., Push Ultra Lounge, 128 Third St. S., St. Petersburg, $25 (21 and up)/$40 Red Carpet (VIP table reservations available at 813-995-3174), helmetsandhotties.com.

Life Off The Field: Celebrating The Beauty Within Awards Show And Fashion Gala For Charity Off the Field is a charity made up of the wives of active and retired NFL players. The organization's gala is held to recognize the achievements of a range of deserving women with a Life Honors Award. Proceeds from the event benefit The Centre for Women, American Cancer Society, Moffitt Cancer Research Foundation and Tyra Banks TZONE Foundation. Fri., Jan. 30, 9:30 a.m., India Cultural Center, 5501 Lynn Road, Tampa, $150 per person/$2,000 table of 10, 813-265-0350, lifeoffthefield.eventbrite.com.

NFL Alumni Super Bowl of Golf Showcase Current and former NFL players serve as celeb captains for teams of four in this Pro-Am format golf tourney/showcase. Proceeds benefit the NFL Alumni's youth programs. Fri., Jan. 30, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Hunter's Green Country Club, 18101 Longwater Run Drive, Tampa, $5,000 team of four, 813-973-1000, nflalumni.org/Golf.aspx.

NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash and Pepsi Música Super Bowl Fiesta Two Pepsi-hosted concerts bring big names from very different markets for two days of concerts at Ford Amphitheatre. Rihanna headlines Thursday's Bash, with Fall Out Boy and Lifehouse providing support and actor Jerry O'Connell reporting live for VH1; and the Friday Fiesta features Enrique Iglesias and Belanova (taped to air on Telemundo Sat., Jan. 31). Jan. 29-30, 7:30 p.m. Thurs.-Fri., Ford Amphitheatre, 4802 U.S. 301 N., Tampa, $20- $45 per concert, nfl.com/pepsismash.

NFL Charities/Strike 10 Super Bowl Celebrity Bowling Classic The fourth annual fundraiser for the NFL Youth Education Town initiative pairs current and former NFL players and members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame with amateur bowlers. Prizes go to members of the top three finishing teams. All bowlers also get a commemorative Super Bowl XLIII bowling ball and pin and a gift bag of official Super Bowl apparel from Reebok. Thurs., Jan. 29, 8 p.m., Pin Chasers-Veterans, 5555 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, $300 individuals/$1,000 teams of four 201-489-0049, nfl.com/superbowl/43/events.

The NFL Experience An interactive fan festival. Jan. 29-31, Dale Mabry and Tampa Bay Boulevard, Tampa.

Par and Poker Celebrity Challenge for Charity NFL Super Bowl Champion Seth Joyner and PGA Golfer Andy Walker co-host their second annual two-part Super Bowl charity event, which begins with an 18-hole golf tournament (8 a.m.-5 p.m., TPC Tampa Bay, 5300 W. Lutz Lake Fern Road, Lutz) and ends with a no-limit Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament (7 p.m.-2 a.m., The Silks Poker Room at Tampa Bay Downs, 11225 Race Track Road, Tampa). Olympic gold swimmer Ed Moses and baseball legend Ozzie Smith are among the confirmed celeb participants. Proceeds support Judeo Christian Health Clinic and Kids Charity of Tampa Bay. Thurs., Jan. 29, $1,500 per person Golf With Celebrities (includes caddie)/$540 Poker With Celebrities/$2,000 package (free admission for spectators), parandpoker.com.

The Party NFL players, sports starts, VIPs, and celebs are expected to attend this posh red carpet party with a pool grotto area, food and drink, a 30th floor "Grand Penthouse VIP Experience," VIP poolside cabanas, live music and guest DJs, Fri., Jan. 30, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., The Towers of Channelside, 1211 E. Cumberland Ave., Tampa, $250 gold (general access)/$450 platinum VIP, thepartytampa.com.

Revolution Hosted by Kevin Dillon and others. Sat., Jan. 31, Floyd's Nightclub at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 5223 N. Orient Road, Tampa. See the Celebrity Parties Guide.

Saturday Night Spectacular Kevin Costner and Michael Strahan co-host a fundraiser for SIDS-related charities. Sat., Jan. 31, 8 p.m.-3 a.m., T. Pepin Hospitality Centre, 4121 50th St., Tampa, $875 per person, saturdaynightspectacular.com. See the Celebrity Parties Guide.

Super Bowl Gospel Celebration Now in its 10th year, the NFL-sanctioned gospel concert brings musicians and NFL players together on one stage for uplifting music and inspirational messages. Currently on the bill are Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp, Mary Mary and Hezekia Walker. Sat., Jan. 31, 7:30-10:30 p.m., USF Sun Dome, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, $35-$75, 813-974-3000, superbowlgospel.com.

Super Bowl Weekend at Jackson's Bistro Hosted by Jenny McCarthy, Carmen Electra, Kim Kardashian and various Playmates. Fri.-Sat., Jan. 30-31, Jackson's Bistro, 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa. See the Celebrity Parties Guide.

Super Tailgate Throwdown A free, three-day throwdown by Tampa online media company CmediaTV. Attendees enjoy a classic car show, live classic rock and Motown hits on Thursday, a tribute to the military and public servants on Friday, and the official grilling cook-off competition, "Super Tailgate Throwdown," on Saturday; interactive kid zones, foods of all varieties, games, prizes, ice sculpting, eating competitions (wings, barbeque, strawberry shortcake), daily "Best Dressed Fanatical Fan" contests, and live cooking and cigar rolling demos are offered throughout. Jan. 29-31, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri.-Sat., Al Lopez Park, 4810 N. Himes Ave., Tampa, free admission, 813-532-1271, cmediatv.com, supertailgatethrowdown.com.

Taste of NFL An NFL-hosted food and wine tasting bonanza featuring Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio and area chefs. Sat., Jan. 31, 6 p.m. VIP, 7- 11 p.m. general, Tropicana Field, 1 Tropicana Drive, St. Petersburg, $500 per person general/$600 per person VIP, tasteofthenfl.com. See the Celebrity Parties Guide.

The Ultimate Tailgate Pawty Humane Society of Pinellas hosts a daytime fundraisin' party with its HSP live animal mascots Duncan and Daisy, food, vendors of all varieties, a kid's play area, doggie demos and agility shows, games, contests and adoptable pets. Socialized pets are welcome to attend. Sat., Jan. 31, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Coachman Park, 301 Drew St., Clearwater, free admission, 727-797-7722, humanesocietyofpinellas.org.

Under The Veil Celebrity Super Bowl Parties Hosted by Jermaine Dupri, Aqib Talib and Nelly and Antonio Tarver. Fri.-Sat., Jan. 30-31, Museum of Science and Industry, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. See the Celebrity Parties Guide.

Vibe Magazine Presents T-Pain's Thr33 Ring Circus Vibe and Grammy-winning rapper T-Pain team up for this bowl party. From the release: "A festive evening unlike any Super Bowl spectacle ever seen. Prepare to enter T-Pain's Thr33 Ring Circus and experience a themed night that Florida won't soon forget." Sat., Jan. 31, 8 p.m.-3 a.m., GLC Entertainment Complex, 1910 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, $125, superlx.com.

This article appears in Jan 21-27, 2009.