CRONOGRAMA DE ACTIVIDADES PARA EL SUPER BOWL XLIII - Ingles

NUEVA YORK - El Super Bowl XLIII trae mucho más que Football a Tampa Bay. A través de la semana que precede al juego, más de 50 actividades y programas estarán relacionados con la caridad y para la comunidad.

Las actividades de la semana también incluirán el aviso del premio anual para el hombre del año, el trofeo Walter Payton NFL y la celebración del impacto positivo en la iniciativa del NFL Youth Education Town.

The following are just some of the ways the NFL and Super Bowl XLIII will benefit the host community:


“SUPER BOWL XLIII PLAYBOOK FOR SMALL BUSINESS”

SIX WORKSHOPS FOR MINORITY AND FEMALE BUSINESS OWNERS

The NFL has partnered with several Tampa Bay business development agencies to deliver a series of business workshops designed to educate, engage and empower the owners of Central Florida’s booming minority and women-owned small business community. The workshops are a part of the NFL Emerging Business Program.

These educational and networking opportunities offer local business owners free professional development forums and are being held throughout the Tampa Bay area during December and January. Members of the Super Bowl XLIII Small Business Alliance have taken turns hosting the workshops and providing curriculum, speakers, staff and volunteers at each program.

The first workshops focused on brand-building and cross cultural marketing. The final workshop, “Finding Capital,” will be held on Thursday, January 22 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Tampa Port Authority Building. Featured speakers include Albert Lee of Fifth Third Bank.


SUPER BOWL XLIII ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM

The NFL Environmental Program has developed a series of initiatives to minimize the impact of Super Bowl activities on the local and global environment. Environmental projects are executed in partnership with the Tampa Bay Super Bowl XLIII Host Committee and local, state and national organizations. These initiatives include:

Solid Waste Management/Recycling - Comprehensive solid waste management will be implemented at major NFL event facilities. This project diverts waste from local landfills through recycling and reusing potential waste materials. Targeted sites include Raymond James Stadium, the Tampa Convention Center site of the Super Bowl XLIII Media Center, the NFL Experience Presented by Bank of America, the NFL Tailgate Party and others.

Prepared Food Recovery - Extra prepared food from Super Bowl events will be collected for donation in partnership with America's Second Harvest of Tampa Bay. Food recovered through this effort will go to soup kitchens, shelters and other local organizations that provide meals to people in need.

Materials Donation - Decorative materials, building materials, office supplies and other reusable items will be recovered and donated to local nonprofit organizations. Some materials are appropriate for reuse while others will be used as fundraising auction items. A local United Way chapter is arranging for distribution of these items to regional nonprofits. PODS, a national moving and storage company, is providing collection containers for all donated materials following Super Bowl events.

Sports Equipment and Book Donation Project - The Super Kids-Super Sharing Sports Equipment and Book Donation project was developed in partnership with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the NFL Youth Education Town (YET) initiative, the Tampa Bay Super Bowl Host Committee and more than 100 schools in the Tampa Bay area. Local students are bringing gently used or new books and sports equipment to their schools this month. These items will be collected and donated to local schools and organizations serving children in need.

o On Thursday, January 22, the media is invited to the Jackson Heights NFL YET Center (3310 E. Lake Avenue, Tampa), where students and coordinators from more than 100 schools will bring donated sports equipment and books between 9 a.m. and noon. (Best photo opportunities will be from 10:00-11:15 a.m.).

Greenhouse Gas Reduction/Renewable Energy - Renewable energy will be used at Raymond James Stadium, site of Super Bowl XLIII, and the NFL Experience Presented by Bank of America located nearby. TECO Energy is providing renewable power generated by solar and biomass facilities in Florida. Travel emissions associated with Super Bowl team and NFL staff travel will be offset through an arrangement with Expedia travel agency. Biofuels will be used to power remote generators wherever available.

Urban and Community Forestry – Twenty-three local sites have been selected for urban and community forestry projects in connection with Super Bowl XLIII. More than 1,600 trees will be planted. Schools, education centers, public parks and wilderness refuges are among the sites chosen around the Tampa Bay area. The US Forest Service, the State of Florida Division of Forestry and local nonprofit group TREE, Inc. are major partners in this initiative. In cooperation with state and federal agencies, the greenhouse gas reduction created by these trees will be monitored and recorded over time.


STAY COOL IN SCHOOL

NFL PLAYERS will once again partner with this year’s Super Bowl Host City to present the Stay Cool in School program, an initiative providing NFL player trading cards as educational tools to more than 10,000 Tampa-area students. Sponsored by licensed trading card companies Donruss/Playoff, Topps and Upper Deck, Stay Cool in School encourages 5th-grade students to utilize language arts through creative writing.

Now in its 14th year, Stay Cool in School invites students to submit essays on the topic “My Winning Moment.” Ten finalists will be selected by a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and each will receive the ultimate prize: a visit to his or her classroom by NFL players on Thursday, January 22 or Friday, January 23. NFL players making the visits include MICHAEL CLAYTON, JOVAN HAYE, TANARD JACKSON, LUKE MCCOWN, SABBY PISCITELLI, and ALEX SMITH, all of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Winners and their classmates will also receive two tickets to the NFL Experience, packs of trading cards, NFL PLAYERS mini-footballs and Stay Cool in School t-shirts.

From the ten finalists, the student with the highest essay score will be declared the Grand Prize “Touchdown Winner” and will have special access to NFL players at the NFL Experience Super Bowl week. In addition to being escorted to and from the NFL Experience, the Grand Prize winner will be given the opportunity to conduct an exclusive interview with NFL players, acting as a “student reporter” for Weekly Reader and NFL PLAYERS. He or she will cover the event for a story to be published on Weekly Reader’s Web site and on NFLPLAYERS.com.


MILITARY OUTREACH

From hospital visits to NFL Experience tickets, the NFL will ensure that military members in Tampa Bay enjoy all the excitement of Super Bowl week. The following events are planned for members of the military and their families:

Saturday, January 24, 2:30-3:30 p.m.: Children of military members from MacDill Air Force Base will enjoy a special clinic just for them at the NFL PLAY 60 Youth Football Festival Presented by Nike at the NFL Experience.

Monday, January 26, 2:30-4:30 p.m.: NFL players TERRELL DAVIS (Denver Broncos-Retired), IKE HILLIARD (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and DARRELLE REVIS (New York Jets) will visit servicemembers at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital (13000 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa).

Tuesday, January 27, 3:00-4:30 p.m.: TERRELL DAVIS (Denver Broncos-Retired), BRANDON JONES (Tennessee Titans), IKE HILLIARD (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), and TONY MCDANIEL (Jacksonville Jaguars) will meet with servicemembers at MacDill Air Force Base (7701 Tampa Point Boulevard, Tampa).

Thursday, January 29 and Saturday, January 31: Local members of the military will golf and bowl alongside NFL legends at the SUPER BOWL NFL CHARITIES CELEBRITY BOWLING CLASSIC and the SUPER BOWL XLIII NFL CHARITIES CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC. They will receive free admission to both events, which raise funds for the NFL Youth Education Town initiative.

In addition, military members will be guests at the NFL Experience presented by Bank of America throughout the week, and servicemembers and members of the Wounded Warriors will be special attendees at the Media Center on Friday, January 30 for the Commissioner’s press conference.


NFL YOUTH FOOTBALL SUPER BOWL CLINICS

More than 2,000 children from local youth football programs and community youth agencies, as well as those attending NFL Experience, will learn flag football fundamentals, sportsmanship and teamwork from current and former NFL players as well as local youth coaches. The clinics include an NFL PLAY 60 Youth Football Festival and NFL FLAG clinics, all presented by Nike. NFL Punt, Pass and Kick sessions and clinics for local Special Olympians, Girls Flag Football teams, and the children of military members will take place throughout Super Bowl Week. All NFL Youth Football activities will take place at the clinic fields within NFL Experience, adjacent to Raymond James Stadium. The clinic schedule is as follows:

Saturday, January 24-Sunday, January 25: NFL PLAY 60 Youth Football Festival Presented by Nike;
o Clinic for children of military members from 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. on January 24
o Clinic for Special Olympians from 11:30a.m.-12:30p.m. on January 25

Thursday, January 29: NFL FLAG Clinics presented by Nike; Nike Football Clinics

Friday, January 30: NFL FLAG Clinics presented by Nike; Nike Football Clinics

Saturday, January 31: Girls Flag Football demonstration; NFL FLAG Clinics presented by Nike; NFL Punt Pass & Kick Clinics; USA Football Skills Combine


THE NFL EXPERIENCE PRESENTED BY BANK OF AMERICA

The NFL and Bank of America will team up to present the most exciting continuous event surrounding Super Bowl XLIII, The NFL Experience Presented by Bank of America, from January 24-25 and January 29-31. February 1 is open to Super Bowl XLIII ticket holders only. This is the second time the event will take place in the Tampa area in its 18-year history. The interactive fan festival, located adjacent to Raymond James Stadium, precedes the Super Bowl each year and features more than 50 pro football-related games, displays and entertainment attractions.

Visitors can test their running, passing, kicking and punting skills by participating in a variety of fun interactive attractions including "Quarterback Challenge," a passing accuracy game and "Fair Catch," a punt reception game. Additionally, fans can partake in state-of-the-art football video game systems, dress like their favorite football heroes in "Gear Up and Go!" and take part in various youth football and Football 101 clinics.

As many as 50 NFL superstars will be available to meet fans and sign free autographs at the Super Bowl XLIII Card Show, the largest football card exhibit ever that features displays from leading manufacturers, including rare collectibles.

NFLX After Dark, an exclusive evening party for adult fans, will take place on Thursday, January 29 from 9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m. The event features appearances by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Cheerleaders, a DJ spinning the latest music, a marching band and an EA Sports Madden NFL 09 Mini Tournament, with two tickets to Super Bowl XLIII going to the winner. Vvisiting http://www.superbowl.com/.

On Saturday, January 31, at 1:00 p.m., NFL Auction and Hunt Auctions will present The Live Auction at NFL Experience, featuring over 300 lots of modern and historical football memorabilia. A portion of the auction’s proceeds will be donated to charities designated by the NFL, NFL PLAYERS and participating NFL teams.

Proceeds from ticket sales to NFL Experience will be donated to the NFL Youth Education Town (YET) initiative. Tickets are $18.50 for adults and $12.50 for children 12 and under. All games and activities are included with the price of admission. Tickets to The NFL Experience Presented by Bank of America online at http://www.superbowl.com/, at the Raymond James Stadium Box Office, and at the gate beginning January 24.


SUPER BOWL XLIII CHEERLEADING SPIRIT CLINIC and DANCE/DRILL COMPETITION

Cheerleading teams and dance teams from the area will enjoy a day of positive competition on Saturday, January 24, at the clinic fields within NFL Experience presented by Bank of America, adjacent to Raymond James Stadium.

From 10:30-11:45 a.m., local cheerleading and dance teams will have an opportunity to showcase their talent in a fun and exciting atmosphere. Participants must pre-register.

From 12:00-1:00 p.m., young women from local schools (ages 10-19) will learn football fundamentals, teamwork, cheering skills and dance techniques at the Super Bowl XLIII Cheerleading Spirit Clinic. This annual clinic, now in its 13th year, gives young women the opportunity to experience the excitement of Super Bowl XLIII firsthand and to enjoy a day of positive competition at a free event designed specifically for them.

NFL players will teach football basics while professional cheerleaders demonstrate cheer and dance techniques. Participants will learn about the importance of getting a good education, living drug-free and striving to achieve dreams. In addition, 2008 Olympic women's balance beam gold medalist and individual all-around silver medalist SHAWN JOHNSON will attend the clinics and will be recognized as the Cheerleader of Life for setting a positive example for young women.


SUPER BOWL XLIII ONE WORLD SUPER HUDDLE

Tampa Bay area fifth graders will learn about the differences that make them unique and the similarities that bring them together as part of the NFL’s diversity program “One World: Connecting Communities, Cultures, and Classrooms.” On Monday, January 26, eight classes from varying ethnic and racial backgrounds who have been communicating with each other through pen-pal letters will meet for the first time at Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School (11602 N. 15th Street, Tampa) from 9:00-11:30 a.m. Together, they will create an artistic depiction of Florida’s diversity with the help of a local artist, learn about healthy foods from around the world with an area chef and get active with the help of the HOPSports Training System. Students will also have the opportunity to learn more about their pen pals and interact with NFL players WILL ALLEN (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), CHRIS HOVAN (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), JERMAINE PHILLIPS (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), DUKE PRESTON (Buffalo Bills), KEIWAN RATLIFF (Indianapolis Colts) and TONY RICHARDSON (New York Jets). Local schools participating in the One World event are as follows: Brooksville Elementary, Crystal Lake, High Point Elementary, Richey Elementary, Sacred Heart Academy, Oneco Elementary, Orange Ridge and Witter Elementary.


NFLPA RETIRED PLAYERS TAMPA CHAPTER – FOOTBALL & FITNESS CLINIC

The NFLPA Retired Players Tampa Chapter will conduct a football and fitness clinic with a local Boys & Girls Club on Monday, January 26 from 4:30- 6:00 p.m. Retired NFL players will join 200 local children for an afternoon of drills, skills and fun at this non-contact football clinic.


WHAT MOVES U SCHOOL VISIT

As part of NFL PLAY 60, the league’s youth health and fitness campaign, WILL ALLEN (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), IKE HILLIARD (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), DUKE PRESTON (Buffalo Bills) KEIWAN RATLIFF (Indianapolis Colts) and BARRETT RUUD (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) will visit Dr. John Long Middle School (2025 Mansfield Blvd, Wesley Chapel) for a special What Moves U fitness activity on Tuesday, January 27 from 11:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. What Moves U, developed in conjunction with the American Heart Association, is the primary in-school curriculum for NFL PLAY 60. Sixth graders at Dr. John Long Middle School took part in the NFL PLAY 60 What Moves U Challenge, a Super Bowl program that taught students the importance of getting 60 minutes of daily physical activity. Over 5,000 Tampa Bay 5th and 6th graders participated in the NFL PLAY 60 What Moves U Challenge in the months leading up to Super Bowl Week.


NFL CHARITIES YOUTH BOWLING CLINIC

On Wednesday, January 28 from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., 30 boys and girls from the Tampa Bay Youth Education Towns will be guests of NFL Charities at a youth bowling clinic, learning the basics of the game.

Professional bowlers, including members of the PBA Tour, will conduct the clinic and provide one-on-one instruction for the youngsters at Pinchasers Veterans Lanes (W. Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa), which is donating the facility as well as lunch.

Each child will receive their own fitted bowling ball, shirt and bag courtesy of Strike Ten and Reebok. Tampa Bay Buccaneers players bowl with the youngsters during the event.


NFL PLAY 60 KIDS’ DAY AT THE NFL EXPERIENCE
PRESENTED BY BANK OF AMERICA

NFL PLAY 60 Kids’ Day gives 2,000 local children the opportunity to attend a private session of The NFL Experience, Wednesday, January 28, from 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. Kids’ Day gives under-served children in the community the chance to take part in the excitement of Super Bowl Week free of charge. Current and former NFL players including TERRELL DAVIS (Denver Broncos-retired), BRANDON JONES (Tennessee Titans), IKE HILLIARD (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), VINCENT JACKSON (San Diego Chargers), ADRIAN JONES (Kansas City Chiefs) TONY MCDANIEL (Jacksonville Jaguars), DUKE PRESTON (Buffalo Bills), DARRELLE REVIS (New York Jets), TONY RICHARDSON (New York Jets) and NICK SORENSON (Cleveland Browns) will be on hand to interact with the children.

Kids will learn more about the importance of healthy living during Kids’ Day as part of NFL PLAY 60, aimed at helping youngsters get 60 minutes of exercise each day. Some lucky Tampa Bay students who completed the NFL PLAY 60 What Moves U Challenge will be special guests at Kids’ Day. As part of the contest, local students were challenged to get 60 minutes of physical activity a day.

Kids’ Day will conclude with a press conference with NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL at 1:00 p.m. at the clinic field within the NFL Experience. Commissioner Goodell will be joined by NFL players including WARRICK DUNN (Buccaneers) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers Executive Vice-President BRYAN GLAZER. During the press conference, Commissioner Goodell will recognize Sam Kimmel, this year’s NFL PLAY 60 Super Kid who committed to getting 60 minutes of exercise a day. Sam will run on-field before Super Bowl XLIII begins and hand the ball to an official. The press conference will conclude with a special performance by singer BRE MORGAN of Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing.


THE HOME DEPOT NFL NEIGHBORHOOD MVP ALL-STAR
PLAYGROUND BUILD & AWARD CEREMONY

The Home Depot will recognize an NFL player who is making a positive impact in his community at The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP All-Star playground build and award ceremony on Wednesday, January 28 at 11:00 a.m. (3000 North 34th St, Tampa). The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP program celebrates players who are committed to improving the cities where they live and work through charitable programs and contributions.

Finalists for The Home Depot NFL Neighborhood MVP include: KEITH BROOKING (Atlanta Falcons); BRIAN DAWKINS (Philadelphia Eagles); MIKE FURREY (Detroit Lions); ANDRE JOHNSON (Houston Texans); STEVE SMITH (Carolina Panthers); AMANI TOOMER (New York Giants); KURT WARNER (Arizona Cardinals); and JASON WITTEN (Dallas Cowboys). These players will join associate volunteers from The Home Depot to build a state-of-the-art KaBOOM! playground for kids in the downtown Tampa area. The overall winner will be announced at a press conference during a break at the playground build and receive a $25,000 donation to the charity of his choice. The winner was selected through fan votes at NFL.com/HomeDepot.

Throughout the 17 weeks of the regular season, The Home Depot associates worked alongside local MVPs and community volunteers to build playgrounds at schools and community centers in NFL markets across the country. More than 11,000 children and families were served through this program and more than 29,000 community service hours were donated.


NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION – READ ACROSS AMERICA

NFL players will provide motivation to students at several elementary schools in the Tampa area to kick off Read Across America, the NEA’s year-round literacy campaign. On Wednesday, January 28, NFL players will participate in read-ins and other school activities and classroom challenges to promote reading enjoyment and imagination.


TRAINING CAMP FOR LIFE

Training Camp for Life will take place on Wednesday, January 28 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at H.B. Plant High School in Tampa. Professionals from the fields of education and athletics, including former and current NFL players, will speak to more than 100 local high school football players and their parents as part of an educational seminar. The program is designed to assist student-athletes as they prepare for the transition from high school to college. Speakers at the camp will cover topics including SAT/ACT test strategies, basic money skills, NCAA compliance and recruiting, media relations, off-the-field conduct, drug-free sports and life after football.


NFL PLAY 60 CHARACTER BREAKFAST

On Thursday, January 29 from 8:00-9:30 a.m., NFL players PHILLIP BUCHANON (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), TONY MCDANIEL (Jacksonville Jaguars), KEIWAN RATLIFF (Indianapolis Colts), TONY RICHARDSON (New York Jets) and NICK SORENSEN (Cleveland Browns) will be joined by characters from Nickelodeon and the Buccaneers mascot for an NFL PLAY 60 Character Breakfast. Over 700 children, grades K-8, from Roland Park Elementary (1510 N. Manhattan Ave, Tampa) will enjoy a nutritious breakfast with the players and mascots; during breakfast, players will educate the students about making healthy nutritional choices for every meal of the day. Following the breakfast, 5th and 6th grade students will participate in a fitness activity with the players.


NFLPA FITNESS & HEALTH CARE CLINIC

The NFLPA and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will team up with current NFL players for a youth football and fitness clinic. Approximately 400 elementary school boys and girls will participate in a non-contact football clinic at Tampa Boulevard Elementary School on Thursday, January 29 from 9:00 am - 10:30 am and 11:00 am-12:30 pm. Active and retired players will participate in the clinic to help promote the importance of healthy choices and physical activity.


WHY NOT SPORTS, INC. SPORTS CAREER EXPO

The Why Not Sports, Inc. 2009-Sports Career Expo is a one-day sports career conference for high school student athletes designed to enlighten them on athletic and non-athletic sports career opportunities. It will be held Thursday, January 29 from 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. at the Marshall Center Auditorium at the University of South Florida and will include a series of workshops, panel discussions, and exhibitors fair. More than 700 students from Tampa area high schools will attend the free event. While there, they will be exposed to professional athletes and sports industry executives including current NFL players.


MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION

Through the assistance of the NFL, the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America will grant the wishes of 12 children to attend Super Bowl XLIII. The children and their families will arrive in Tampa on Thursday, January 29, where they will be hosted by the Foundation's Central and Northern Florida chapter for a welcome reception. On Friday, January 30, they will be guests of the NFL at the NFL Experience Built Presented by Bank of America. On Sunday, February 1, the children and family members will attend Super Bowl XLIII at Raymond James Stadium.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. It’s the largest wish-granting organization in the world. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 174,000 wishes in the United States since its inception in 1980.


NFL YOUTH EDUCATION TOWN (YET)

The NFL has constructed Youth Education Towns (YETs) for 15 years in Super Bowl host cities. The YET program is aimed at positively impacting youth in at-risk neighborhoods. There are two NFL Youth Education Towns of Tampa Bay located in Mort Park and Jackson Heights. Both facilities opened following Super Bowl XXXV and currently serve hundreds of children and their families.

Joined by government officials, host committee members, Tampa Bay Buccaneers representatives and NFL players including Pro Football Hall of Famer STEVE YOUNG, NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL will announce a $1 million NFL gift to the two Tampa Bay NFL YET Centers and celebrate the ways that the centers have benefited the surrounding community at a press conference on Thursday, January 29 at 4:00 p.m. at the Mort Park Youth Education Town (1815 E. 148th Ave, Tampa).

This year, funds donated by the NFL and the Tampa Bay Super Bowl XLIII Host Committee will be used to fund expansions to the two centers, including new fitness spaces and multi-media technology labs. A recently completed football field at the Mort Park Center will be unveiled at the press conference.


Super Bowl XLIII Business Leadership Forum

The City of St. Petersburg’s Midtown Economic Development Business Assistance Center and five of the Tampa/St. Petersburg area’s leading minority business leadership groups will join the NFL and Sprint to host the Super Bowl XLIII Business Leadership Forum, an event that will bring together corporate leaders, up-and-coming business executives, entrepreneurs and small, minority and women business owners to discuss leadership, winning business strategies and realities of a diverse workplace in America. The forum presents an opportunity for discussions of issues, challenges and opportunities facing today’s business leaders.

NFL players turned businessmen will be joined by local business leaders during a 60-minute exchange of thoughts, perspectives and business strategies. Former Kansas City Chiefs player WILLIE LANIER will serve as keynote speaker; he will address his small business experience, talk about the importance of small businesses aligning, and surviving the current economy. Panelists include former Indianapolis Colts player and current Sprint Director of Channel Sales PAT BALLAGE; SHEILA C JOHNSON, CEO of Salamander Hospitality, President and Managing Partner of the Washington Mystics and founding partner of BET; and DAWNA STONE, 2005 Apprentice winner and nationally recognized sports magazine publisher. A networking reception will precede the forum.

The Diversity Business Forum is on Thursday, January 29 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort and Golf Club in St. Petersburg. It is a ticketed event.


SUPER BOWL NFL CHARITIES CELEBRITY BOWLING CLASSIC

The Fourth Annual NFL Charities/Strike Ten Super Bowl Celebrity Bowling Classic will be held on Thursday, January 29 at Pinchasers Veterans Lanes (W. Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa) at 8:00 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the NFL Youth Education Town initiative.

The Bowling Classic, sponsored by Strike Ten, will team four amateur bowlers with a different celebrity, including current and former NFL players and members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Prizes will be awarded to members of the top three finishing teams. Each bowler will also receive a commemorative Super Bowl XLIII bowling ball and pin and a gift bag of official Super Bowl apparel from Reebok.


NFL ALUMNI SUPER BOWL OF GOLF SHOWCASE

The NFL Alumni Super Bowl of Golf Showcase will be held Friday, January 30, 8:30 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. at Hunter's Green Country Club in Tampa. The event features current and former NFL players participating as celebrity captains in a fun-filled and challenging round of golf with great entertainment and hospitality. The Super Bowl of Golf Showcase serves as a major fundraising vehicle for the youth-oriented programs of the NFL Alumni, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization with a mission of Caring for Kids.


REBUILDING TOGETHER "KICKOFF TO REBUILD"

On Friday, January 30, Rebuilding Together joins with its local affiliate chapter and the NFL for the 14th annual Kickoff To Rebuild project. Since 1995, Rebuilding Together has partnered with the NFL to bring its mission of preserving affordable homeownership and revitalizing communities to Super Bowl cities.

This year nearly 1,000 volunteers including current NFL players, Tampa area community leaders, and local and national sponsors are mobilizing to revitalize the community of old West Tampa by providing no-cost home repairs that embrace energy efficiency and safe and healthy housing principles. West Tampa is an historic neighborhood characterized by traditional buildings and homes located between the Central Business District and the Westshore Business District.


SUPER BOWL XLIII PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME LUNCHEON

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will hold the fourth annual Super Bowl/Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon on Friday, January 30 from 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, Florida.

This year’s luncheon is hosted by Pro Football Hall of Famer MERLIN OLSEN. A maximum of 250 guests will have the opportunity to meet members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a very intimate environment. Proceeds will benefit the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit educational institution/museum.

The luncheon includes a reception with Hall of Famers, a seated lunch with a Hall of Fame member at each table, and commemorative gifts including a limited edition Dick Butkus autographed lithograph.


NFL Alumni Player of the Year Awards Dinner

The NFL Alumni Player of the Year Awards Dinner will be held Friday, January 30, from 6:00-10:00 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Tampa. The event honors the top offensive, defensive and special teams players, as well as the coach of the year. Some of this year's honorees include James Harrison (Pittsburgh Steelers), Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts), Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings), Ed Reed (Baltimore Ravens), Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys), and Coach Tony Sparano (Miami Dolphins). The Player of the Year Awards Dinner serves as a major fundraising vehicle for the youth-oriented programs of the NFL Alumni, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization with a mission of Caring for Kids.


10th ANNIVERSARY SUPER BOWL GOSPEL CELEBRATION

The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Friday, January 30 at 7:30 p.m. at the University of South Florida’s SunDome in Tampa.

The Super Bowl Gospel Celebration is a fusion of inspirational music from the biggest names in Gospel music and soul-stirring testimonies from NFL players. The 2009 musical lineup features Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, Marvin Sapp, and Hezekiah Walker. The concert will also feature the return of the NFL Players All-Star Choir. MICHAEL GAINES (Buffalo Bills), TOMMIE HARRIS (Chicago Bears), RAY LEWIS (Baltimore Ravens), OVIE MUGHELLI (Atlanta Falcons), RICHARD SEYMOUR (New England Patriots), and TROY VINCENT (Washington Redskins/Retired) are among the more than 40 players expected to participate in this year’s all-Star choir performance.

Tickets prices are $25, $45, $55, $75 and $95 for VIP seating at Ticketmaster. A portion of the proceeds will benefit NFL YET Centers.

Visit www.superbowlgospelcelebration.com


ATHLETES IN ACTION SUPER BOWL BREAKFAST

The 2009 Super Bowl Breakfast will be held Saturday, January 31at 8:00 a.m. at the University of South Florida Sun Dome in Tampa. The 2009 Super Bowl Breakfast will feature the presentation of the Bart Starr Award, presented by Pro Football Hall of Famer BART STARR to an NFL player, voted on by his peers, who exemplifies outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. This year’s program includes DERRICK BROOKS (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), COACH TONY DUNGY (Indianapolis Colts), ANTHONY MUNOZ (Cincinnati Bengals), LEE ROY SELMON (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and other NFL greats.

This event is open to the public; for General Admission tickets at $20 each (box meal included), visit www.ticketmaster.com or visit www.superbowlbreakfast.com.


NFL ALUMNI SPORTING CLAYS TEAM CHALLENGE

The NFL Alumni Sporting Clays Team Challenge presented by NRA Sports will be held on Saturday, January 31, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Deer Creek Sporting Clays in Land O' Lakes, Fla. An unforgettable experience for experts, novices and beginners alike, the event features current and former NFL players participating as celebrity captains in a round of sporting clays at a world-class facility. The Sporting Clays Team Challenge serves as a major fundraising vehicle for the youth-oriented programs of the NFL Alumni, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable organization with a mission of Caring for Kids.


SMOCKS & JOCKS JAZZ BRUNCH AND ART AUCTION

Inspirational works of art created by current and retired NFL players will be auctioned off during the Smocks & Jocks Jazz Brunch on Saturday, January 31 from 10:30 a.m-1:30 p.m. aboard the StarShip Yacht in dock at Channelside in Tampa. The unique creative abilities of several of the league’s players will be highlighted in this special event which brings attention to the arts and the sport of football. Ticket proceeds benefit The Gene Upshaw Player Assistance Trust Fund and VSA arts of Florida.


SUPER BOWL XLIII NFL CHARITIES CELEBRITY GOLF CLASSIC

The 24th annual Super Bowl NFL Charities Celebrity Golf Classic will be held on Saturday, January 31 at 11:00 a.m. at the Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club (US Highway 19, Palm Harbor). Proceeds from the event will benefit NFL Youth Education Towns.

A celebrity captain will be assigned to each team of five of amateur golfers. The celebrity captains will include current and former NFL players, including members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Prizes will be awarded to members of the top three finishing teams following the team-scramble formatted tournament. All golfers will also receive a gift bag of official Super Bowl XLIII apparel from Reebok as well as a commemorative photo plaque.


TROUPE 21 PLAYER NETWORKING EVENT

Troupe 21 will hold its 9th annual Player Networking Event on Saturday, January 31, from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at the Marshall Student Center at the University of South Florida (4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa).

The Player Networking Event (PNE) is designed to assist active and former NFL players with their transition from football by facilitating networking among players, team and league executives, corporate guests and PNE exhibitors. The event features over 40 businesses, many of them player-owned and operated, in a career fair setting.


TASTE OF THE NFL

Taste of the NFL is the premier food and wine tasting extravaganza at Super Bowl, featuring a top chef from each of the 31 NFL team cities, paired with an alumnus or current player from each team. Known as The Party with a Purpose®, Taste of the NFL exists to raise awareness and dollars for organizations involved in tackling hunger in America. The event has donated more than eight million dollars to help tackle hunger since its inception in 1992. Proceeds from Taste of the NFL will benefit affiliates of Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest) and other national hunger-relief organizations.

This year’s event will take place on Saturday, January 31, from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. (6:00pm VIP entry) at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Attendees will sample outstanding food with perfectly paired wines, have the opportunity to meet NFL greats, participate in a one-of-a-kind silent auction and enjoy live entertainment. Special guests include Tom Colicchio and personalities from Bravo’s Top Chef, Martha Stewart Living Radio and the newly-crowned Miss America. Cost is $500 per person for guest tickets and $600 per person for VIP tickets (6:00pm entry). Corporate tables of 10 are $6,000 and include reserved seating. Tickets and corporate tables can be ordered at www.TasteoftheNFL.com


HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SUPER BUILD and CHAMPIONS HOUSE

Throughout Super Bowl week, Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County and Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County joined forces to build 6 homes in the Tampa Bay area. On Sunday, February 1, to complete the weeklong SuperBuild 2009 project, volunteers will work together to build a frame to a house, or a “House in Box”, which willeventually go to a Habitat affiliate in the state of the winning Super Bowl team. The Champions House build takes place from 7:45 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Tampa Hotel at International Plaza.