Playoff parties this Saturday

Saturday's Panthers game against the Cardinals is inspiring tailgates and viewing parties around the Charlotte area.

Here's what I know so far. Send me others if you've got 'em.

• BlackFinn Saloon will be offering its standard GameDay Menu (food specials range from $3.95-$7.95; drink specials include $2 Miller Lite pints) on Saturday. On Friday the EpiCentre sports bar will host a Panther Prowl pep rally starting at 5 p.m. with special guests Brett Basanez, Gary Gibson and Rod Smith. Throughout the night, patrons will have a chance to win autographed Panthers memorabilia and BlackFinn gift certificates.
• The Town of Ayrsley is hosting a tailgate party at the south Charlotte mixed-use district starting at 2 p.m. Highlights include cornhole, activities for kids, and food and drink specials at the town restaurants. In addition: Ayrsley Grand Cinemas is offering $5 movies until 5 p.m., Play N Trade will host a 2009 Madden Football Tournament and Fintastic is giving away free betta fish to anyone wearing Panthers garb. Free entry.
• Pantherfanz Tailgate Party. This dedicated group of fans parties every week on South Cedar Street. This Saturday they'll have a large heated tent sponsored by Red Bull with two big screen TVs to watch the earlier divisional game. Food includes hot dogs, brats and chopped pork. Live music from the Contagious Blues Band. Giveaways all night. Details here.  
• Cans will be open at noon and is expecting big crowds all day as tailgaters drop in and those without tickets pop in early to guarantee a seat. Specials include $4 Miller Light Tallboys. Miller girls will be in the house to help run Miller's Trashtalk Promo which lets Panthers fans talk smack with Arizona fans via text and TV. Starting at 6 p.m., the bar will open its lower level to accommodate crowd spillover and a DJ will start spinning music immediately after the game. 
• Andrew Blair's on Montford Drive is throwing a playoff party before and during the game. Features include a gourmet buffet starting at 6:30 p.m. and drink specials. The restaurant's private party room features a 120-inch HD projection screen. After the game, a DJ will be spinning tunes in the restaurant's lounge area for anyone who wants to avoid the crowds uptown. Cost is $15 per person or $8 for children 12 and under.
• Pre- and Post-Panther Party at Blue Restaurant. Blue will be offering special drink prices, appetizer specials and a special menu. Specials include a $6 PantherTini; two appetizers for $10 (5-7 p.m.); and a four-course meal ($40 per person) from 5-11 p.m. Free parking available for Blue customers in the Hearst Tower Parking Garage beginning at 4 p.m.
• Jersey giveaway at Lake Town Tavern in Cornelius. One official NFL Carolina game jersey will be given away. Must be present to win. Other jerseys and sports memorabilia will be for sale. Specials include $5 WooWoo and Jolly Rancher shots; $2 select bottle beer specials and $5 loaded nachos and chicken quesadillas.
• Tailgate Party at Easy Eddie's Motorcycle Service & Lounge in Huntersville. Live music from John Barkley and Johnny Penion (6-8 p.m.); 35-cent wings; $1 drafts. All are welcome, bike or no bike.
• Picasso's uptown offers the closest location to Bank of America stadium and has 22 HDTVs for those who didn't score tickets to the game. The sports bar opens at 11 a.m. Get there early to guarantee a seat. Drink specials: $2 Bud Light and Miller Lite cans.
• Fox & Hound will be offering its usual game-day specials: $2.50 Bud and Bud Light pints, $4 23-ounce Sam Adams drafts and $5 golden margaritas. Open at 11 a.m.
• All of the Charlotte Hickory Tavern locations will be offering $2.75 Michelob Ultra bottles, $2. 50 Shock Top bottles, $12 bottles of Hickory Tavern Label wine. If the Panthers win, each restaurant will draw a winner for a Hickory Tavern gift card worth $5 for every point the Panthers score. 
• Enjoy Alley Cat's giant HD projection screen and multiple plasmas during the game Saturday. The rock 'n' roll bar will have a special game-day tailgate menu and drink specials. No cover until 10 p.m. and no cover all night for those wearing Panthers garb. Special halftime and post-game performance by U-Phonik.
• NIX Burger & Brew's Playoff Party will feature "super bowls" of chili for $2.95 and $1.50 Bud/Bud Light bottles before, during and after the game.
• '80s resurrection band Blue Monday will play halftime at Midtown Sundries' Denver location. 
• LaVecchia's is offering a three-course pre-game menu for $29.95 per person and $5 Red Bull/Vodkas. Free parking at Seventh Street Station.
• A tailgate fundraiser will be held for the Harding High School marching band before it plays at halftime. The party, which will raise money to help the band march in President-elect Obama's inauguration parade, will be held from 2-4 p.m. at The Excelsior Club, 921 Beatties Ford Road. A football autographed by Steve Smith will be auctioned off.