Super Bowl XLIII

I know it's hard to get excited for the Super Bowl this year, but at the very least, it's the perfect excuse for a party.

Here's what's going on this weekend:

• Super Ad Madness at The Attic. The Panther-less big game means we can focus on what's really important: the commercials. The sound will be turned up so you can appreciate the millions of dollars spent on quirky ads involving clydesdales, geckos and erotic veggies. Food will also be provided. And test your luck with Ad Bingo -- use your Bingo daubers to mark off advertisers as their commercials play. 5 p.m. 200 N. Tryon St. No cover. E-mail Colleen at colleen@branstorm.com for more info.
• Having a party at home? Consider participating in the Souper Bowl of Caring, a nationwide effort to raise awareness and money for those who are hungry in our community. People who throw Super Bowl parties can ask their guests to donate financially to Charlotte's Urban Ministry Soup Kitchen. So even though the Panthers are out of the running, Charlotte can still win big with your help. For more information on how to participate, click here.
• The Alphas of Charlotte present The MLK Super Bowl party at Alley Cat. Drink and food specials will be offered throughout the evening. Tax deductible contributions for the MLK Memorial will be accepted. 4 p.m. 314 N. College St. No cover. More info here.
• Nosh on traditional tailgate fare at Andrew Blair's. The restaurant will offer a buffet and drink specials throughout the game. 5 p.m. 1600 Montford Drive. $15 for the buffet. Call for reservations: 704-525-8282.
• At Morton's uptown, Cardinals fans can sip on Big Red-tinis (Absolut Citron and Gran Marnier with cranberry and lime juices) while Steelers fans can toss back the Steel City-tini made with Johnny Walker Black Label, honey syrup and iced tea. And of course, there's a championship menu available, too. Call 704-333-2602 for reservations.
• Nix Burger & Brew's game day specials include the "Pitts" burger (topped with crinkle fries, slaw, bacon, cheddar and Thousand Island dressing, $7.95) and the PhoeNIX burger (topped with homemade pimento cheese and caramelized jalapeno onion jam, $7.95). Drink specials include $1.50 Bud/Bud Light bottles.
• At BlackFinn Saloon, the bar will be offering its usual game-day specials: $2 beers and $18 beer towers. Giveaways and prizes all afternoon. Doors open at 11 a.m.
• If you're a Steelers fan, you already know that Dixie's is like a little Pittsburgh on Sunday. Get there early to get a seat. And new to Charlotte's Steelers nation is Bikinis Sports Bar & Grill in University City. Bring your Terrible Towels and enjoy the sights.

Unfortunately, I couldn't find any Cardinals bars in Charlotte. So tell me Arizona fans, where will you be watching the game? And feel free to add to this party list in comments below.