If you havent lived here when Miami has hosted the Super Bowl, then you havent seen the city at its glitziest. The Magic City becomes electric with football fever, and the celebratory atmosphere is almost impossible to ignore. Next year the big game will come to town for the ninth time. Its a really good thing for South Florida to be able to come together for an event like this ... its a win-win situation for the city, explains Super Bowl XLI host committee spokesperson Maria Scott. Fans will have to wait until February 4, 2007, for the big game. In the meantime, celebrate at the NFL Opening Kickoff, a free concert event that will be televised live from Miami Beach. The afternoon will bring interactive games, youth football clinics, and autograph signings to Lummus Park (Ocean Drive and Seventh Street). In the evening hours, Sean Diddy Combs will perform for enthusiastic Miamians. His controversially sexy protégé Cassie will also make an appearance, alongside Latin rapper Tego Calderon. Todays event begins at 3:00 p.m., and the festivities will end at 8:15 when the season-opening Dolphins game begins on the home turf of last seasons Super Bowl champs, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Call 305-626-7341, or visit www.superbowlxli.org.
Thu., Sept. 7