The Superbowl comes to Arizona this week.

I was excited when this was announced years ago.  How cool to have one of the biggest events that happen in America happen so close?  I started dreaming of going to the game, the parties, seeing all the glitz and glamour.

I've had the opportunity to meet a number of celebrities in my career and attend some events that most people don't get to attend.  But the Superbowl is the holy grail of events and I have had to face the reality that I don't have a shot to go or see any of it in person.

I have a friend who runs the programming department for a radio station in Phoenix.  His station is hosting a party with Diddy performing and a long "A" list of celebrities attending.  I looked into buying tickets.  To even get into the club where that party is happening is over $1,000 per ticket.  Holy crap!  I'm not paying that kind of dough for a ticket.  That's more than my rent!

We'll get to see glimpses of the excitement all week... on TV.  Media Day is Tuesday.  If you have the NFL Network you can watch all of the reporters ask the athletes and coaches random questions from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.  We'll get to see the inside of the stadium for that... at least on TV.

There is one affordable event that fans of Mega Oldies would probably enjoy:  The Superbowl Gospel Celebration at Phoenix Symphony Hall.  That event stars Patti LaBelle, CeCe and Marvin Wynans, and Donnie McClurkin.  The NFL All-Star Choir is also supposed to perform and will include NFL player Ray Lewis.  This event is actually affordable ($25 to $50 per ticket at www.superbowlgospel.com)

It looks like most people (including me) won't really get to enjoy much of the excitement and pageantry in person that comes with the big game being played in our state.  In fact, I have to remember to pay my cable bill this week or I won't get to see the game at all!