Where the party is locally on Super Bowl Sunday

Millions of people will watch Super Bowl XXXVIII on Sunday. Here's a partial list of Super Bowl parties in the Carson City area:

n The Carson Nugget will offer entertainment, whether you're watching the game or not.

"What we're trying hard to do this year is pay attention to both the football and non-football crowds," said Doug Brown, director of marketing at the Nugget.

To please the Bowl watchers, the Nugget will offer jumbo hot dogs, shrimp cocktail, potato wedges, deluxe tacos, pizza slices or a plate of buffalo wings - all for only $1 each. You'll be able to get your choice of beer in a commemorative beer glass for $3.

For the non-football crowd, Brown lists the Prospector's Club members specials and the "Hot Seat" random cash winners. Ten winners will be chosen during the game from among those people playing slot machines.

"And we have the Motifs booked to play after the game," said Brown. For details on the Nugget, call 882-1626.

n The Piñon Plaza has lots of doings as well.

"We're having a big Super Bowl party," said gift shop supervisor Supi Pimental. At the Piñon, $1 will get you a plate of buffalo wings, while tacos and hot dogs are only 50 cents. Bar specials include 75-cent draft beers, $1 well drinks and $3.50 pitchers of beer.

The Piñon has a huge projection-screen television and six smaller ones in the Lizard Lounge. There is a 50-inch big screen in the Margarita Saloon and another six in the 10-cent lounge at the bowling center. They'll give away a 50-inch big screen. For more on the Piñon, call 885-9000.

n Joe Bob's Hot Springs Roadhouse at 1510 Hot Springs Road should be another good bet. It's the gathering place for the Carson Raiders' Booster Club - though it's open to the public as well. They'll offer pitchers of domestic beer for $5.49 and their infamous "Brew Ha Ha" special: 40 buffalo wings and a pitcher for $15.99.

The booster club will organize a raffle, auction and a half-time giveaway of autographed mini helmets.

Joe Bob's has six televisions plus a big screen, said bartender Shaunna Hagan. Call 883-7799.

n Across the street, Decades Bar & Grill will be "going off" as well. The bar's popular Super Bowl pool has been expanded to meet demand, said owner Rod Fox.

"It's been so damn popular that we now are running two boards."

The winnings are considerable: If your number comes up, you'll win about $5,000. If your box touches the square of the winner, you'll win $1,000. Decades will offer unlimited, free Jell-O shots and all-you-can-eat tri-tip and ribs by Susie's BBQ.

Decades is at 1475 Hot Springs Road. Call 883-8889.

n The Carson Valley Inn hosts Super Bowl excitement with parties in its Shannon Ballroom and the Cabaret Lounge. The ballroom will offer an all-you-can-eat "Swine and Dine" Texas-style barbecue buffet, two drinks, three giant-screen TVs and drawings for dozens of official Super Bowl, team and Bud Bowl prizes. Scheduled celebrity hosts include 49er greats Dan Colchico and Bruce Gossett, plus pro bowler Charlie Krueger. Tickets are on sale at the Gift Shop for $30.

The Cabaret Lounge will serve its popular "Football at the INN" beer and food specials. Free prize drawings will be held during the game. Call 783-7708.

There are too many Bowl parties to include here. You might want to make the rounds and check out your options. Remember, if you're driving, don't drink, and if you do, don't drive. Capitol Cab Co. can be reached at 885-0300.