HOT CORNER

A consumer’s guide to the best and worst of sports media and merchandise. Ground rules: If it can be read, heard, observed, viewed, dialed or downloaded, it’s in play here. One exception: No products will be endorsed.

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What: PubClub.com’s Super Bowl Guide.

PubClub.com, an on-line nightlife and entertainment guide to cities and events around the world, has created a party guide to Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego.

The site contains ample information on Gaslamp Quarter bars downtown, hot spots in Pacific Beach, and area sports bars where those without tickets can go to watch the game Sunday.

There are details about such events as the NFL Experience at Embarcadero Marina Park South, a Thursday night VIP party open to the public, and Cheer Jam, a cheerleading competition at San Diego State all day Saturday.

The site notes that much of any Super Bowl Week’s action is focused around private VIP and sponsor parties to which invitations are scarce and usually reserved for corporate types. There’s this advice to the average fan: “Not to worry ... a partygoer will have a much better time at public events and local bars.”

But there is also this warning about the downtown area: “Most of the clubs -- even ones not quite so popular on normal weekends -- will be packed. Cover charges ranging from $10 to $30 will be commonplace and moving from one to the other will be difficult.”

Listed are many of San Diego’s high-class bars, and a few that are, well, more known for their charm. Example: “No trip to San Diego is complete without a visit to the Star Bar, a dive if there ever was one.” Sounds like the place to go.

-- Larry Stewart