Maybe, maybe not. But there is a Bears-less Super Bowl being played on Sunday, and I, for one, will drink and eat and feign interest. I like football, but I’m not into either of the teams this year. So I need to get caught up, and it better be funny. That’s why I’m super excited to see The Visitor’s Locker Room this Thursday and Friday at the Lincoln Lodge at 9pm.

The Visitor’s Locker Room is a very funny local sports radio show. It’s hosted by local comedians (and fervent sports fans) Sean Flannery and C.J. Sullivan. The two tear into all sports news like your favorite drinking buddy, but smarter and funnier. Also appearing for their live show will be: comedians Mark Vana, Emily Dorezas, and Cameron Esposito, as well as comedy group Cook County Social Club, and college football legend Joe Paterno. Yes, Joe Paterno will really be there.

I’ll definitely be there with my big ol’ beer, and plate of chili cheese fries.

Visitor’s Locker Room – Live!
Thursday January 29th and Friday January 30th
9PM
@ Lincoln Lodge
4008 N. Lincoln
Tickets: $10

(photo from George Eastman House)

Recently I tagged along with a large group of friends for a birthday celebration involving the “insanity, grit, and excitement” of WhirlyBall at 1880 West Fullerton Avenue here in Chicago. For around $200 an hour, you can rent a court with your besties, and flit around in little whirring one-seaters that look like lawnmowers on steroids, while scooping madly for an uncooperative little ball.

But be warned — by the time you figure out the one-handed steering and actually wrangle possession of the elusive ball, you realize the goal’s hoop is so sunken and crazily designed that you have about a one-in-a-hundred chance of actually hitting the sweet spot.

Not to mention the fact that the most likely way to score is steaming straight down the court full-speed to the goal, and, since there are no brakes on the Whirlyball cars, crashing head-on into the wall. After seeing that strategy implemented once or twice, I was convinced that my fun would be had cheering and documenting the night’s delights. My chronic neck pain endorsed this decision.

And in case you’re thinking “Well, duh, it’s also a bar, so everyone’s too drunk to play well,” let me assure you that that it is the adrenaline reward associated with Whirlyball that’s powerfully addictive — most of my group let their unattended beers grow warm on the table of the spectators’ lounge rather than miss another chance to play.

Enjoy this brief video clip I put together and remember, Whirlyball isn’t just for rambunctious 30 year olds and Bar Mitzvahs, it’s also the suggested setting for corporate team-building events, which only makes sense. Nothing will help you the trust of your underlings quite like repeatedly ramming into them with amped-up bumper cars and then sharing a basket of conciliatory chicken fingers.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1bJpdDgzN0[/youtube]