Super Bowl XLVII schedule: Week of festivities kicks off with media day

By now you -- a probably-American sports fan -- are well aware that the Super Bowl is more than just a game. It is an event, used as a massive advertising platform for big companies and a boon to the local economy. It's utterly overwhelming, and even more so for those actually at the game, which will be in New Orleans this year.

The craziness begins with media day on Jan. 29, when players and coaches are grilled in front of ever-growing swarms of media and fans. Other events include the Legends for Charity dinner on Jan. 31, which will honor Archie Manning with the Pat Summerall Award, and the Super Saturday of Service, an event held the day before the big game as a service to youth in the city.

You can check out more highlights from the schedule below:

Super Bowl XLVII Schedule:

Tues., Jan. 29: 8:30 a.m. -- Media Day.

Wed., Jan. 30-Sun., Feb. 3: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. -- Super Bowl XLVII Media Center Bridgestone Fan Gallery.

Thurs., Jan. 31: 5 p.m.-8 p.m. -- Legends for Charity dinner.

Fri., Feb. 1: 8 a.m. - 2013 Super Bowl Breakfast, 11 a.m.-TBD -- Pro Football Hall of Fame Merlin Olsen Luncheon, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. - 14th annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration, 7 p.m.-11p.m. -- VH1 Best Super Bowl Concert Ever.

Sat., Feb. 2: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. -- New Orleans is hosting the Super Saturday of Service

Sun., Feb 3: 5:25 p.m. -- Super Bowl XLVII (kickoff 6:30 p.m., appox.)

For a complete list of Super Bowl festivities, check out the official site of the Super Bowl.