The San Francisco 49ers are in the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994, and anticipation for the game in East County will reach a climax Sunday at kickoff.

Thankfully for football fans, East County businesses have planned the day as extensively as Beyonce’s Super Bowl halftime concert.

The showdown between the Niners and Ravens kicks off at 3:30 p.m., but pumped-up fans needn’t wait for the national anthem to start the festivities.

Those who wake up Sunday morning anxious to feel the thrill of competition can head over to Harvest Park Bowl for the 12th annual Brentwood PAL BBQ King Cook-off, which runs from 1 to 3 p.m. The event benefits the Brentwood Police Activities League and East County Historical Society.

“It’s a loud, fun event,” said Harvest Park manager Sherry Mackenzie. “It’s the community coming together for a good cause. While some are concentrated on the event, others are interested in the game. It’s a good fundraiser.”

As football dominates the thoughts of fans everywhere that morning, The Game Sports Pub ’N Pizza, 235 Oak St in Brentwood, will supply football trivia and prizes beginning at 11 a.m. The atmosphere at the pub figures to be lively, said employee Tom Dempsey. He expects the restaurant to be filled to capacity by game time, which means fans should arrive early.

To lure the earlybirds, large one-topping pizzas and premium pitchers of beer will cost only $12 and domestic pitchers $10 for customers who dine in.

The prospect of watching the red and gold in public has some feeling blue due to antsy children or non-football fans in their lives who’ll tag along to watch the game. If this sounds familiar, Harvest Park or The Game would be perfect spots to take in the action. Bowling costs only $2 per game Sunday at Harvest Park, while arcade-style games at The Game will let focused spectators keep their eyes on the TV.

“This is definitely a great place for dad to have a beer while the kids play games,” Dempsey said.

Hype is building for the Super Bowl, but if it happens to be a snoozer or a blowout for one team, Mike’s Beef ’N’ Brew, 2083 Main St. in Oakley, has already secured second-string entertainment. The Bud Light Girls will make an appearance at the restaurant during the second half of the game to promote the beer.

Fans who buy a Bud or Bud Light and a shot of Jack Daniels, on sale together for $10, get to keep those glasses designed specifically for the 49ers faithful.

“I think everyone wants to be associated with a winning team,” said owner Mike Fagan. “I’ve been a 49er fan my whole life. It’s going to be great fun for adults.”

Folks who tire themselves out during the lead-up to the game can watch the spectacle in the quiet atmosphere of Champions Bar and Grill at the Lone Tree Golf Course, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch.

Overlooking a relaxing lounge and patio on the 18th green, viewers can watch the game on six flat-screen TVs while enjoying the appetizers of executive chef Jonathan Hork. During the game, guests can enjoy 23-ounce beers for the price of a pint.

It might be a loud room, but fans who want to feel like they’re in New Orleans at the Super Bowl can watch the game at Buffalo Wild Wings, 6051 Lone Tree Way.

The newly opened restaurant boasts 65 TVs broadcasting the game, said General Manager Jon-Michael Becerra, who added that 30 varieties of beer will be on tap, including exclusive Bud products to be debuted on commercials during the game.

As with any sporting event involving the red and gold, Bay-Area hope for a Niners victory is high, but if San Francisco’s win is snatched by the Ravens, fans can still go home happy thanks to raffles, giveaways and the comfort of a nice meal. Mike’s will be raffling off an authentic autographed 49er helmet signed by 49er players and coaches right after the game.

Meanwhile, at Discovery Bay's Sports Bar & Steakhouse, 2477 Discovery Bay Blvd., fans can win two pairs of tickets to each of the 49ers preseason home games during an undisclosed time during the Super Bowl. Both contests require the winners to be present.

The steakhouse will also feature special pricing on at least 10 food items, and drink specials, said bartender Robert Wisecarver. The menu features steak, fish and seafood, and the bar provides 17 plasma TVs. “This is a great hometown bar,” Wisecarver said. “We have a good crowd, good atmosphere and good TVs. “It’s a good 49er bar.”

East County fans who can’t bear the thought of the Niners losing Super Bowl XLVII can watch the game at Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley.

If the red and gold wash out, fans can cover their team attire with items from the Black Bear gift shop, a restaurant famous for food that soothes the soul. “We’re known for serving good, old-fashioned comfort food,” said Manager Mario Marin.

Regardless of where people watch the game, the experience figures to be memorable.

“I can’t wait for it,” said 49er fan Johnny Unpingco, who won’t need to wait long.