Sideline II

Raiders fans must dress ... as themselves

Bad news for citizens of the Raider Nation: No axes or skulls will be allowed in the stadium. And because every fan must pass through a metal detector, the chain-metal vests must be left at home, too. "If they want to wear their garb, that's great. Paint their faces, that's great," San Diego police Capt. Joel Bryden said. "We don't want to take away from the spirit of the game." But Qualcomm Stadium's list of banned items includes banners, beach balls, strollers and camcorders. The Office of Homeland Security has designated the Super Bowl as "Special Event Readiness Level 2," putting it on par with a presidential inauguration and political convention. "We're going to be very, very strict," said Dave Cohen, San Diego police spokesman. "This is not going to be like any NFL game." And those sitting near the Raider Nation might be glad to hear that.

STAMPEDE!

There is good news for fans who have shelled out big money for tickets. They won't have to pay to park at the stadium. That's because no public parking will be allowed on the stadium grounds. The closest public lot is 2 miles away. But city officials say fans can use the San Diego Trolley, shuttle bus or a private charter vehicle to get to the stadium. No word on how much those cost. And we wouldn't want to be the ticket-taker when a throng gets off and heads directly to the turnstile.

ROLE REVERSAL

The Raiders have come full circle since Al Davis took over in 1963. The Raiders quickly gained a renegade reputation because Davis was willing to pick up troublemakers, perceived or real, if they could be productive. There were curfews, but players flouted those frequently. Reportedly, there were times Ken Stabler never went to bed, at least, not to sleep. The fans, though, were well-behaved. Because so many renewed their season tickets, whole sections were like extended family. Now the players, except for the suspended Darrell Russell and kicker Sebastian Janikowski, are squeaky clean. And the fans, at least some, are the rowdy ones. Incidents include a stabbing of a Steelers fan and an assault of a Dolphins fans.

EBAY ITEM OF THE DAY

There are more than 6,000 Super Bowl-related items up for bid at auction site eBay.com, and some of the coolest come straight from the NFL. Many are part of a live auction that will take place in San Diego on Saturday, but bidders who can't make it can place absentee bids. Among the more interesting items: an end-zone pylon from last year's game, a 30-foot-by-3-foot banner from the last Super Bowl in San Diego and a banner autographed by commissioner Paul Tagliabue. One item forever preserves the NFC Championship Game's inauspicious start for the Bucs. It's the ball used to kick off the game, and it has a bit of mileage on it. Brian Mitchell returned it 70 yards, setting up the Eagles' only touchdown. Unlike most eBay auctions, this one has blind bidding, starting at $1 with an estimated value between $500 and $1,000. http://cgi.liveauctions.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2154974268&category=28270

BY THE NUMBERS

18: Bucs passing touchdowns during the first 12 games.

8: Bucs passing touchdowns during the past six games.

5: Bucs rushing touchdowns during the past six games.

4: Bucs rushing touchdowns during the first 12 games.