Days like today are both a gift and a curse.  On the one hand, you’ve got your choice of more than five great sporting events to attend tonight, all of which promise to be worth the admission.  On the other hand, how are you supposed to pick just one?

Well, that’s where I come in.  You may be an avid football, volleyball or baseball fan, but if you’re a Long Beach sports fan first and foremost then there is no place better than the CSULB Walter Pyramid tonight at 6:30pm for the CIF-SS 1AA girls championship basketball game between local behemoths Long Beach Poly and Millikan.

I.
A month ago, Millikan derailed the then #1 in the nation Jackrabbits on Poly’s home floor, only to have the favor returned a few weeks later.  Hungry for a title, both teams mowed through the postseason – though it took a late surge for Millikan to topple Ventura in the semis – to set up an epic 3rd showdown this season.  For all the marbles. Don’t miss it.

II.
Your second best option tonight (as I see it) is at Blair Field as the Dirtbags host Wichita State in the first of a yearly traditional three game series against the Shockers.  Big West Pitcher of the Week Andrew Liebel will toss for Long Beach State tonight after opening the season with an 11-strikeout shutout against Rice last week, and shortstop Danny Espinosa enters the batter’s box as the reigning Big West Player of the Week.  First pitch will be offered up at 6:30pm, and #10 Long Beach State looks to snare a winning record after a 2-2 start against the #20 Shockers in what is always a bitter rivalry.

III.
As if that weren’t enough, Poly hosts its season opener against Torrance today at 3:00pm when Mayor Bob Foster will throw out the first pitch and be presented with a Jackrabbits jersey and cap.  This one might actually fit into your schedule since its early, but while that promises to be a good one you shouldn’t pass up the chance to see Wilson open their season either as the defending national champions take on Artesia in Lakewood at 3:00pm to kick off the Loara Tournament.  Last season was a monumental one for the Bruins and this year’s club looks poised to hit the ground running and take a shot at a repeat.  (My advice – wait to catch them at the season opener at Blair Field on March 13 against St. John Bosco)

IV.
As if THAT weren’t enough, the nation #2 ranked men’s volleyball squad will host Cal State Northridge in the CSULB Gold Mine tonight at 7:00pm.  Riding a three game winning streak that consists of road wins against USC and a two-game sweep of THE Ohio State in Columbus – in which senior hitter Paul Lotman recorded 32 kills in one game against the Buckeyes – the Beach welcomes the Matadors into perhaps the most raucous gym in the Big West.  The Gold Mine becomes a thundering cave once those bleachers are pulled out and filled up.  Join in the acoustics as the 49ers look to move to 13-1 on the year and continue to setup an epic three-team battle for the nation’s #1 spot when top-ranked Penn State and #3 BYU enter the Pyramid in mid-March.

So there you have it: five things to do today, four of which are happening at the same time.  Choose wisely, because these will all likely turn out to be excellent games.  Enjoy this blessed/cursed day.