It's the kickoff before the kickoff. 

The College Football Playoff National Championship event starts today across downtown Tampa. 

Events begin today at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and the Tampa Convention Center. In addition, thousands of fans will begin descending on the area in anticipation of Monday night's kickoff. 

Alabama and Clemson square off Monday at 8 p.m. at Raymond James Stadium in a rematch of last year's title game. 

But it's more than just a game. 

Events will range from downtown Tampa to Raymond James Stadium to Clearwater Beach. 

There will be parties, concerts, exhibits, fan events, a 5K run and special events at restaurants and bars throughout the area. 

Here's a look at this weekend's events: 

Saturday, January 7

Amalie Arena

Media Day will feature both Alabama and Clemson teams and coaching staffs participating in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship. 

Attendees of Media Day will watch their favorite players and listen in to interviews, while experiencing more than 1,000 media members preview the national championship game. 

Alabama (9 a.m.); Clemson (10:30 a.m.)

Free event to the public

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (Gates open at Noon)

Free outdoor concert series featuring a variety of national recording artists. 

• Interactive activities

• LIVE ESPN SportsCenter broadcasts

Local recording artists

• Southern Train

• Save the Radio

National recording artists start at 6 p.m.

• Cold Ward Kids

• Rachel Platten

• Headline performance by Flo Rida

Fireworks show at 11 p.m.

Playoff Fan Central

Tampa Convention Center (Noon-8 p.m.)

Playoff Fan Central is a 200,000-square foot college football themed park.

A multi-day fan event giving thousands of fans the opportunity to be a part of the College Football Playoff National Championship experience, with appearances from the participating institutions’ bands, cheerleaders and mascots and mini pep rallies for each participating team.

Filled with various activities including interactive games, sponsor activities, special guest appearances and exhibits celebrating college football, this family friendly event creates memories that last a lifetime.

• Noon-8 p.m.

• Admission: $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Children under 12 are free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

• Includes:

• Family friendly activities and entertainment

• Food and beverage

• Youth sports clinics

• Celebrity appearances

• Band performances

• Sponsor activations

Sunday, January 8

Extra Yard 5k 8 a.m.

The official road race of the College Football Playoff, the 2017 Extra Yard 5K is a family-friendly 3.1 mile race hosted in conjunction with the College Football Playoff National Championship.

The race will be held heart of Downtown Tampa’s Championship Campus and will incorporate a scenic route down a portion of iconic Bayshore Boulevard.

In addition to the 5K, a 1-Mile Family Fun Run will also be held along a portion of the course.

• Date: Sunday, January 8, 2017

• Time: 5K (8 a.m.); Fun Run (9 a.m.)

• Location: Downtown Tampa

• Admission: $30 registration for the 5K race includes one (1) ticket to Playoff Fan Central at the Tampa Convention Center, a participant shirt (for the first 1,000 only), a finisher’s medal, a chipped race bib and an entry for one (1) into the drawing to win two (2) tickets to the College Football Playoff National Championship. $15 registration for the 1-Mile Family Fun Run includes one (1) ticket to Playoff Fan Central at the Tampa Convention Center, a chipped race bib and an entry for one (1) into the drawing to win two (2) tickets to the College Football Playoff National Championship.

• All proceeds benefit Extra Yard for Teachers, the College Football Playoff Foundation’s primary initiative that goes the “extra yard” by honoring, celebrating, inspiring and empowering teachers.

Clearwater Beach Bash

Beach Bash, which will take place on Sunday, January 8 (11 a.m. – 4 p.m.) at Pier 60 on Clearwater Beach.

The free, family-friendly event will feature a pep-rally atmosphere with games, live music and more.

Playoff Fan Central

Tampa Convention Center (Noon-8 p.m.)

Playoff Fan Central is a 200,000-square foot college football themed park.

A multi-day fan event giving thousands of fans the opportunity to be a part of the College Football Playoff National Championship experience, with appearances from the participating institutions’ bands, cheerleaders and mascots and mini pep rallies for each participating team.

Filled with various activities including interactive games, sponsor activities, special guest appearances and exhibits celebrating college football, this family friendly event creates memories that last a lifetime.

• Noon-8 p.m.

• Admission: $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Children under 12 are free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

• Includes:

• Family friendly activities and entertainment

• Food and beverage

• Youth sports clinics

• Celebrity appearances

• Band performances

• Sponsor activations

Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park (Gates open at noon)

Free outdoor concert series featuring a variety of national recording artists. 

• Interactive activities

• LIVE ESPN SportsCenter broadcasts

• Performances by the Alabama and Clemson bands

Local recording artists

• Trigger City Trio

• Soul Circus Cowboys

National recording artists start at 6 p.m.

• Saturday Night Live’s Jay Pharoah will help introduce the bands

• Jamie N Commons

• Gavin DeGraw

• Headline performance by Usher

Fireworks show at 9 p.m.

Taste of the Championship

Florida Aquarium 7 p.m.

Attendees of the Taste of the Championship sample gourmet food and beverages representing geographic regions from around the country.

Proceeds from the event support the College Football Playoff Foundation.

• Featuring Tampa-area restaurants 717 South, Ava, Bern’s Steak House, Boca Kitchen, Bar & Market, Cigar City BrewPub, The Columbia, Datz, Fodder & Shine, Goody Goody, Haven, Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Mise en Place, Parkshore Grill, The Refinery, Roux and Ulele. 

• Admission: $250 

Monday, January 9

Championship Tailgate (Beginning at Noon)

The ultimate game day tailgate featuring interactive games, sponsor activities, concessions and ESPN broadcast sets.

Multi-Platinum singer and songwriter Dierks Bentley will headline the Capital One Quicksilver Music Stage, with opening act The Shadowboxers. 

• Noon - 6:30 p.m. 

• Outside of Raymond James Stadium 

• Free for all national championship game ticket holders

National Championship Game 

Raymond James Stadium 

Kickoff, 8 p.m.   

And here is a reminder of the items that are prohibited from the games: 

•  Firearms, explosives, dangerous weapons including any type of edged weapon to include knives, impact weapons, electric pulse weapons

•  Beer, wine, liquor or any other alcoholic beverage

•  Bags, backpacks, briefcases or pursues larger than 12 inches by 12 inches. Limit one per person & all bags will be searched.

•  Coolers or containers, including cans and bottles

•  Bicycles, roller skates/blades, skateboards, “Razor” style boards, or any other self-propelled device

•  Folding chairs & blankets

•  Laser pointers 

•  Pets, except service animals assisting those with disabilities

•  Flags or Banners with Poles and signs of any kind

•  Shopping Carts 

•  Other items that in the judgment of security pose a safety hazard or diminish the enjoyment of an event by other patrons.