Indianapolis discovers the Super Bowl is all about excess

By Mark Shanahan, Globe Staff

INDIANAPOLIS — As this city is discovering, the Super Bowl is all about excess. A near-riot atmosphere gripped downtown Friday as thousands of party-goers and gawkers choked the streets, creating a scene reminiscent of Vancouver after the Bruins won the Stanley Cup. Not helping matters was boxer Floyd Mayweather and rapper 50 Cent, who cruised the city in the wee hours this morning in a bus emblazoned with Mayweather’s likeness – and, of course, Twitter handle – causing the drunken crowd to go nuts.

Fortunately – or not, depending on your appetite for danger – the vibe at some of the weekend’s A-list Super Bowl parties was more subdued. Friday’s slate of soirees included Playboy’s annual bash, held at the Bud Light Hotel in the heart of the chaos, ESPN the Magazine’s party, Audi’s exclusive affair, and GQ’s joint, where adorable servers wore matching Izod shirts. (Lacoste was one of the sponsors.)

Playboy had promised Playmates and a slew of celebs at its party, but it only partially delivered. The Bunnies made the scene, but if singer Joe Jonas or actor Neil Patrick Harris was there, we didn’t see them. “Mad Men” star Jon Hamm and “Captain America” Chris Evans did attend, but breezed in the back way to avoid pesky reporters like us who were working the red carpet.

With few exceptions, guests said they were rooting for the Giants in Super Bowl XLVI. One of the exceptions was Playmate Stacy Fuson – Miss February 1999, if you have Google handy – who said she’s friends with former Patriot Lawyer Milloy, and met Pats QB Tom Brady several years ago. Fuson took issue with Madonna’s comment earlier this week that she’d hang out with Giants QB Eli Manning over Brady.

“They’re both married, so that’s my first thought,” sniffed Fuson.

St. Louis Rams receiver Brandon Lloyd and running back Steven Jackson were among the early arrivals, but both seemed distracted.

“It’s hard to talk about sports when you got bunny ears behind you,” said Jackson.

Lloyd, who’s a free agent, was asked if he’d like to reunite in New England with Josh McDaniels, who’s credited with turning the pass catcher’s career around in Denver and St. Louis.

“I’d like to continue to consider myself Josh’s prized pupil, but right now I’m a member of the St. Louis Rams,” said Lloyd. (We’ll take that as a yes.)

Houston Texans running back Arian Foster credited his wife for his wardrobe choices, which included a kelly green sweater, plaid scarf, jeans, and a pair of gray leather Louis Vuitton loafers. Foster was eager to make new friends at the party – “I’m gonna learn about people in there” – and put in a plug for Ron Paul, who he called “the best presidential candidate.”

We didn’t get any political advice from Billy Bush and former “Party of Five” actor Scott Wolf, just a lot of jive about the Giants. The best friends have rented an RV for the week, and it’s parked outside Lucas Oil Stadium.

“We have beer and Bloody Marys. We didn’t want to over think it,” said Bush. “There’s some food in case anyone gets lightheaded.”

As for the game, the syndicated radio and TV host sneered at the Patriots’ chances, saying the Giants will “fleece” Bill Belichick’s team.

“This one’s gonna sting the Patriots,” added Wolf. “This one’s gonna burn you guys.”

Others at the party included Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, Tyson Ritter and Nick Wheeler of All-American Rejects, actor Dave Annable, Emmanuelle Chriqui of “Entourage,” Mavs owner Mark Cuban, LMFAO’s Redfoo, actress Jessica Szohr, and singer Ne-Yo, who seemed relaxed on the red carpet despite having to perform later.

“I’m gonna sing, do a little dance, and get down tonight,” he said, putting his arm around Playmate Heather Young.

And who’s he picking Sunday?

“Who am I picking?” said Ne-Yo. “The one in the red dress.” (Yes, referring to was Young, Miss February 2010.)

Food Network host Guy Fieri is never at a loss for words, and he wasn’t this time. Fieri said he doesn’t mind cooking for people on Super Bowl Sunday – in fact, he insists on it.

“I put myself to work,” he said. “I’d rather do it myself than have halfway food. I want to do food the right way.”

The slow drive by Mayweather and 50 Cent – a promotional stunt for the boxer’s next fight May 5 — took place right outside, snarling traffic and angering police officer who were trying to quell the rowdy after-hours crowd.

Our next stop wasGQ publisher Chris Mitchell’s party at the Stutz, a warehouse space a mile or so outside of town. We arrived too late to see LL Cool J, but the DJ set by Questlove of the Roots had the crowd hopping. (Or maybe it was the free-flowing Patron they were feeling.) VIP guests included current and former NFL players: Troy Aikman, Kurt Warner, and Patriot Niko Koutouvides; ESPN’s Erin Andrews, actors David Arquette, Stephen Baldwin, and Joe Manganiello; model Brooklyn Decker and her husband, tennis player Andy Roddick; and Giants owner Steve Tisch.

The leggy Andrews also showed up at Audi’s bash, which was held in the penthouse of the Conrad Hotel. Also mingling were Neil Patrick Harris, Kellan Lutz, Spike Lee, Matthew Morrison, and “The View” co-host Sherri Shepard, who stepped into our elevator at the JW Marriott a few hours later.

Making the scene at ESPN the Magazine's party honoring Carolina QB Cam Newton were a slew familiar faces, including Drake (who performed), Maria Menounos, Shaquille O'Neal, Jerry Rice, Vivica A. Fox, Tim Tebow, Terrell Owens, Olympic soccer goalie Hope Solo, Blake Shelton, and Jets receiver Plaxico Burress, the former Giants receiver who helped beat the Patriots in the 2007 Super Bowl but will be watching this one from the sidelines tomorrow. And last but not least, Jenny McCarthy, Carmen Electra and Jenni “JWoww” Farley hosted a big crowd at the Leather & Laces party at Regions Bank Tower.