It’s Thursday night. There is nothing on television, it’s not really hot enough to barbecue and you’ve already done your homework (even for next week, right?). It may as well be any night of the week, really, and you have nothing to do.

Well, State Hornet nightlife/entertainment writer Liz Gransee has exhaustively compiled a night-by-night guide of the hottest spots in the 916. Just think of it as your new class schedule –

MondayLet’s face it, football season has arrived and there is no way to fight it. So why even try when you can embrace it at one of Sacramento’s many sports bars.

A community favorite for Monday Night Football is Player’s Sports Bar & Grill located at 4060 Sunrise Blvd at Fair Oaks ?” about 10 – 15 minutes away from campus.

Player’s features numerous 32-inch screen TVs as well as three big screen TVs strategically placed around the bar ?” plenty for everyone at every table to have a great view. Speaking of tables, Player’s serves a great menu until 1 a.m. featuring half-pound hamburgers, steak sandwiches, salads, and award-winning(?) barbecue ribs.

If great views, food, and drink specials are not enough ?” there are also video games and basketball toss for those who don’t necessarily worship football or for during half-time.

Be prepared, this is a popular establishment (especially during Kings games) so make sure to arrive early enough to get a spot.

TuesdayOn Tuesdays, The Corner Pocket located on 7777 Sunrise Blvd. behind Walgreen’s at the intersection with Antelope Rd is an awesome mid-week destination.

Tuesdays at The Corner Pocket are called “$3 Tuesday.” Five dollars gets you in the door and after that all beers ?” bottled or draft ?” and well drinks are $2 and anything else ?” that’s right you call it ?” is only $3. You could drink Grey Goose dirty martinis all night and not pay a fortune.

Not only is the Corner Pocket enormous and crammed full with pool tables, the jukebox plays a wide array of tunes from country to alternative and classic rock to hip-hop.

The one draw back is Tuesdays are hit-and-miss; sometimes it is packed and other times it’s dead. Just make sure to bring a date or some good friends to enjoy the great specials.

Sacramento State Safe Rides does not operate on Tuesdays so please make sure to designate a driver. The Corner Pocket is about 20 minutes away from campus ?” a very expensive cab ride.

WednesdayIf you feel like dancing, Wednesday nights are for everyone ?” 18 and over that is. Empire located at 1417 R St. features “The Empire of Sound” hosted by 100.5 the Zone with DJ Eddie Edul spinning House & Hip Hop.

If you’ve never been to the Empire, Wednesday is a good night to start. The crowd is about 70 percent college students, some of whom you may recognize from class.

The cover charge which starts at 8 p.m. is $12 for 18-20-year-olds and $7 for the 21 and over. However, students are honored on Wednesdays ?” College night ?” by offering $2 off the cover charge with a valid college ID.

Before midnight all well drinks are only $2 so get there early.

ThursdayThursdays belong to Shaker’s at 5940 Sperry Dr. off of San Juan between Greenback and Madison.

Only at Shaker’s can you listen to awesome punk rock bands ?” both local and from the surrounding areas ?” as well as run into famous celebrities.

Earlier this year I had the pleasure to share bar space and shots with Cuttino Mobley and Kenny Thomas.

To make Thursday nights even more awesome Shaker’s offers dollar ?” yes you read it right ?” dollar drink specials. A $5 cover gets you inside to enjoy the $1 Budweisers and Captain Morgan and Coke from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m!

FridayYou’ve worked so hard all week, read more than enough chapters, and attended more than enough classes so now it’s time to let your hair down and party like it’s ?” well like it’s Friday. Avalon nightclub has you covered.

Avalon located at 805 15th St. at the corner of H St. and 15th is currently one of the hottest spots in the Sacramento for Friday nights.

In fact this Friday night’s party, “Red Light District” is no exception.

Avalon’s Web site describes it as “Amsterdam meets Sacramento in this sexually charged event -leave your inhibitions at the door”

According to the Web site, red attire is recommended to this erotic party featuring red light dancers, kinky props, sexy door prizes and drink specials.

In the main room DJ Chris “The Rebel” is spinning Top 40 and Club Hits while in the Ultra Lounge DJ Gabe Xavier and DJ Don B are playing dance remix.

The cover is $10 at the door or rent the VIP booth for that special occasion for $300.

SaturdaySaturday nights should be reserved for club Aqua located at 7942 Arcadia Dr. right off of Sunrise Blvd.

Runway hosted by Aqua features DJ Stephan spinning Top 40 and R&B in the main room while DJ Gabe Xavier rocks the outside patio bar.

This Saturday Aqua is celebrating the end of summer with a beach party celebration. The night will include contests, prizes, Corona girls, and $2 drink specials.

Sign up for the guest list at www.aquabarandnightclub.com to avoid the $8 cover charge.

SundayLast but not least – Sunday nights. Yes there are worthwhile activities on Sundays other than sleep.

There is no better way to get back into “Monday mode” than by testing your brain at a little pub trivia. So why not take a trip to The Streets of London ?” not London England ?” just 1804 J St.

From 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Streets of London has a very fun and engaging quiz featuring questions from categories such as current events, movies, history and sports.

The prizes, which are not exactly noteworthy ?” but they are humorous. They include DVD pornography for third place, two bottles of house wine for second, and two pitchers of beer and two free entrees for first. Now who doesn’t love some free porn?

Teams consist of two to five players, so grab some friends and get there early ?” seats fill up fast.

Now that you’ve got your plans set for the week, your homework is to actually do all of your homework early so you can go out and enjoy all the nightlife the River City has to offer.

Please remember to play responsibly ?” and never drink and drive.

Look for Liz’s Sacramento dining and nightlife guide every Thursday on www.statehornet.com.

Next week: Best wine tasting spots in and around Sacramento.Contact Liz at [email protected]