Playoff mania is sweeping Columbus.

Actually, I’m not certain that’s the case, because I haven’t been in town for a few weeks. But the hysteria over the Columbus Destroyers’ upcoming appearance in the Arena Bowl has to be reaching feverish levels by now.

Right?

Or maybe not?

Because I’m sensing a lot of blank looks at this point, I’ll back up a bit. Columbus’ Arena Football League team, the Destroyers, recently completed a remarkable run through the league’s playoffs — despite a losing regular-season record — to earn a berth in the Arena Bowl, which kicks off at 3 p.m. Sunday in New Orleans.

You’re still drawing a blank?

OK. Arena football started in the 1980s. It’s played indoors, on a small field, with padded walls and big nets in the end zone. Teams score about 257 points per game. It’s pretty exciting stuff.

Still nothing?

Hm. Earle Bruce was head coach for a while? Chris Spielman was general manager and coach? Play at Nationwide Arena? Funny-looking tan football?

Yes, those are Ohio State football references — very good. And no. This has nothing to do with hockey. Except that John McConnell, the Blue Jackets owner, also owns a majority stake in the team.

You haven’t heard about this? There aren’t people dancing in the streets of Columbus?

C’mon people — this is for the Arena Football League World Championship! It should be a hugedeal, especially in a football-crazy town like Columbus. National television? Greenberg and Golic doing the game? It’s going to be awesome!

What? Ohio State starts its season in 37 days?

Yeah, OK. You got me there.