RICHMOND, Va. -- Michael Vick is scheduled to be formally charged tomorrow with two felony crimes in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The Atlanta Falcons QB is accused of organizing a dog fighting and gambling ring . The indictment, filed last week, accuses Vick and 3 other men of fighting --- then killing --- a number of dogs and of wagering thousands of dollars on the fights. The men allegedly traveled to different states for fights -- including North Carolina, Maryland, and Texas. They're also accused of executing the animals in a grizzly fashion -- by drowning and electrocution.

If convicted of the crimes, Vick faces 6 years in federal prison and a $350,000 fine. The case -- because of its alleged brutality and its celebrity defendant -- has generated enormous interest. Animals rights groups -- including PETA and the Humane Society -- led protests demanding Vick's immediate suspension from the National Football League and his product endorsement deals. The NFL has asked Vick *not* to attend the Falcons' training camp in Flowery Branch. And, millions of Americans, who've grown familiar with Vick while watching him on the football field and on television, are eager to watch the case play out.

There's a growing buzz of activity outside the courthouse right now. Crowds are gathering in anticipation of Vick's arrival. Our Scott MacFarlane - who broke the story about Vick's indictment last week - will provide live updates continuously throughout the afternoon and evening on wsbtv.com. You'll see Scott's live blog below. He's stationed on Richmond's Bank Street, outside the U.S.District Courthouse.

SLIDESHOW: Happenings At Virginia Courthouse

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8:00 p.m.

Another reminder tonight from the aforementioned attorney Avery Friedman, who has argued several cases in the US District Court for Eastern Virginia --- Michael Vick will face 2 different judges tomorrow.

One is a magistrate judge, who will handle the bail hearing.

The other is a district court judge, who'll oversee the arraignment.

The first hearing begins at 330p. The second at 4p. Though, both will happen in the same 1st floor courtroom here in Richmond.

Vick and the three other defendants have four different attorneys. Each attorney is from Virginia, including Vick's lawyer Larry Woodward.

Though - you should keep one thing in mind. Vick hired an additional attorney for this case. His name is Billy Martin. He previously represented Monica Lewinsky and the family of Chandra Levy

Well..... at least Martin won't be taken aback by the media swarm tomorrow

Reporters are keeping their eyes on the neighborhood hotels. Is Martin gonna check in tonight? Is Vick? Can we track them down tonight?

Yeah, this is how we operate. We're "ambitious". (That's a nice way to put it)

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7:35 p.m

Some of the people wandering around outside the courthouse tonight are asking reporters for scoops. "Have you heard anything?". "Did Vick cut a deal?" "Is he really going to show up?"

Nothing yet.

One local government employee I just met - who requested anonymity - said many people are worried Vick will get special "celebrity justice".

I'm not exactly sure what would constitute celebrity justice. But she can take comfort in the words of George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley.

Turley told us, "In most cases there is not celebrity justice where celebs get good deals. In fact, they often face more difficult times."

Turley said judges don't give celebrities special breaks, because celebrity cases are among the most scrutanized by the public and press.

Speaking of which, how's that Paris Hilton doing?

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7:17 p.m.

Main Street in Richmond is hopping at lunch time. Not so much in the evening. Kind of quiet down here tonight. A few folks are using the ATM or waiting for a busride home. (My favorite spot: The Pocohontas Bank -- which is named for the 17th century Virginia hero who helped bridge the gap between the Jamestown settlers and the native Indian tribes. Virginians are incredibly proud of their history)

Main St. might be hopping tomorrow afternoon. Federal officials released a statement about how Vick will be handled by Marshals and court staff. "There's no real reason to treat him differently unless it's a safety concern tomorrow," said a court spokesman. If so, Vick might very well be required to walk in the front door of the courthouse, in front of the line of people who'll be camped out for a spot in courtroom. He might even be shouting distance away from the protestors who are expected to gather.

Two things to remember. 1. Vick hasn't made any public statements in weeks. Will he answer the questions reporters throw at him tomorrow afternoon? 2. His attorneys haven't either. We plan on trying to corral them after the hearing -- to learn more about their legal strategy.

Maybe they'll be inspired by the Pocohontas Bank -- and try to make peace with the enemy --- the media!
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6:31 p.m.

What a lucky break for the Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel! This is usually a quiet time for the Richmond hotel industry. Though Richmond is Virginia's state capital, its legislature is only in session from January to March. Things grow quiet around the Capitol building during the summer.

But it's quite lively here tonight. Reporters from across the country are booking rooms -- and paying the maximum rate. The Continental sits one city block away from the courthouse. From some of the higher level rooms, you can actually see the court entrance out the large windows.

I bet you can guess what the guests are talking about inside "Maxine's Cafe", the hotel's in-house restaurant. Scores of reporters and technical crews are milling about the hotel and the cafe talking about tomorrow's expected activity. One photographer just asked, "How am I supposed to get a picture of Michael Vick if there are 100 other photographers trying to do the same thing at the same time?"

The Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel is often reserved for Delegates and Senators with the Virginia Commonwealth Legislature (which I discovered is the oldest legislative body in the country. Its first session took place in 1619, among settlers in the original Jamestown settlement) The rooms here are probably the types of rooms Michael Vick would reserve for himself, if he were traveling here on a leisure trip. The suites include a separate living room and bedroom. And, let me tell you, the bedrooms are massive -- large enough for two king-sized bed and a full bedroom set. Two TVs in the suites. Plus, a working area and a full living room set. The suites are 550 square feet in size. The rate: about $190 a night.

I sense a nervous anticipation among the media crews who've settled in here for the evening. If Michael Vick is shielded from public view, is all of this fuss -- and all of this turnout -- for naught.

Let me give you a little inside "scoop" about us television professionals. We don't warm up to stories that prohibit camera access. How do we tell you what happened in a thorough manner, without being able to *show* you what it looked like? Might seem like an odd problem. But -- that's the dinner conversation at the Commonwealth Park Suites Hotel tonight!

Will this quarterback, who is so elusive on the football field, elude our cameras tomorrow?

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5:59 p.m.

But is Martin Montorfano correct? Is there going to be very little "news" generated here tomorrow? Possibly.

I just spoke with Avery Friedman, an attorney who has argued in this federal courthouse before. Friedman said Vick's arraigment will likely take "8 to 10 minutes". Because Vick's attorneys will likely be in no hurry to proceed quickly with the case, the star QB is unlikely to actually enter a guilty or not guilty plea tomorrow, according to Friedman. The arraigment will likely be limited to "a specification of the charges" by the district court judge, Friedman said.

Friedman also believes the bond hearing -- which is scheduled for 3:30pm in front of a different, magistrate judge -- is unlikely to be dramatic. "During a bond hearing, judges look at two factors: Is the Defendant a flight risk? And, does he have a record?," Friedman said, "In Michael Vick's case the answer to both questions is "no". Bond won't be enormous or jaw-dropping."

Friedman is a renowned civil rights attorney who also serves often as a legal analyst for CNN. ***************************************************
5:51 p.m.

The animal rights groups will be well represented here tomorrow. A few folks from one group, the Virginia Voters for Ethical Animal Welfare, have already begun trickling into downtown.

Meantime, one of the nation's largest animal rights activist organizations -- the Humane Society of the United States -- just sent a mass email to reporters announcing their intentions to be here tomorrow. Their sharp media relations man Martin Montorfano said, in the email, "Just wanted to let you know that we will have HSUS staff on the scene in Richmond, here in DC and in Atlanta. I know not much news is going to be generated there, but it's still going to be a day when media interest is high."

Yeah, he has a point. We're not sure quite how much news will be generated here tomorrow - but we're quite sure the media interest is high. Crews from ESPN and CBS are now arriviing to join the rest of us.

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5:26 p.m.

If you've ever longed to be on television, you should hop in the car and speed up here to Richmond. Reporters are stopping and interrogating nearly every passerby about the Vick case. My favorite scene: I just watched an ambitious reporter for a Virginia television station stop a mom and her children on the sloping front lawn of the Capitol. The reporter asked for mom's thoughts about Michael Vick. Mom's response: "Michael who?".

Thing is, everyone else around here today knows about Vick and seems to have a strong opinion. We spotted and stopped Daniel Bond, a Richmond-native wearing a University of Virginia cap. (There are more Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University fans than there are Virginia Tech fans in Richmond today. Vick starred at QB for Virginia Tech earlier this decade ) Bond says the Michael Vick case is receiving undo, unfair attention. "I wish everyone would stay away tomorrow. Everybody is due their day in court," Bond said. Then, loooking around at the swarm of onlookers around the courthouse, Bond said, "It's amazing that God will forgive you for doing something wrong, but people won't."

One aside: so far, we've spotted no one wearing a Vick or Falcons' jersey around here today. ****************************************************************
5:02 p.m.

More reporters, more photographers, more curious onlookers continue to arrive. And we've just learned, the Michael Vick case is about to shut down the Virginia government. Not literally. Just symbolically.

Virginia Capitol Police say they'll be shutting down the main entrance to the historic Virginia Capitol Building tomorrow. They need to block access because of all the people who are expected to crowd outside the neighboring federal courthouse. A Capitol police officer tells me they have no choice, because so many people are expected.

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4:29 p.m.

Hopefully, everyone here brought an alarm clock. The United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia, John Hackman, just told huddled all of us reporters together and told us what to expect tomorrow morning.

Although Vick's bond hearing isn't scheduled to begin until 3:30pm, the courtroom itself will open at 1pm. The courtroom assigned to the Vick case sits on the first floor of the courthouse and seats less than 100 spectators. And, here's the kicker. Hackman just told me the seats will be assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis. Lines are expected to form before dawn outside the building on Main Street. (I packed a fold-up chair and a portable DVD player. I'll be getting my seat before the sun breaks)

Hackman says Vick will likely be escorted into the building from one of two outdoor entrances. Most news operations, including ours, have sent more than one camera to ensure they don't miss the "money shot" of Vick walking into the courthouse. I just asked Hackman if it's *possible* that Vick will be taken inside via an underground entry, through the courthouse's basement-level parking garage, to prevent any media-related chaos outside. He said he "can't comment" on that possibility. Bottom line, if Vick is given a special escort, our cameras may not see Mike Vick at all tomorrow. Why? Because cameras aren't allowed inside federal courtrooms or courthouses.

*** Hackman just solved a mystery that was puzzling us reporters. When Michael Vick made his initial court appearance here last Thursday, he did so without being spotted by the press. (VIck wasn't expected in town last Thursday because nothing was formally scheduled) We were wondering if he was taken "covertly" into the building by the U.S. Marshals. How else could he have gone unnoticed? Turns out, he walked in through the front door, without escort and without being shielded. Hackman says the Falcons' QB "walked right in" to the building from outside. So...... I guess the media left town too early!

One other note: The courthouse has set-up an "overflow" room for all of the added spectators. It'll be a separate courtroom equipped with an audio and video simulcast of the actual hearing. The overflow room includes enough space for only another 200 spectators.

Still, not enough seats for everyone, we reporters suspect. I better keep my alarm clock handy.

One question I forgot to ask the U.S. Marshal. Is "Marshal" spelled with one "L" or two? ****************************************************************
3:59 p.m.

Not everyone is making us feel welcome here in Richmond. Kelly McCabe, a street vendor selling barbeque sandwiches, burgers, and wings, says he's leaving town before tomorrow. And he says he won't be back until Friday. McCabe just told us he doesn't like the media maelstrom. But McCabe says he's more worried about the crowds of protestors who are expected to arrive soon.

Animal rights protestors, some of whom are associated with PETA, have already picketed and chanted outside NFL headquarters in Manhatten and outside Falcons' offices in Georgia. A police officer told me similar crowds are expected here by tonight -- or by morning. (They'll likely swarm to all the cameras we've set up.)

McCabe has about 30 chicken wings, burgers, and hot dogs on his grill. He's smothering them all with sauces from his 24-inch wide sauce bowl with a long, silver ladel. The grill is wide and shaped like an "L". The aroma is powerful.

McCabe just said he's concerned that animal-rights folks might not take kindly to his grill full of meats. "Even though I'm a businessman, i don't want the headaches," McCabe said, "I don't make tofu-burgers. It is what is, you know,"

Though he might not like the horde of media, I'm sure he's enjoying the extra business he's getting today. Downtown is rarely this crowded.

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3:41 p.m.

Richmond police have now blocked off the streets outside the federal courthouse. Why? Well, they want to use the street for media parking. And they want to keep the area secure outside the Bank St. entrance. Traffic is being re-routed away from the area.

The Police Department announced the closure earlier this week. They knew this court hearing would draw crowds. The U.S. Marshal's service, which handles security inside the courthouse, says security has been increased in and around in the building. But they won't say whether they've received any threats.

The road closures don't seem to bother the locals. Downtown Richmond is much different than downtown Atlanta or Charlotte. Traffic is light. Pedistrian traffic too. After lunch, there's very little movement on the city's main downtown streets. The SUBWAY sandwich shop is nearly empty at this hour. So are the Irish Pub and the rare book store near 12th St.

The city is flush with historical markers and Revolutionary War-era sites, but there appear to be few, if any tourists. Other than us media folks, that is!

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3:14 p.m. (Richmond, Va.)

Historians say Thomas Jefferson was a "visionary". But even Jefferson couldn't have envisioned *this*.

On Richmond's Bank Street, a one-way, three-lane road through the city's Downtown, sits the historic Virginia State Capitol. The bulding was designed in 1785 by Jefferson. It's classic, pure white designed was inspired by the Maison Carree' in Nimes, France. Its center includes an ornate Rotunda and tall columns.

Next to this tribute to 18th century French design sit -------- about a dozen school bus sized satellite television remote production trucks. The trucks include technology that Jefferson, and those French designers couldn't have imagined 300 years ago: uplink transmitters, playback tape decks, satellite transcoders, and interputable-foldback audio units.

As one hotel clerk just said, "The media circus has arrived." Indeed!

Television reporters, photojournalists, and engineers have stormed the city in preparation for tomorrow Michael Vick hearing. So too have our print, on-line, and radio comrades. Some are aruging over choice parking spots outside the court's back entrance. Right now, a truck driver for a Norfolk television affiliate, is trying to back her 30 foot long satelite truck into what appears to be the final remaining parking area outside the courthouse.

Some TV crews have set up tents and fold-up chairs to shield their cameras -- and themselves -- from the 90 degree heat and noticeable humidity. The smart folks packed a cooler with ice, water, sodas, and candy bars.