Roger Goodell: Pro Bowl will continue in Hawaii in 2014
From NFL.com March 20, 2013
The Pro Bowl is back for 2014, and it's back in Hawaii. After that, we'll just have to see.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed Wednesday at the NFL Annual Meeting in Phoenix that the much-debated all-star game will continue for at least another year and noted that some changes could be coming. Goodell mentioned the concept of captains choosing teams, which NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday. Goodell imagined, for instance, Peyton Manning choosing one team and Eli Manning choosing another.
Free-agent tracker
NFL free agency is under way. Follow all of the latest player rumors and signings in our free-agent tracker. More...
Other changes might be coming in the monetary payout structure. Goodell noted that the players had a "positive effort" in 2013 after 2012's lackluster game. But Goodell is making no promises about the game's future.
"The answer going forward will be again if some of these changes are effective and positive and lead to a better event, we'll continue to find ways to make this game better and more popular with our fans," Goodell said. "Ultimately, that's what we're looking for."
The game will continue to be played in the week before the Super Bowl. Goodell said the site of future games could change, but Hawaii is expected to at least remain part of a rotation of sites for the game.
After serious conversation about canceling the Pro Bowl altogether, it looks like the game isn't going anywhere for a little while.
VIDEO: Commissioner Roger Goodell discusses new plans for NFL Pro Bowl
Deal is Sealed: Pro Bowl Returns to Hawaii
News Release from Hawaii Tourism Authority
As the most popular spectator sport in the U.S., the NFL Pro Bowl Week is one of the most anticipated sporting events in Hawai‘i, generating millions of dollars in visitor spending and attracting thousands of visitors to the Hawaiian Islands for the all-star game.
Therefore, the NFL’s recent decision to return the NFL Pro Bowl to Hawai‘i in 2014 is great news for our tourism economy. The Pro Bowl in Hawai‘i is more than just a game; it generates worldwide media exposure for the Hawaiian Islands, contributes significant tax revenue and expenditures through visitor spending, boosts activity and revenue for local businesses and offers an opportunity for residents to engage with players and experience a live professional football game. The NFL also gives back to our community through youth education programs, charitable contributions and events.
This past year, the HTA and NFL worked with the inaugural Pro Bowl Committee – prominent business and community leaders in Hawai‘i – to enhance the 2013 Pro Bowl Week through attendance building, media exposure, community experience, player/spouse/family experiences, military integration, business development and inbound packaging. These collective efforts also led to the development of new initiatives including the Eat the Street Pro Bowl Style and the Hawai‘i NFL Greats honoree program.
Following the 2013 Pro Bowl, the HTA maintained ongoing discussions with the NFL to remind them that Hawai‘i is the home of the Pro Bowl and that there is no better place to host the all-star game.
Leading up to next year’s Pro Bowl, the HTA will continue to work with the NFL to improve Pro Bowl Week experiences for residents and visitors, while expanding interest and exposure of the game to markets beyond North America, including Asia and Oceania.
We are grateful to the NFL for bringing the Pro Bowl back to Hawai‘i next year and we look forward to building upon our long-standing partnership well into the future.
* * * * *
Governor Statement Regarding the Return of the NFL Pro Bowl to Hawaii
News Release from Office of Governor March 20, 2013
HONOLULU – Gov. Neil Abercrombie today responded to the NFL’s decision to return the Pro Bowl to Hawaii.
The Governor stated:
“We have kept in close contact with NFL officials, and I am very pleased that the Pro Bowl is returning to Hawaii in 2014. Like thousands of fans, I thoroughly enjoyed the last Pro Bowl game held in January at our Aloha Stadium. Opportunities to reach national and international audiences such as this will help maintain our state’s positive economic momentum, particularly in the visitor industry.
“I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Hawaii Tourism Authority and our partners in working collaboratively with the NFL to ensure the continuation of this valuable Hawaii-NFL partnership and the game’s fourth decade in Hawaii.
“The NFL has recognized that the Pro Bowl is at home in the islands.”
# # #
June, 2011: Abercrombie doubles down against Pro-Bowl: "It's Time We Get Our Priorities Straight"
Aug, 2011: "We'll get more out of civil unions in a weekend then we'll get out of (the Pro Bowl)."
May, 2012: No Mention of Gay Marriage as State Gives NFL $4M to Bring ProBowl Back One More Year