HONOLULU — It was the early afternoon of January 27, 1980, and the NFL’s first Pro Bowl in Hawai’i was set to kick off in a sold-out and sunny Aloha Stadium. A week earlier, the Pittsburg Steelers had defeated the
HONOLULU — It was the early afternoon of January 27, 1980, and the NFL’s first Pro Bowl in Hawai’i was set to kick off in a sold-out and sunny Aloha Stadium.
A week earlier, the Pittsburg Steelers had defeated the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl XIV by a score of 31-19. Miracle on Ice was still 26 days away. Jimmy Carter was president. Tom Brady was two years old.
Twenty-five Pro Bowls later, a lot has changed, but not the enthusiasm of the NFL and its top players for ending a season of excellence in America’s winter paradise. Likewise, the NFL’s “33rd franchise” is gearing up to welcome the AFC and NFC’s best-of-the-best with its trademark 82-degree sunshine, gentle trades, and the ultimate destination incentive reward in sports – a week in beautiful Hawai’i.
Following a week of fan-friendly activities, the Pro Bowl will be played at Aloha Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 8 starting at 2:30 p.m. HST (7:30 p.m. EST) and televised nationally by ESPN.
“The NFL and the State of Hawai’i have forged a wonderful partnership that we hope will continue for another 25 years. What especially impresses me is the NFL’s commitment to not only host the game and its events here, but also how the league and its players support our kids and island communities with programs that have a positive influence statewide,” said Rex Johnson, president and CEO of the Hawai’i Tourism Authority (HTA), the state’s marketing agency and major sponsor of the game.
Johnson added that the Pro Bowl and its affiliated activities is a valuable marketing tool for Hawai’i’s visitor industry, showcasing the Islands’ exotic, tropical beauty to millions of prime time television viewers nationwide, while much of the continental U.S. is coping with the chill of winter weather.
In addition, the Pro Bowl and the special events associated with the game provide a financial boost to Hawai’i’s economy.
After a quarter century together, the Pro Bowl and Hawai’i have become such a synonymous pairing that comments are often heard during the season about a player’s chances of “going to Hawai’i” instead of referring to the Pro Bowl by name.
“Hosting the Pro Bowl is a tremendous event for the NFL and Hawai’i. Like any incentive program, the players appreciate the stature of earning a trip here and bringing their families to celebrate the achievement,” said John Monahan, president and CEO of the Hawai’i Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB). “For Hawai’i’s visitor industry, we appreciate having the world’s number one sports brand put its stamp of approval on Hawai’i for 25 straight years.”
The fun and excitement of Pro Bowl Week isn’t limited to players and their families. It provides opportunities for fans to see the NFL’s best up close, get autographs, and enjoy Pro Bowl sponsored parties and events.
“We are always excited about bringing together the NFL’s greatest stars and the world’s premier vacation destination,” said Jim Steeg, NFL Senior Vice President of Special Events. “We are looking forward to a terrific celebration of the NFL’s 25th consecutive Pro Bowl in Hawai’i.”
Team practices at Aloha Stadium will be free and open to the public.
NFC practices start at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 6, and 9 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7.
AFC practices start at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, and 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7.
Other fan-friendly activities include a two-day festival at Kapiolani Park in Waikiki on Feb. 6-7 highlighted by nonstop entertainment from local bands, free autographs from NFL players and Pro Bowl cheerleaders, and interactive football games. The public is welcome and admission is free.
Additionally, the public can also enjoy the Pro Bowl Block Party at Aloha Tower Marketplace on Feb. 6 with free admission, or purchase tickets to the 25th Anniversary Pro Bowl Concert and Party at the Waikiki Shell featuring K.C. and the Sunshine Band, and Papa Doo Run Run.
Tickets to the Pro Bowl, the Official NFL Tailgate Party, and the 25th Anniversary Pro Bowl Concert and Party can be ordered online at Ticketmaster.com or by calling Ticketmaster toll free at (877) 750-4400.
For more news and information about the 2004 NFL Pro Bowl, including team rosters and game records, visit www.nfl.com/probowl.
For more information about Hawai’i, The Islands of Aloha, the public can visit HVCB’s Web site at http://www.gohawaii.com, or call 1-800-GOHAWAII.
