The NFL and the Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) have reached an agreement on a contract extension for the Pro Bowl, ensuring that the annual All-Star game will remain in Hawaii through 2009.
As part of the five-year agreement that continues the long-standing partnership between America’s favorite sporting passion and one of the premier vacation destinations in the world, the NFL will now control additional revenue-producing opportunities at Aloha Stadium, including advertising, concessions and signage.
‘We look forward to having the Pro Bowl in Hawaii for years to come,’ said NFL Commissioner PAUL TAGLIABUE. ‘Since 1980, we have had a terrific partnership with the state. The people of Hawaii have enjoyed watching the NFL’s greatest players in action. Our All-Star game has grown into much more than a one-day event. It is now a week-long celebration of our sport.’
As part of the new agreement, the NFL will continue to demonstrate its support of the Hawaiian community by donating $1 million to the creation of an NFL Youth Education Town (YET) on the islands. NFL YET Centers – educational and recreational facilities for at-risk children – have been established in Super Bowl host cities since 1992.
In February, the NFL announced that more than 30 Hawaii non-profit organizations had received a combined $100,000 as part of the NFL Charities Pro Bowl Grant Program.
‘Hawaii’s continued partnership with the NFL is of enormous benefit to our state,’ said Governor LINDA LINGLE. ‘The Pro Bowl is seen by millions of people nationwide and attracts thousands of visitors to Hawaii. In 2004, more than 22,000 visitors came to Hawaii specifically for the Pro Bowl and they contributed more than $30 million in direct spending and taxes to our economy.’
To help ensure that Aloha Stadium, home of the Pro Bowl since 1980, remains a treasured venue for the Hawaiian people for years to come, the NFL will make a contribution towards a stadium capital improvement project.
The NFL and the state of Hawaii also will form a joint marketing committee and a joint events committee to coordinate maximizing the benefits of the Pro Bowl for the league and Hawaii.
Pro Bowl Youth Clinics, which allow youngsters to learn the basics of football from NFL players, will continue, as will player visits to schools, which help motivate students to reach for their dreams.
The 2005 Pro Bowl will take place on Sunday, February 13, with ESPN providing live coverage on gameday and broadcasting on-site throughout the week.
Contact:
Brian McCarthy, 212-450-2069
mccarthyb@nfl.com