NFL Pro Bowl Weekend 2014 in Hawaii ready to kick off with free Oahu events
Throw out everything you know about the NFL Pro Bowl.
This year’s pre-Superbowl all-star matchup in Hawaii isn’t about AFC vs. NFC. Instead, the pros were drafted for play, creating unexpected teams and memorable matchups the all-star game has never seen before.
The first-ever Pro Bowl draft happened yesterday on Oahu, with NFL Hall of Famers Jerry Rice and Deion Sanders serving as alumni team captains for their respective squads. The two teams will meet up at the 2014 NFL Pro Bowl this Sunday, Jan. 26 at Aloha Stadium on Oahu.
Can’t be here for the game? Watch it on NBC. Kick-off is 2 p.m. (Hawaii time).
NFL officials are hoping the new format results in a more competitive game on the field and, hopefully, higher television ratings for the much-maligned game that, for much of its existence, was held after the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl, between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos, will, of course, be held on Sun., Feb. 2 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the weekend after the Pro Bowl.
The Pro Bowl has been held at Aloha Stadium every year since 1980—except in 2010, when it was moved to Sun Lite Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins.
The NFL’s official Pro Bowl Week in Hawaii dives into some of its best public events this weekend, with fans having an opportunity to meet players and cheerleaders and take part in pre-game festivities.
2014 NFL Pro Bowl Weekend events
Sat., Jan. 25
NFL Pro Bowl Ohana Day
8:30-11:30 a.m , Aloha Stadium; Free
Catch both Pro Bowl teams in action as they prepare for the big game. Enjoy fan contests, player interviews, NFL video features and a preview of the Pro Bowl game entertainment.
NFL/Hawaii Tourism Authority Youth Football & Cheerleading Clinics
10 a.m.-2:45 p.m., Kapiolani Park, Waikiki; Free
Free football and cheerleading clinics with former NFL players, local coaches and NFL cheerleaders. Advanced registration required. Contact the Honolulu Boys and Girls Club or the Honolulu YMCA for registration information.
NFL Pro Bowl All-Star Block Party
7-10 p.m., Waikiki along Kalakaua Avenue; Free
The ultimate NFL post-season celebration with seven entertainment stages, live bands and deejays, NFL players, Pro Bowl cheerleaders and mascots. More than 100 vendors will offer food, NFL merchandise and local crafts.
Sunday, Jan. 26
The Official NFL Pro Bowl Tailgate Party
11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Richardson Field; tailgate party ticket purchase required
This game’s official tailgate party will feature appearances by NFL stars, performances by the Pro Bowl cheerleaders, live entertainment and signature dishes created by Hawaii chefs. Richardson Field overlooks Pearl Harbor and is within walking distance of Aloha Stadium.
NFL Pro Bowl Opening Ceremonies
1:45 p.m.
at Aloha Stadium; admission included with Pro Bowl ticket
Hawaii NFL greats, the Pro Bowl cheerleaders, the traditional Hawaiian opening, a spectacular national anthem ceremony, and the introduction of the NFL’s biggest stars..
