The NFL announced today that in 2010 the Pro Bowl will be played in the week that falls between the AFC and NFC Championship games and the Super Bowl. You know, that week when nothing is happening in professional football? It will be played in that week when we’re waiting for the big game that more times than not simply disappoints. It’s that big game where the half-time entertainment and commercials are more interesting than what’s happening on the field.
The Pro Bowl, it was announced by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, will be played at 8 pm on January 31, 2010, and televised on ESPN. Goodell said in an annoucement, “We are looking at alternatives to strengthen the Pro Bowl. We will evaluate this concept after the 2010 Pro Bowl.”
Since 1980, Honolulu, Hawaii has hosted the Pro Bowl. The move to Miami will have a big effect on the economies of Miami and Honolulu. Without the Pro Bowl, Hawaii stands to lose 25,000 out-of-state visitors.
Of course, with the change of time, it means that any player in the Super Bowl will not play in the Pro Bowl. Then again, it does give more opportunity for quality players who didn’t make it to the biggest game of the year to participate in the NFL’s All-Star game.
The change of venue and time will be evaluated to determine if the alterations have been profitable for the league and if they’ve garnered more viewers than in former years.