The NFL is "moving its Pro Bowl to Orlando from Honolulu," and the game "will be played" at the renovated Camping World Stadium, according to sources cited by Scott Soshnick of BLOOMBERG NEWS. NFL VP/Communications Brian McCarthy said that Honolulu, Houston and Sydney also were "bidding to host the game." Soshnick notes the NFL's contract with the Hawaii Tourism Authority for the Pro Bowl "expires on May 31, and the league can opt out of the agreement" (BLOOMBERG NEWS, 5/20). In Orlando, Mike Bianchi in a front-page piece writes the city "finally has its foot in the door with the NFL," and though the Pro Bowl is not the Super Bowl, "we have to start somewhere." This "is an incredibly lofty place to start," and "who knows where this could lead someday for Orlando -- the biggest metropolitan area in the country without an NFL team." Previous reports estimated that Central Florida "would have to come up" with $2.5M per year as a hosting fee. Bianchi notes that number "is low considering Honolulu, the longtime host of the Pro Bowl, forked out closer" to $5M per year. But Orlando "has a bigger and better stadium than Honolulu and would be able to recoup more of the capital outlay by selling more tickets, parking spots and $10 beers." Bianchi: "This isn't just about making money; it's about building Orlando's brand, investing in our future and expanding our reputation from merely a vacation destination to a sports and entertainment destination" (ORLANDO SENTINEL, 5/20).
NO HARD FEELINGS: In Honolulu, Dave Reardon notes despite the city losing the game, it is "still time to thank the NFL." First, "thanks for 30 great years," and second, "thanks for taking your leave at this time." Reardon: "Losing you isn't good, but your staying right now would be worse. ... If we're going to host big events, we've got to get better. And so do you, most powerful and popular sports league in the world" (HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER, 5/20).
