NFL encourages Orlando to make a bid for Pro Bowl
The game could end up alternating between Florida and Hawaii
St. Petersburg TimesORLANDO, Fla. - Orlando is making a bid to wrest the NFL's all-star game from Honolulu and a league official says the plan is plausible. NFL officials have toured the Citrus Bowl and have encouraged Orlando to make a bid this summer. "Orlando is a very serious contender because of everything the city and Disney have to offer," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said. "Orlando is very intriguing as a potential Pro Bowl site, especially in light of Disney's new sports complex."
Honolulu has hosted the Pro Bowl the past 18 years but is in the last year of its contract with the NFL.
Orlando officials hope at least to get the Pro Bowl in alternating years, beginning in 1999.
"Commissioner (Paul) Tagliabue has said some things that make me feel if our bid is competitive with Hawaii, they could play one year here and one year there," Florida Citrus Sports executive director Chuck Rohe said. "The league feels Orlando would be an ideal location to attract their European fans and sponsors while Hawaii is good for their Asian market."
Orlando bid for the Pro Bowl in 1992 and initially offered the NFL a higher guaranteed payout ($1.3-million to $1-million) but the league decided to stay in Hawaii. League owners could vote on a site at their fall meetings.
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