Everyone has plans for Pro Bowl

NFL officials and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann repeated at a news conference that the Pro Bowl will be played here at least through next year, and a league source said the game isn't moving "anywhere in the foreseeable future."

Pro Bowl 2008 Who: AFC vs. NFC Where: Aloha Stadium When: Feb. 10, 11:45 a.m. TV: KHON, Ch. 3 Radio: KKEA, 1420-AM

But Gene Upshaw, head of the NFL Players union, questions whether the game should be played at all. Upshaw, speaking to reporters Thursday in Phoenix, site of tomorrow's Super Bowl, also said he wants to continue discussions with the league regarding the date and location of future Pro Bowls.

This year's Pro Bowl will be played a week from tomorrow at Aloha Stadium. It is the 29th consecutive NFL all-star game here.

China, Japan, Australia and Europe have been considered as possible future Pro Bowl locations. There has also been talk of moving the date of the game to the week before the Super Bowl (effectively eliminating participation by players from the conference championship teams).

"I would hope we are part of any type of rotation there might be in the future," Hannemann said.

The state pays the NFL around $4 million per year for hosting rights in the contract that ends next year. The Pro Bowl generates around $30 million in visitor spending and $3 million in state tax revenue, according to figures from the state.