Travel Tuesday: Will the Pro Bowl return to Orlando?

After the Pro Bowl trophy was raised in victory by the AFC and the Pro Bowl experience was dismantled, football fans are wondering: will the Pro Bowl return to Orlando?

For the past two years, the NFL Pro Bowl has been held in Orlando. While some people see the Pro Bowl as just an all-star game, the event is a week’s worth of activities for the City Beautiful. Visit Orlando, the city’s tourism board, assisted with making this big event successful. With the two-year contract up, will the NFL opt for a third Orlando NFL Pro Bowl or will it move on to another city?

Prior to Orlando, the annual NFL Pro Bowl was held in Hawaii. While many people would jump at the opportunity to relax in Hawaii, the distant locale make it harder for fans to travel for the game. Granted, the location was great for Hawaiians to see a live NFL game, but everyone else was at a disadvantage. Between the travel time, flight expense and hotel, many fans wouldn’t want to travel to Hawaii for just a game. It would make the experience less fan inclusive.

Bringing the NFL Pro Bowl to Orlando was a benefit for the NFL as well as the City Beautiful. First, the location at ESPN Wide World of Sports on Walt Disney World property was a smart choice. Both locals and visitors flock to Walt Disney World. The space is conducive to hosting a large, sports event for almost an entire week.

The NFL Experience brought fans to the ESPN complex for free NFL themed activities and to watch the Pro Bowl practices. All the events were free and open to the public. Whether families were taking a break from the theme parks or just enjoying the fun, this event brought many people to the complex.

NFL Experience, photo by Cristine Struble

Just a like a theme park, the NFL Experience was an immersive event. From precision throwing challenges to running the 40-yard dash, this year’s expanded NFL experience was fun for fans of all ages. Each activity gave fans a glimpse of real NFL football activities.

One of the biggest draws for fans was the ability to see and sometimes interact with their favorite NFL players. From watching the NFC and AFC practices to even sometimes getting an autograph or a selfie with a player, the closeness to the players was impressive. Even more impressive was the players’ willingness to spend their time with fans. Some of the players spent huge amounts of time with the fans who lined the practice field sidelines. While it might have been a small gesture by the players, it was a huge moment for many fans.

Drew Brees & son on NFC practice field during Pro Bowl practice, photo by Cristine Struble

In addition to the impact on the local fans, the NFL Pro Bowl in Orlando seemed like a lot of fun for the players. Several NFL players brought their families to the week long experience. While everyone saw Drew Brees’ kids during the game, those kids were on the practice field with their dad, too. Those moments show that these players, and their families, are fans of the game. It endears the experience not only to NFL families but also to everyone else who is watching.

Also, some of the NFL players’ and personnel’s family took the opportunity to visit the local theme parks. Orlando is the theme park capital of the world. Looking around Disney parks last week, many people were enjoy the Disney magic. If the Pro Bowl was in Hawaii, would as many families be able to participate?

While all eyes were on the professional football players, Pro Bowl week wasn’t just for them. The NFL FLAG Football championships were held during NFL Pro Bowl week. These younger athletes were able to showcase their hard work and dedication to the game they love.

NFL FLAG Football Youth Media Night, photo by Cristine Struble

Boys and girls ages 9-14 competed in the NFL FLAG Championships. These teams earned their spot by winning local and regional competitions. Over several days, they competed until an eventual champion was crowned in each division.

During the NFL FLAG Championship Youth Media Night, the kids had a memorable experience of a real red carpet event. Very few people can say that they were able to walk a red carpet. For a couple of hours, these children saw that hard work, dedication and team work can bring great successes and accolades.

While being interviewed by NFL Pro Bowlers and NFL Legends, these kids saw that the love of the game runs deep. Of course, success of the field is rewarded, the journey to that success can be the best part. As former NFL Player Patrick Jackson told many of the young players he interviewed, there’s no I in team, but there’s an I in win. If everyone doesn’t work together, there won’t be a win at the end of the game.

Looking at these NFL FLAG Football players and families, Orlando is a great location for the championship. Given this location, the whole family was to turn the event into a vacation. Looking at the stands on youth media night, the parents and siblings roared with appreciation for all the hard work and dedication by those athletes and coaches. If the Pro Bowl moved out of Orlando, would as many families be able to enjoy the whole experience?

NFL Pro Bowl 18, photo by Cristine Struble

As the NFL decides whether to extend the Pro Bowl in Orlando, many people hope that it does. Even though rain dampened the actual game, the week-long experiences were successful. The location makes the event family inclusive, which is a huge selling point for both the city and the NFL. Why wouldn’t a football family plan a vacation around a NFL all-star game and the opportunity to visit Orlando theme parks? It sounds like a win for everyone involved.

Next: Universal Orlando's Mardi Gras event brings big name headliners

Sometime this spring the NFL will announce if the 2019 Pro Bowl will return to Orlando or head off to another city. Until the announcement is made, all of Orlando keeps its fingers crosses that the NFL makes another return to the City Beautiful.