Primarily played in Hawaii since 1979, the NFL’s Pro Bowl has only traveled from Honolulu twice since, most recently in Arizona back in 2015.
According to Scott Soshnick of Bloomberg, that’s going to change in short order. The Pro Bowl is set to move to Orlando, FL.
The report indicates that Orlando was one of four cities in the bidding to win the right to host the watered-down event. Houston and Sydney were among those also interested in playing host.
Per NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy, no reason was provided as to why Orlando was chosen.
Perhaps the NFL is hopeful a Florida venue will boost interest in the event that some people consider a joke after the completion of a serious NFL season. Players might also find the Florida location more enticing.
This past season, a record-breaking 133 players were either originally invited to play or were called upon as alternates. Multiple veterans bowed out for one reason or another.
According to Bloomberg, the newly renovated Citrus Bowl will showcase the event.