Ask the Big Kahuna "Answering the most common visitor questions"

Response:

Aloha BP,
You're in luck!

As you know, the best professional football players from the AFC face their counterparts from the NFC in the Pro Bowl every year in the All-Star season closer. Traditionally, the game has been played in Honolulu's 50,000-seat Aloha Stadium on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu, providing a reward trip for qualifying players and picture-perfect playing conditions against a backdrop of blue skies, clear water, and swaying palm trees.

However, the NFL has changed its policy and now votes annually for the Pro Bowl venue.

Here's the background info you want about Aloha Stadium for when the Pro Bowl is played there:

• Officially opened: September 12, 1975


• First football game: Played between University of Hawaii and Texas A&I on September 13, 1975. Attendance: 32,247


• First NFL Pro Bowl game at Aloha Stadium: 1980


• Ownership: State of Hawaii


• Management: Stadium Authority, State of Hawaii


• Capacity: 50,000 (424-wheelchair seats on the lower concourse level)


• Size: 104 acres


• Location: 2 miles from the Honolulu International Airport; 12 miles (a 20-minute drive) from Waikiki


• Parking: 8,000 cars, 150 buses, 109 disabled


• Main playing surface: FieldTurf


• The stands are movable, first of its kind in the USA. The stands are moved by air cushions into different configurations (football, baseball, and concert configurations).


• Events at Aloha Stadium include: Football; baseball; soccer; boxing; religious and music festivals; swap meets; auto shows; motorcross; mud races; tractor pulls; concerts; carnivals, etc.


• The scoreboard is 154 feet long. The JumboTron is 19' x 26'.


• Sitting in the highest seat in the stadium is as high as a ten-story building.

Now for the inside info:
There is a little-known pre-game Tailgate Party at Richardson Field, directly across the street from Aloha Stadium (near the intersection of Salt Lake Blvd. & Ka'meha'meha Highway).

The event offers an up-close and personal chance to hang with celebrities, NFL business partners, and local dignitaries. The Official NFL Pro Bowl Tailgate Party includes: Food stations featuring local & mainland cuisine from some of Hawaii's premiere restaurants, hosted bar including soft drinks, beer & wine, appearances by NFL players & celebrities, the Pro Bowl cheerleaders & NFL team mascots, live entertainment, and an exclusive Pro Bowl gift for all attendees.

The Tailgate Party is not well-publicized, because attendance is so limited. But now you know the secret and can amaze your friends with your new-found insights.

For the latest on the NFL Pro Bowl, visit: Pro Bowl.

Good luck to you and your favorite players!