Welcome to The Pro Bowl in
Honolulu!
Party With Players & Cheerleaders in Paradise
Sunny Aloha Stadium makes for a perfect Pro Bowl setting
Playing the Pro Bowl in any place other than Hawaii is like starting a football game with an onsides kick.
Running a reverse on the goal line.
Calling a draw play on 3rd and 20. It might work once but it's not a recommended strategy for long-term success.
And after a one-year absence, moved back to Hawaii and the 2012 game is Sunday, Jan. 29, the week prior to Super Bowl Sunday.
The Pro Bowl is not just another day in paradise for the Pro Bowl in Honolulu. It's a whole week! And it's one of Hawaii's biggest parties.
Several events happen leading up to the game. Players are hanging out at hotel pools, in the bars (Tony Gonzalez was singing karaoke at the Shorebird on Friday night in '09) and conducting autograph sessions. Larry Fitzgerald drew a huge crowd at the Outrigger Reef on Friday of Pro Bowl Week.
Cheerleaders perform at a free public event.
There's a two-day buildup that involves live bands, NFL cheerleaders and players. Here's this year's schedule of primary party events:
• Thursday, Jan. 26 – Warren Moon & Tony Gonzalez Pro Bowl Player Party (Pearl Ultra Lounge Ala Moana Shopping Center., 10 p.m.-3 p.m.) $25 GA, $50 Fast Pass $100 VIP.
• Friday, Jan. 27 – Sunset on the Beach (Queen's Beach, 4:30-9 p.m.). NFL cheerleaders on the beach! Plus NFL highlights followed by the movie The Blind Side. Free.
• Saturday, Jan. 28 – Block Party (Kalakaua Ave, 7-10 p.m. A pre-game highlight, features bands on five stages, cheerleaders, some players and food and local craft vendors. Note you can NOT drink open containers on the streets in Waikiki Beach. There is a beer and wine garden at the Royal Hawaiian, 6-10 pm. Free.
• Sunday, Jan. 29– Tailgate Party (Richardson Field walking distance to Aloha Stadium; this is a ticketed event (to the tune of $225!. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.
 And there are more parties, too, at other bars, clubs and Waikiki hotels.
In the past, Hawaii Pro Bowl Darrick Branch held a giant bash at Rumfire, while other Waikiki bars hosted player and VIP events. On Saturday, tens of thousands gather on Kalakaua Ave., for a block party. There are three stages of bands, another one that conducts interviews with players, and food and craft booths. One doesn't have go all the way to the North Shore for garlic shrimp!
And after all these events there's the nightlife of Waikiki.
Elvis shakes the scene at Friday night's free block party
As far as the game itself, it's hardly in Waikiki so fans take party buses to the game. Bars take party buses to the game. The excitement building to the tailgating is like that of a Jimmy Buffett concert on the mainland (though the actual tailgate party lacks the shenanigans of a typical Buffett show).
Budweiser sets up beer stations in the stadium.
The Pro Bowl belongs in Hawaii, as much as goal posts on the field and cheerleaders on the sideline. It's a part of the National Football League's culture and tradition, the season's extra point. No instant replay is needed to confirm this fact.
The Pro Bowl in Hawaii is the perfect place for the NFL to say "Aloha" to its season.
Darrick Branch's Pro Bowl Party @ Rumfire
The host (3rd from left) and friends at the awesome Pro Bowl party.
At the Pro Bowl
VIP Party With the PubClubettes
PubClubettes
Desiree, Carrie and Claire at the NFL VIP party.
 PubClub.com Home Page
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