The NFL is officially saying goodbye to the leis and hello to Mickey Mouse ears.
- Pro Bowl will play the next 3 years at Orlando's Camping World Stadium
- First game is January 29, 2017
- The Miami Dolphins will also play a preseason game at the stadium in August
The NFL, Disney and ESPN announced the Pro Bowl will call Orlando’s Camping World Stadium home for the next three years.
During their announcement Wednesday, NFL officials stated the week leading up to the game will be full of events, including youth football competitions at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort.
Next year’s Pro Bowl will return to a traditional AFC vs. NFC format.
Earlier this year, Orange County and City of Orlando officials said they were interested in hosting the NFL Pro Bowl as early as 2017. The game will be played on January 29.
“The economic impact is really going to depend on how many people travel to Orlando. Obviously we are going to have our local fans and fans from throughout the Central Florida area who are going to the game, but how many people will also travel to the area,” said Mike Redlick, who is the executive director for external affairs and partnerships at University of Central Florida's DeVos Sports Business Management Program.
Ticket prices for the game have not been announced as of yet. When the Pro Bowl was played in Arizona in 2015, the average ticket price was around $270.
Dolphins to play preseason game in Orlando
The Pro Bowl won't be the only professional football being played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando over the next 12 months.
The Miami Dolphins and the Atlanta Falcons will play a preseason game Aug. 25. The game will kick off at 8 p.m., the NFL announced Wednesday.
It will be played during the third week of preseason football.