The State of Hawaii will be hosting the 2012 Pro Bowl for the National Football League this coming Sunday, January 29, 2012. However, there has been some concern about what will happen after this year as the NFL and the Hawaii Tourism Authority are still in negotiation about the future of the Pro Bowl. President and Chief Executive of the Hawaii Tourism Authority, Mike McCartney, stated, "We have enjoyed a wonderful partnership with the NFL, and we look forward to continuing this relationship as well as welcoming the NFL players, their families and all the fans for an exciting game on Sunday."
Each year the state of Hawaii pays the National Football League approximately $4 million to have the privilege of hosting the Pro Bowl in the state. However, some local officials including Governor Neil Abercrombie have questioned is the value to the state. According to data released by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, a total of 49,331 people attended the 2011 Pro Bowl and spent approximately $28.15 million in the islands. This generated the state $3.07 million in taxes during the event itself. Mike McCartney also noted that, "Viewership in 2011 was up 42.6 percent over 2009, the last time the Pro Bowl was hosted in Hawaii, providing football fans across the nation an opportunity to see our beautiful, warm state during the typically cold winter months."
