Houston Texans

Houston seeking to host Pro Bowl prior to Super Bowl LI

Published Feb. 12, 2016 12:59 p.m. ET

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The city of Houston will be hosting Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans, in 2017. Along hosting the prestigious game, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner is hoping to bring the Pro Bowl to town as well.

Much like Arizona in 2015, and Miami in 2010, Turner hopes Houston will get a chance to spark some life into the Pro Bowl that is in desperate need to revitalize.

"The Pro Bowl has historically been held in Hawaii, but I know the NFL is trying to consolidate their Super Bowl experience with the Pro Bowl. They'd like them to be held in the same city," Turner told the Houston Chronicle. "It just makes it much easier for everybody who's traveling who's affiliated with the city and the Super Bowl. It's a possibility. It would be ideal if it could happen."

Along with attempting to draw more fan interest having it in the same venue as the Super Bowl, along with being on the mainland, the Houston mayor believe it can help build the city’s economy hosting the extra event. Turner estimated 1.1 million fans will visit Houston during during the Super Bowl, something the city needs with the oil and gas business in a slump.

"With the Final Four coming in the first week of April and the possibility of the Pro Bowl, let's keep our fingers crossed that the Pro Bowl may come the week before the Super Bowl," Turner said. "When Arizona had the Pro Bowl and the Super Bowl, their economic benefit was like $720 million. When New Orleans had the Super Bowl, their economic benefit was $480 million. And we're anticipating an economic impact of more than $500 million. That's a huge benefit."

While Houston is certainly in the running to host the 2017 Pro Bowl, which will be voted on during the spring, several locations, including Hawaii are on the docket. International venues, such as Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, are also under consideration.

A formal bid has been submitted for Houston to host the Pro Bowl, according to Super Bowl host committee chairman Ric Campo, but the real challenge is to make the all-star showcase appealing to both players and fans.

"The challenges are just destination appeal for players," Campo said. "What we have to do is convince not only the NFL but the players and broader constituents that Houston is a great place to come live, play, work and vacation. It would just be a bookend for Houston."Lions DE Ansah getting love from J.J. Watt, and the NFL Kyle Meinke – Mlive.com Lions name new VP of marketing Dave Birkett – Detroit Free Press Detroit Lions — Five reasons the defense can be a force in 2016 Paula Pasche – The Oakland Press