The window of the Raiders’ Allegiant Stadium is seen open on the nearly completed facility, Wed., June 3, 2020. CHRISTOPHER DEVARGAS
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 | 12:06 p.m.
The NFL is already starting to live up to commissioner Roger Goodell’s promise to bring a number of league events to the market.
The league and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced Tuesday morning that next season’s Pro Bowl is scheduled for Sunday January 31 at Allegiant Stadium. Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jason Witten narrated a video revealing the news.
“The stars of the league align to light up Las Vegas like never before,” said Witten, an 11-time Pro Bowler.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, a three-time Pro-Bowler, also made a cameo appearance in front of Allegiant Stadium in the video.
The Pro Bowl will continue with a similar format as recent years where two former players — an “offensive and defensive NFL legend” — captain all-star teams made up from the AFC and NFC. Players from teams in the Super Bowl, which will be held the next week in Tampa, Fla., will not compete and instead be replaced by alternates.
The NFL has recently tried to boost the profile of the Pro Bowl, which has been held in Orlando, Fla. for the last four years. The hope is that Las Vegas can add a new shine.
“Pro Bowl week is a celebration of the best the NFL has to offer and there is no better place than Las Vegas to celebrate and honor the league’s biggest stars,” Raiders President Marc Badain said in a statement. “The NFL, the LVCVA and the Raiders look forward to a world class event that will set the standard for future NFL events in Las Vegas.”
The 2022 NFL Draft is also set to take place locally after the coronavirus caused the cancelation of plans to hold the proceedings in Las Vegas this year. Although it’s unconfirmed, Las Vegas is also seen as the frontrunner to land the 2025 Super Bowl — the next championship available.
The 2021 Pro Bowl will be the precursor to all of it. It’s too early to tell if fans may be allowed to attend, with the NFL only noting that it would, “adhere to the latest public safety guidelines set by medical and public health officials, as well as operate in full compliance all local and federal government regulations.”
“We’re appreciative of the NFL’s leadership and commitment to bring the 2021 Pro Bowl to Las Vegas,” said Steve Hill, president/CEO of the LVCVA. “We look forward to hosting the best NFL players and their incredible fan base for a weeklong celebration that could only happen in Las Vegas.”
Case Keefer can be reached at 702-948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.
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