AIEA, Hawaii - After a one-year hiatus, the National Football League's Pro Bowl returned to Hawaii, making a lot of fans and players happy.
Something just didn't seem right about having the Pro Bowl at Sun Life Stadium in Miami. After all, the NFL Pro Bowl had been held in Hawaii every year since 1980, adding to the game's popularity.
Keeping with the island theme, the NFL Pro Bowl hosted a free Ohana Day, Jan. 29, for families at Aloha Stadium. The event included prize drawings, a chance for kids to go on the field for contests, a chance to watch players from the American Football Conference and National Football Conference practice, as well as a sneak peek of the pre-game and halftime shows.
"I couldn't stop smiling when they picked me to go on the field and make the tunnel that the (American Football Conference) players ran through," said Seth McLaney.
"I couldn't breathe after I got to high-five Peyton Manning," said his sister, Makayla McLaney.
The NFL paid for free transportation from military bases throughout Oahu, which allowed the Army to provide two buses departing from Fort Shafter and nine buses from Schofield Barracks, to transport military families to the event.
"We had a little over 500 people take advantage of the free transportation to the stadium," said Kalei Scoggins, special events coordinator, Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. "Everyone was really excited to see the players and hopefully get a chance to meet some (of them)."
In between practices and press interviews, NFL mascots, cheerleaders and players took the time to meet their fans.
"Being picked to get down on the field is right behind the birth of my son," said Pfc. Warne Jeremy, 39th Military Police Detachment, 8th MP Brigade, 8th Theater Sustainment Command, about getting to participate in one of the on-field contests. "Being able to be so close and get autographs from some of my favorite players was pretty surreal and something I will never forget about my time here in Hawaii."
View more photos on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usag-hi/sets/72157625839229051/.
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