There is still one more week to go until the Super Bowl, but at least there is some football to watch during the bye week, the 2012 NFL Pro Bowl. This friendly exhibition of the league’s greatest players — minus Patriots and Giants stars of course — takes place at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, HI.
As if it wasn’t great enough to combine tailgating with a Hawaii paradise, partying at the Pro Bowl is even more friendly with none of the fans really having a rooting interest in the game. As the picture shows above, pretty women don’t even mind if you’ve misplaced your pants. So if you’re lucky enough to attend the Pro Bowl, here are three things to be aware of.
1) OHANA DAY
The game takes place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, but the partying starts well before. On Saturday at 8:30 a.m. the stadium holds their annual Ohana Day, a FREE event open to the public. This is where you can watch the teams practice. The AFC team goes from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., and the NFC takes the field from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. In addition to the practice, there will be fan contests, player interviews, special videos and plenty of on-field entertainment. They even have a special Kid’s Zone with inspirational presentations and “mascot mania.” Youth football and cheerleading clinics run by former pros will also be available. The event is free, but you need to register in advance by calling the YMCA of Honolulu at (808) 541-5459.
For evening entertainment, check out the Pro Bowl All-Star Block Party from 7-10 p.m. at Kalakaua Avenue in Waikiki. Bud Light Lime sponsors this FREE event, so there will be plenty of beer on hand to watch bands on six stages, while hanging with NFL players, cheerleaders and mascots.
2) MAGIC BUS
This game might not cause a big stir in the continental U.S., but it is quite a big deal to Hawaii. Traffic can be a problem, and parking isn’t all that plentiful at Aloha Stadium. If you’re looking for a safe way to get to and from the game, look no further than the The Bus. With 17 express locations island-wide, it’s definitely worth the $12.50 round trip to start your partying early.
3) ISLAND TAILGATING
Once you arrive at the stadium on game day, head to Parking Lot 8B (North Mauka) for the Pro Bowl Touchdown Club. Starting at 10 a.m., this is the place with live bands, tons of food and plenty of beer. NFL players, and better yet, NFL cheerleaders, are also on hand to sign autographs and snap photos with. The team mascots will also be hanging out and will let you dance with them if you’re nice enough. And at this point in the weekend, the mascots will probably recognize you.
