A tourism official in charge of negotiating with the NFL on holding the Pro Bowl in Honolulu says the state is open to giving the league flexibility if it wants to alternate the game between Hawaii and other locations. David Uchiyama, vice president of brand management for the Hawaii Tourism Authority, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that both the state and the NFL want a long-term agreement. He says Hawaii can make a deal for up to four games given state laws. "I think they're exploring their options in going to the mainland, but as long as we stay on top of it and the players continue to express their interest, I think we're in the game," Uchiyama said. Uchiyama said the league and state have been discussing several options for a deal that gives NFL its flexibility while still making a long-term commitment to Hawaii, with one options being a seven-year deal with four Pro Bowls played in Honolulu. Uchiyama said Hawaii has been fine with the NFL considering its options because Honolulu stacks up well with other potential sites. "We're pretty confident that the experience we can give them here is going to be like no other that they're going to have anywhere else on the mainland," he said. Source: Sporting News
