The NFL made the future of the Pro Bowl official, announcing an overhaul of the annual game that will take place in Orlando beginning in 2017. The announcement was made at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, which will serve as the site of the AFC-NFC team practices and host to new youth-focused football activities. As part of the facelift, Pro Bowl Week will now feature Pro Bowl AFC and NFC practices as well as youth football competitions, activities and fan events at the Disney venue, with 2017 Pro Bowl players able to invite their former youth or high school coach to be a part of the celebrations. The annual USA Football National Conference will also take place during the week. Meanwhile, the format will return to the traditional AFC vs. NFC game format after the league experimented with a revised, “unconferenced” format.
“We are excited to re-imagine the Pro Bowl experience for both fans and players and to celebrate the game of football at all levels,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Collaborating with Disney and ESPN brings us closer to the best in youth and family-focused entertainment. We look forward to working with the city of Orlando and Florida Citrus Sports to create a week-long celebration for football and our fans.”