SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Dec. 22, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - USAA and the NFL have announced that USAA will become the presenting sponsor of the 2016 Pro Bowl, in support of its current status as the Official Military Appreciation Sponsor of the NFL. "The 2016 Pro Bowl presented by USAA" will take place on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu and will honor and commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor with a number of military appreciation initiatives throughout the week.
USAA's sponsorship will include the "2016 Pro Bowl Draft presented by USAA" and a co-branded Pro Bowl logo. As a reflection of USAA's mission to support military through its sponsorship, the "2016 Pro Bowl Draft presented by USAA" will take place at Wheeler Army Airfield on Wednesday, Jan. 27 (7:30-9:30 p.m. EST on ESPN2). Representatives from all five military branches will be included in the televised draft. NFL players will interact with the military audience in attendance throughout the broadcast. This marks the first time the Pro Bowl Draft has taken place on a military base since its inaugural year in 2014.
The 2016 Pro Bowl presented by USAA is an extension of USAA's "Salute to Service" effort, which delivers military appreciation experiences to military, veterans and their families at NFL games, training camps and on military bases throughout the NFL season.
"Hawaii is home to more than 50,000 active military members and their families, and USAA's Pro Bowl sponsorship is a powerful way to demonstrate our appreciation to the military community," said retired Navy Vice Adm. John M. Bird, USAA senior vice president of Military Affairs, and former commander of the Pacific-based 7th Fleet. "Thousands of service members and their families will have the opportunity to interact with the NFL's biggest stars during Pro Bowl Week through the many experiences USAA and the NFL will host together. With 2016 marking the 75th anniversary of the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor, this is also a timely way to recognize the sacrifices made on that day and the impact this event had on our nation."
"USAA provides unique experiences that have resonated with the military community and football fans across the country," said Renie Anderson, NFL senior vice president of sponsorship. "We are proud to work with USAA as the presenting sponsor to enhance the weeklong Pro Bowl experience by engaging fans and hosting several interactive events."
These experiences will include USAA's sponsorship of the following military appreciation events in Hawaii for the 2016 Pro Bowl:
•USAA will sponsor an NFL Community Blitz event on Wednesday, Jan. 27, at Schofield Barracks and Wheeler Army Airfield – the first site attacked on Dec. 7, 1941. Pro Bowl players will interact with military and will tour military aircraft on the base.
•NFL Pro Bowl players and alums will have the chance to serve as "Marine for a Day" Thursday Jan. 28 at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. Players will get a hands-on tour of the different aspects of the Marines mission.
•USAA will host 50 military guests and wounded warriors at an official Pro Bowl team practice, taking place at the Turtle Bay Resort on Friday, Jan. 29.
•As part of the Pro Bowl game experience, USAA will design a Pro Bowl Military Challenge Coin to be used in the game's coin toss ceremony to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
USAA co-created the Salute to Service campaign with the NFL in 2011, when it became the first official military appreciation sponsor of a professional sports league. Today, the leading insurance provider continues to elevate military appreciation on and off the field. Follow the conversation at #salutetoservice.
About USAA
The USAA family of companies provides insurance, banking, investments, retirement products and advice to 11.2 million current and former members of the U.S. military and their families. Known for its legendary commitment to its members, USAA is consistently recognized for outstanding service, employee well-being and financial strength. USAA membership is open to all who are serving our nation in the U.S. military or have received a discharge type of Honorable – and their eligible family members. Founded in 1922, USAA is headquartered in San Antonio. For more information about USAA, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (@USAA), or visit usaa.com.
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