SAN ANTONIO, Texas, Dec. 22, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via PRWEB - USAA and the NFL 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 with a number of military appreciation initiatives throughout the week. During the week, USAA also will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
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 format, and a player autograph area will be provided for all military attendees. 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 Official Military Appreciation Sponsorship of the NFL, 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 for USAA 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:
•NFL Pro Bowl players and alums will have the chance to serve as "Marine for a Day" on 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 on Friday, Jan. 29.
•As part of the Pro Bowl game experience, USAA will design a Pro Bowl Military Challenge Coin commemorating the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, which will be used during the game's coin toss.
USAA became the first official Military Appreciation Sponsor of a professional sports league when it joined forces with the NFL in 2011. That year, the NFL's Salute to Service campaign was launched. 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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