Sports

NFL To Host Community Events Across Las Vegas Throughout 2023 Pro Bowl Games Week

Published

4 years ago

January 24, 2023

NEW YORK, NY – The 2023 Pro Bowl Games presented by Verizon will bring together the league’s best talent not only to showcase their skills on the field, but also to highlight their philanthropic efforts by giving players the opportunity to give back and engage with youth throughout the week. Multiple events will take place across Southern Nevada and in the city of Henderson, with a focus on giving back to local Boys & Girls Clubs (BAGC) of Southern Nevada while engaging their members and various youth football initiatives in fun, football-themed activities. The league has partnered with BAGC to support key initiatives including the growth of flag football and most recently, their social justice programming through an Inspire Change grant.

The Pro Bowl Games will have cumulative scoring starting with skills competitions on Thursday, February 2, leading up to the first-ever AFC vs NFC Flag football games on Sunday, February 5. Scoring works in the following way:

The winning conference of each skill competition earns three points towards their team’s overall score, with 24 total points available across the eight skills events.
The winning conference from each of the first two Flag football games on Sunday will earn six points for their team, for a total of 12 available points.
Points from the skills competitions and first two Flag games will be added together and will be the score at the beginning of the third and final Flag game, which will determine the winning conference for The Pro Bowl Games.

At the end of The Pro Bowl Games, the conference with the most points will be crowned the winner, and each player on the winning team will secure a donation to a local Boys & Girls Club in their hometown or NFL team market. All donations will be made by the NFL Foundation on behalf of the players of the winning team. As a result of the NFL’s Pro Bowl Games support of Boys & Girls Clubs of America during The Pro Bowl Games, the NFL Foundation will donate more than $300,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs across the country.

In addition to showcasing the NFL’s top players and their give-back efforts at The Pro Bowl Games, the league will highlight youth and high school football participants and coaches, while integrating current players and Legends in program activations throughout the week.

Community celebrations for The Pro Bowl Games will kick off on Tuesday, January 31st with the NFL GREEN CITY OF HENDERSON GREENING PROJECT AND THE PRO BOWL GAMES PRESS CONFERENCE. The NFL together with the City of Henderson, the Las Vegas Raiders and Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, will plant trees, remove turf and spread deconstructed granite for a xeriscape/low water use project. On Wednesday, volunteers and Clark County Parks will take part in a ceremony and tree planting project at The Nature Play Corner. The week’s community events will conclude on Friday with a PRO BOWL LEGACY event at Donald W. Reynold Boys & Girls Club where Pro Bowl players and NFL Legends will volunteer alongside local youth from Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada to refurbish the club.

A rundown of the Pro Bowl Games community events is below.

THE PRO BOWL GAMES PRESENTED BY VERIZON LEGACY PRESS CONFERENCE AND GREENING PROJECT

The NFL will start The Pro Bowl Games celebrations on Tuesday, January 31st at Acacia Demonstration Park with an NFL Green Kickoff press conference presented by Version at Henderson Boys & Girls Club beginning at 3:00 PM with volunteer check-in. Speakers will take part in a media moment at 3:30 PM followed by the event which will consist of volunteers planting large trees and painting fences.

NFL GREEN NATURE PLAY CORNER PRO BOWL GREENING EVENT

On Wednesday, February 1st, NFL Green initiatives will join Clark County Parks, local students and community volunteers to plant trees, grasses and pollinator attracting plants at the Clark County Wetlands Park’s new Nature Play Corner. The Nature Play Corner is a one-acre site that invites kids to create and explore nature using their imagination and prompts from interpretive signage.

Volunteers will check in at 9:00 AM and the event will open with a ceremonial tree planting at Nature Play Corner, Clark County Wetlands Park followed by a media moment at 9:30 AM. Additionally, in celebration of World Wetlands Day, volunteers will be planting large trees to expand shade and plant grasses and pollinator plants to attract wildlife.

PLAY FOOTBALL OPENING NIGHT

Play Football Opening Night is a youth- and high school-focused media event for all NFL Flag Championship teams on Thursday, February 2 from 3:30-5:30 PM PT at Allegiant Stadium. Over 2,100 players will have the opportunity to mix and mingle before the competition kicks off on Friday and Saturday. Participants will interact with NFL players – current and Legends.
PRO BOWL LEGACY EVENT

In partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, the NFL family will partake in hands-on volunteering by hosting a community event to refurbish various elements of the Donald W. Reynold Boys & Girls Club on Friday, February 3rd from 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

Local youth from Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada will be invited to attend and participate in activities alongside Pro Bowl Players and NFL Legends. Activities will be focused on refurbishing indoor and outdoor areas of Donald W. Reynolds Boys & Girls Club so that members have safe spaces to play. Specifically, the NFL provided a grant to fund the refurbishment of the club’s gym, revitalization of an outdoor garden, a full art room upgrade, and an outdoor mural. Members in attendance will also have the opportunity to participate in an NFL PLAY 60 clinic led by USA Football coaches.

As an extension of these activities, NFL partner, Little Caesars, has provided the Donald W. Reynolds Boys & Girls Club with additional funding to support the above projects. Additionally, Little Caesars Love Kitchen will be on-site at the event to serve pizza to the kids, volunteers and other event guests.

NFL FLAG CHAMPIONSHIPS TOURNAMENT

The NFL will host the largest to-date NFL FLAG Championship tournament at The 2023 Pro Bowl Games with 200 teams and over 2,100 players. Eight different countries will be represented, including Australia, Canada, China, Ghana, Germany, Japan, Mexico and New Zealand. Participants will range from the ages of 8–17-year-old boys and girls. The two-day event will consist of pool play and a single elimination tournament. The games will start on Friday, February 3rd at Heritage Park and will conclude with Championship game play on Sunday, February 5th.

AYF MIDDLE SCHOOL ALL-STAR GAME

On Saturday, February 4th, AYFs top middle school football players, will compete in an All-Star Football game to celebrate their matriculation. The game will be played at Green Valley High School.

NFL FLAG CHAMPIONSHIPS

NFL FLAG Championships will be held at The Pro Bowl Games for the third consecutive year as part of the week-long celebration of football across all levels. 14U Boys & 17U Girls Championship games will compete during pre-game of The 2023 Pro Bowl Game on Sunday, February 5th at Allegiant Stadium. The 17U Girls Championship game will be televised on ESPN beginning at 10:00 am local time.

DON SHULA HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD

The Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year award honors an exemplary football coach at the high school level who displays the integrity, achievement, and leadership demonstrated by Coach Shula. Coaches are nominated for the national award by all 32 NFL teams, and the winner is selected by a panel of judges including Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning, Scott Pioli, and more. The two winners will be invited to the Pro Bowl Games with on-field access on Sunday, February 5th, and will be recognized throughout the week.

ADDITIONAL INVOLVEMENT OF BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF AMERICA

Pro Bowl players and members of Boys & Girls Clubs will have the opportunity to engage in various initiatives throughout the week, including:

Boys & Girls Clubs Skills Toolkit: Boys & Girls Clubs across the country will receive a toolkit that outlines skills challenges that mirror the skills the players will be partaking in. The goal is for BAGC youth to perform the challenges at their own clubs so they can help build excitement around the games while feeling like a part of them from afar.
The Pro Bowl Games Skills Competitions: On Thursday, February 2nd, members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada will be invited to watch the NFL’s best players compete in several Pro Bowl skills competitions, which will be filmed live for the first time.
The Pro Bowl Games: More than 400 members of Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada will be invited to attend game day on Sunday, February 5th, to watch their favorite players compete in competitions, the first-ever AFC vs NFC Flag football games and a major musical performance.

Related Topics:Las Vegas Pro Bowl NFL Pro Bowl

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Central Florida News

USF Comes Up Short at UTSA as Late Touchdown Seals 31-24 Loss

Published

4 days ago

October 9, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — USF running back D.J. Crowther (5) crosses the goal line on a 15-yard touchdown run to open the scoring against UTSA Thursday night at the Alamodome. Photo by Stephen Galvin / University of South Florida Athletics.

South Florida held an early advantage and reclaimed the lead late, but UTSA’s second-half execution proved to be the difference Thursday night at the Alamodome.

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (FNN SPORTS) — South Florida gave itself a chance to steal a road win Thursday night, but UTSA answered when it mattered most, defeating the Bulls 31-24 at the Alamodome.

USF struck first behind D.J. Crowther, who broke through for a 15-yard touchdown run to give the Bulls an early advantage. Quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. helped keep South Florida’s offense moving throughout the night as the Bulls continued to respond whenever UTSA threatened to take control.

USF stayed within reach from start to finish, but the second half belonged to a UTSA offense that consistently found a way to finish drives.

UTSA Finds Its Rhythm

Running back A’Marion Peterson became the difference-maker for the Roadrunners, finishing with 92 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

UTSA scored on every second-half possession, gradually shifting momentum away from a USF team that continued to battle offensively. The Roadrunners leaned heavily on their ground game while keeping the Bulls from building any sustained separation.

(more…)

Basketball

UPSHOT Announces Professional Women’s Basketball Franchise for Tampa Bay

Published

6 days ago

October 7, 2026

NISEY LOU S.

Jacksonville Waves battle at the rim against the Charlotte Crown during UPSHOT League action in Jacksonville. Photo by Nisey Spruill/FNN Sports.

New team will debut at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027 as fans help shape the franchise’s identity

TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — UPSHOT League officially announced the arrival of professional women’s basketball in Tampa Bay, with the new franchise scheduled to begin play at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027.

UPSHOT Tampa branding unveiled as the league prepares for its inaugural 2027 season in Tampa Bay. Image courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Owner Morgan Busby introduced the vision behind bringing elite women’s basketball to the region, while Garland Cooper was announced as team president. UPSHOT Deputy Commissioner Taj McWilliams-Franklin also joined the launch alongside local leaders as the organization emphasized community involvement, fan experience and competitive excellence as core parts of the franchise.

FAN INVOLVEMENT: The Tampa franchise does not yet have an official team name. Fans are being invited to submit ideas and take part in helping shape the team’s identity ahead of its inaugural season. Season-ticket deposits and founding membership opportunities are also available.

UPSHOT Tampa President Garland Cooper speaks with media following the announcement of Tampa Bay’s new professional women’s basketball franchise. Photo courtesy of UPSHOT Tampa.

Community outreach began immediately with a “Shoe a Day” initiative supporting young athletes in the Tampa Bay area. During media availability, Cooper also spoke about the importance of giving young girls an opportunity to see what is possible through professional women’s sports.

Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise and Advisory Board Chair Kathleen Shanahan were among the community leaders in attendance, highlighting the potential economic and social impact of adding another professional sports organization to the region.

INAUGURAL SEASON: UPSHOT Tampa is scheduled to tip off at the Yuengling Center in summer 2027, adding professional women’s basketball to an established Tampa Bay sports market that already includes the Buccaneers, Lightning and Rays.

The team name, branding and additional franchise details are expected to be announced as the organization continues building toward its first season.

– Nisey Spruill is a reporter and photojournalist for Florida National News (FNN), covering major news, sports and special events across Florida and nationwide. Contact sports@FloridaNationalNews.com

Central Florida News

Orlando Magic Announce $20 Tickets, $2–$7 Concessions for Home Games

Published

2 weeks ago

October 1, 2026

FNN SPORTS

New affordability options include ticket offers, merchandise deals and select concessions at Kia Center.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic announced new affordability options Wednesday, including $20 ticket offers, select concessions priced from $2 to $7 and merchandise starting at $15, aimed at making home games more accessible to fans.

The initiative includes monthly ticket promotions, community ticket programs, designated concession value menus and retail deals at Kia Center.

“Making Magic games accessible to every fan has always been a priority for our organization, and this season we worked closely with the DeVos family to build on that commitment,” said Charlie Freeman, the Magic’s president of business operations.

$20 Ticket Offers and Community Programs

The Magic’s Monthly Steals Program will offer $20 ticket options for every home game, with offers released on the first of each month.

The team also will offer group ticket options, including complimentary tickets through the Jr. Magic and Honor Roll programs. Discounted tickets will be available to Orange County Public Schools staff and through OneBlood donations.

Fans can find more information at OrlandoMagic.com/MonthlySteals or by calling 407-89-MAGIC.

Concession Value Menu Features Items From $2 to $7

The Fan Favorites Value Menu will be available at Slam Dunk in Section 115 and Flavors of Orlando in Section 218.

Select food and beverage items will cost between $2 and $7. Options include hot dogs, pretzel bites, popcorn, nachos, cookies, chips, bottled water, soda and beer.

“From affordable ticket and concession options to retail merchandise deals, we want to make sure a Magic game remains within reach for families across our community,” Freeman said.

Merchandise Deals Start at $15

The Magic will offer an item of the game at every home game, with merchandise starting at $15.

Weekly deals at the Magic Authentics team shop at Kia Center also will feature a $15 hat or T-shirt. The team’s Eighty9 Collection, an affordable private-label merchandise line, will be available in the shop at each game.

SunRail Partnership Supports Game-Day Transportation

The Magic said they will continue working with SunRail to ensure trains operate after weeknight home games, allowing fans to ride free with a game ticket.

According to the announcement, SunRail serves 17 stations across Central Florida, including locations in DeLand and DeBary, and provides access near Kia Center.

Keeping Games Within Reach for Fans

Freeman said the affordability initiative reflects the ownership group’s commitment to maintaining access as the team grows.

“The DeVos family ownership has been clear that growth on the court should go hand-in-hand with keeping this experience affordable for the fans who support us every night,” he said.