ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando is officially on the NFL map once again, as the league, in conjunction with the city of Orlando and Florida Citrus Sports, announced the return of the Pro Bowl on February 4, 2024.

The games took place at Camping World Stadium from 2017-2020, and after a brief stint in Las Vegas, it is returning. 

"We couldn't be more excited to welcome back the NFL to Orlando, the NFL Pro Bowl games are going to be here in January of next year so we can't wait," Florida Citrus Sports CEO Steve Hogan said.

With the 2024 Super Bowl set for Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the NFL decided it didn't want the Pro Bowl in the same location. Orlando put in a bid to host the games again.

"A lot of recruiting, we continued to stay connected to the NFL when they stepped away to go to Las Vegas," Hogan said. "You have to have a long vision. Events like the NFL Super Bowl, the NFL Pro Bowl Games, national championships, they go to great cities, great destinations around the country. We just want to continue to be considered one."

With the Pro Bowl Games happening in the week leading up to the Super Bowl in February, the NFL sought after a warm weather destination. Hogan said that Orlando has that factor and much more.

"[Orlando is] the most visited destination probably on the planet and definitely in our country," Hogan said. "We have the hotels, attractions, and hospitality that are needed to have events of this magnitude. And then you have to have the facilities that you actually do business in. I think it's a recognition that Camping World, which is on a 20-year journey to kinda complete itself and finish that renovation, is validated by saying they recognize that this community continues to invest and they’re taking a chance on us to invest again."

The Pro Bowl, which is now called the Pro Bowl Games, has seen some changes in its format. Rather than a traditional game of football, the NFL opted for a flag football format with more skills and drills competitions following player concerns about safety. The league said the new changes were well received in its first year this past February.

"It's accessible, it's inclusive and it's for both men and women," VP of NFL events Matt Shapiro said. "[It's also] good for our international audience to start experiencing football and get involved."

The new format will be a first for fans coming to Camping World Stadium in just the second year of its programming. Florida Citrus Sports has brought major marquee events to Orlando, including Real Madrid-Juventes playing at Camping World Stadium next week. The organization feels it's been building momentum for even more events in the future.

"We couldn't be more excited," Hogan said. "Now we’re hosting the NFL this year, 88 of the best players on the planet, and Real Madrid next week, the number one club in the world so we’re just on a roll."