Miami Preparing for Pro Bowl, Super Bowl

We’re only six weeks into this National Football League season, but I’m already starting to think about what should be an amazing week in South Beach to end the 2009 season—highlighted by the 2010 AFC-NFC Pro Bowl and, of course, Super Bowl XLIV (aka Super Bowl 2010) at Dolphin Stadium/Landshark Stadium in Miami. I only hope the games can live up to the hype.

The “Pro Bowl in Miami” doesn’t sound quite right. But that’s because we’re so used to seeing it in Hawaii the week after the Super Bowl. The 2010 Pro Bowl will be the first played prior to the Super Bowl and only the second Pro Bowl played in the same city as the Super Bowl.

I haven’t given this a lot of thought over the years, but it does make sense. The Pro Bowl has been a Hawaii staple for the past 30 years but it’s always something of an afterthought as far as I’m concerned. As much as I love Hawaii (OK, I’ve never been there but I’ve heard good things), the game has little or no interest among even the most hardcore NFL fans. The season is over. It’s enough already. Our thoughts have already turned to the Scouting Combine and Draft. So, adding the game to Super Bowl week should generate a lot more interest in this All-Star contest, even if the teams involved in SBXLIV can’t participate.

As far as those who will be in the running to compete in SBXLIV, it’s only natural to look at the teams with the best records right now and assume they’re going to be just as good in January when the playoffs begin. And to a certain extent, I’d have to agree. The still unbeatens—Minnesota, Denver, Indianapolis and New Orleans—look strong and I believe these teams are “for real” in terms of their continued success. Barring a ton of key injuries, I don’t see any monumental collapses from any of them. But you certainly can’t figure a playoff spot is a given. There are two many one and two loss teams that will challenge in the coming weeks. At the other end of the spectrum, teams like Tennessee, Tampa Bay, St. Louis, Cleveland, Detroit and Kansas City have just three wins among the entire group. They are already looking ahead to next season.

I’m planning on being in South Beach for several days during the week. If you’re considering traveling to be a part of the biggest week of the NFL season, check out Miami Vacation Rentals for a large listing of available accommodations. You can adjust your search criteria to find just the place for your needs.

Not that I’ve started a countdown, but I’ll see you in South Beach January 31.