HONOLULU — A consultant hired by the Aloha Stadium Authority is recommending a new structure with fewer seats for the facility that has hosted all but one NFL Pro Bowl since 1980.
The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reports Foley & Lardner LLP, a New York law firm, recommends a new 30,000- to 35,000-seat stadium to replace the current 50,000-seat Aloha Stadium.
A state agency estimates the current stadium needs $120 million in improvements. The consultants say a new, smaller stadium would cost $132 million to $192 million and save up to $3.2 million annually in operating expenses.
Authority Chairman Charles Toguchi says the authority has made no decisions and will study the recommendation.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy had no comment on how a smaller stadium would affect future Pro Bowls in Hawaii.