Toyota’s Bold Move at the Pro Bowl Games and Super Bowl LIX
In a thrilling announcement, Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) has unveiled groundbreaking experiences scheduled for the 2025 Pro Bowl Games in Orlando and the highly anticipated Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. These activations aim to celebrate not only top-level talent but also uplift communities nationwide, basing their impact on the generational influence of football.
Michael Tripp, the Vice President of Marketing at Toyota, emphasized the brand's commitment to football and youth development. He stated, “Our partnership with the NFL highlights our dedication to supporting the next generation of football players ranging from youth leagues to HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) and current NFL players.” This long-standing collaboration brings Toyota's legacy of 68 years in football to the forefront, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.
One of the flagship events is the
HBCU Tournament presented by Toyota, set to occur from January 30 to February 1, within the Pro Bowl Games. This tournament will gather over 250 athletes from various HBCU programs, treating them to an NFL-level experience akin to that of the league's own stars. Tripp commented, “Our support for NFL FLAG presents opportunities for all ages to reap the emotional and physical benefits of football, creating vital connections in the community.”
The Glow Up Classic: A New Orleans Initiative
Building on its community-oriented approach, Toyota will host the
Toyota Glow Up Classic in New Orleans. This unique football flag event on February 4 features youth players competing in the dark, using UV-reactive gear to create an electrifying visual atmosphere. The initiative addresses challenges faced by children in sports; studies indicate that fewer than 20% of children in the Orleans parish actively engage in sports due to economic constraints.
Moreover, Toyota plans to invest in the community by installing permanent lighting at the 18th Ward Field to foster ongoing athletic participation far beyond the Super Bowl LIX event. NFL stars are expected to make surprise appearances, elevating the excitement of these initiatives and inspiring the next generation.
Dedra DeLilli, the Vice President of Marketing Communications at TMNA, stated, “NFL FLAG allows athletes of varying ages and skills to experience the lasting benefits of football. However, building the next generation of stars is a community effort.” The significance of this event will undoubtedly resonate throughout local neighborhoods, showcasing the talents of young athletes.
Engaging Fans with Technological Innovations
In addition to engaging with local communities, Toyota is set to implement an interactive experience dubbed
Ride Shotgun at the Super Bowl Experience from February 5 to 8. This initiative allows fans and their families to virtually co-pilot with NFL superstars via Augmented Reality (AR) experiences in the all-new Toyota Sequoia and Land Cruiser 2025 models. Fans can navigate with popular players such as Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers and Eli Manning, creating memorable experiences connected to game day enthusiasm.
DeLilli noted, “We’ve designed this experience for fans to envision themselves reaching stardom, using technology to place them alongside our NFL Team Toyota stars in an exhilarating simulated ride.” This activation further integrates Toyota into the rich experience of NFL celebrations, underscoring their commitment to fan engagement.
Honoring the Achievements in NFL FLAG
Another highlight of Toyota's initiative includes the
NFL FLAG Player of the Year Award presented by Toyota, which recognizes exceptional athletes demonstrating remarkable skill and dedication both on and off the field. These honorees will be celebrated during the NFL Honors event on February 6 and will participate in the Super Bowl LIX, representing the Toyota brand and its collaboration with NFL FLAG.
With a commitment to supporting 1,800 local leagues and getting 750,000 young athletes involved, Toyota’s passion for football shines brightly. Additionally, new vehicles like the Tacoma TRD Pro Hybrid 2025 and the Tundra Tailgate 2025 will underlie many activations throughout the events.
Throughout its rich history in North America, spanning nearly seven decades, Toyota remains dedicated to promoting sustainable mobility and enhancing community involvement through sports. As Toyota gears up for these major events, they reaffirm their mission to cultivate the next generation of football stars, celebrating the spirit of community and the power of sport.
For further updates on these initiatives, fans and community members can visit
Toyota’s newsroom and learn more about the impact of football in their region.