MANOA, Hawaii (KHON2) -- The Hawaii Bowl between San Jose State and South Florida kicked off Christmas Eve at the Clarence TC Ching Complex in Manoa. The game is another key piece for the state to showcase itself as a "sports destination." Officials are working on a big partnership with the NFL. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Thousands of fans attended the Hawaii Bowl, the latest big, national sporting event on the islands. "It couldn't get any better than that," said JD Edwards, a visitor from Oregon. "We love sports. We go to sports all the time in different areas, but not in Hawaii. This is amazing." Mililani’s Nakaoka finishes 2nd in National Junior Golf Tournament "They see folks in aloha shirts, they see them smiling having a good time, they see themselves, people immersed in our Hawaiian culture and entertainment that takes place, to me that makes them want to come," said Mufi Hannemann, Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association President/CEO. Starting in October with the Golden State Warriors in Laie. The Ironman in Kona brought an estimated $50 million to the economy. The Maui Invitational in Lahaina, an estimated $24 million. The Honolulu Marathon, an estimated $100 million. The PGA Tour's "Aloha Swing" in Kapalua, Waialae and the Big Island after the new year -- another $100 million. "And the visitors that come here for a sporting event, are the type of visitors we want to attract," said Hannemann. "Because they'll come, they'll stay at one of the lodging accommodations, they'll eat out, they'll shop, and so it's very, very important." "Oh man we did 18 holes yesterday golfing near Koolina," said Barry Julian, visitor from Arizona. "We're here enjoying the game today. And wanted to maybe do some deep sea fishing tomorrow." "Actually these guys walking behind us right now, we're gonna try to see the Diamond Head Classic as well which is really cool," said Edwards. And tourism officials have big plans with the NFL. "We're working on a deal right now to bring the Los Angeles Rams to do their off-season training here," said Hannemann. "That's a high priority of ours, they're basically gonna do that on Maui, and it's gonna be another activity again, that shows folks we are branding ourselves as a sports capital." In fact, the Hawaii Tourism Authority board has approved funding for that spring engagement with the Rams and working out the final details. If all goes to plan, that partnership starts in just a few months, spring 2025. And that hopefully means more visitors coming back. Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You "Absolutely, yes," said Edwards. "And this time of year. We'll get out of our weather and come enjoy this." "I wanna try to visit all the islands eventually, one of these days," said Julian. "But I love the people, I love the culture, I got great friends out here, lot of ex-teammates so I really enjoy my time out here."