The Senior Bowl has long been one of Mobile’s signature traditions, and in recent years, Senior Bowl season and Mardi Gras season have brought even more energy and excitement to the city at the same time. With visitors from across the country coming to Mobile for Senior Bowl week, coinciding with Mardi Gras celebrations, this year creates a unique Mobile experience for players, NFL personnel, fans and visitors alike.

As the NFL calendar has evolved in recent years, Senior Bowl week has increasingly overlapped with Mobile’s Mardi Gras season. To provide the best possible experience for both traditions, the Senior Bowl submitted a formal request to the NFL in early 2025 to move the 2027 game one week earlier on the NFL calendar. Following approval from the League Office and collaboration with City and County leaders, the Oak View Group and local hotels, the 2027 game will be played, one week earlier, on January 30.

The NFL’s willingness to make this scheduling exception reflects the longstanding relationship between the League, the Senior Bowl and the City of Mobile, as well as the importance of the game within the NFL Draft process.

The earlier date also brings another exciting development for 2027: for the first time since 2022, the NFL will provide two full coaching staffs to coach the Senior Bowl’s National and American teams. The participating NFL teams will be announced early 2027 prior to game week.

“The Senior Bowl is truly the first stage of the NFL Draft process, and with representation from all 32 NFL teams, it’s the perfect opportunity for the best college players in the country to showcase their talent right here in Mobile,” said Senior Bowl Executive Director Drew Fabianich. “Bringing back two full NFL coaching staffs for the first time since 2022 will only elevate the experience for our players, coaches and fans.”

The Panini Senior Bowl continues to be a pivotal showcase for top talent, with at least 90 Senior Bowl players selected in every NFL Draft since 2021. Last year alone, 91 Senior Bowlers were selected, accounting for nearly one-third of the entire NFL Draft. Thirty-one of 32 NFL teams selected at least one Senior Bowler, including four first-round picks, while nearly half of all selections in Rounds 3 through 5 were Senior Bowl participants, underscoring the mantra that “The Draft Starts In Mobile.”

Tickets start at just $15. Get your tickets today at seniorbowl.com/tickets/ !