Iowa makes surprising move to land NFL team.
Iowa lawmakers want to bring an NFL team to their state. The Iowa Senate introduced a new bill this week to try to make that happen. The plan mainly focuses on attracting the Chicago Bears and convincing them to move to Iowa.
The bill would change Iowa’s Major Economic Growth Attraction program. It would offer tax breaks and refunds to any NFL team that builds a stadium in the state. Lawmakers hope these benefits could lead to at least $1 billion in new investment. Supporters believe an NFL team could bring more tourists and create new jobs.
The Athletic first reported the bill. WQAD8 also explained, “Senate File 2252 would modify Iowa’s Major Economic Growth Attraction (MEGA) program to offer development incentives to an NFL franchise building a professional stadium in Iowa. That would include sales and use tax refunds, qualifying investment tax credits, withholding tax credits and other state tax incentives as approved by the Iowa Economic Development Authority.”
The Chicago Bears are still looking for a new stadium. Some reports suggest they might leave Chicago or even Illinois. Indiana has already tried to attract the team with its own offers. Now Iowa is also trying to convince the Bears to move there.
State Senator Kerry Gruenhagen leads the charge. He made the case for his state in a press release. “The Chicago Bears are looking for a state that will appreciate them and welcome them with open arms, and we are filing a bill today that says Iowa is happy to be that home,” Gruenhagen said.
He argued that Iowa can offer stability and opportunity. “This bill today is another great way we can show everyone Iowa is open for business,” he added. Gruenhagen said the state stands ready while Illinois and Indiana argue over the team’s future.
The idea of an Iowa NFL team quickly fired up social media. Fans had fun imagining new names for the Bears if they moved.
“The Minnesota Vikings vs the Iowa Bears sounds just fine,” one fan wrote.
Another suggested, “Ahh yes, the Cedar Rapids Bears!”
A third joked, “The Chicago Bears of Davenport, Iowa. Who says no?”
Many people did not take the idea seriously. Some called it a publicity stunt. Critics said politicians only want attention. Others believe the plan wastes time and public money.
Right now, the Bears have not made any final decision. Team officials are still looking at different stadium options. Rumors will likely continue until the team chooses a plan.
Iowa lawmakers understand the chances are small. Still, they want to stay involved in the conversation. They plan to keep trying to attract an NFL team.
