Iowa Proposes Stadium Incentives to Attract NFL Team
A new bill proposed in the Iowa State Senate aims to enhance the state’s economic growth attraction initiative. The primary goal is to entice an NFL team, with a focus on the Chicago Bears. Iowa state Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen (R-Walcott) emphasized the importance of this initiative. He stated, “We are ready to get off the sidelines and into the game.”
Iowa’s MEGA Program and Proposed Changes
The legislation, which has garnered support from seven Republican senators, seeks to modify the MEGA program. This program currently provides economic development incentives aimed at attracting significant capital investments. The proposed bill introduces new language allowing for the construction of an NFL stadium.
Among the incentives suggested are tax refunds and credits. Iowa state Sen. Scott Webster highlighted Iowa’s potential offerings, stating that the state could provide “everything they need to build a world-class facility.”
Location Recommendations
Webster also proposed eastern Iowa as a primary site for the potential stadium. He explained that the area’s proximity to major cities would drive traffic to the venue. “You’re going to drive traffic from Des Moines and even from places near Madison,” he noted. This centralized location could attract fans from Wisconsin and Missouri.
Understanding the Quad Cities
The Quad Cities area, which straddles the Iowa-Illinois border, is an ideal location due to its growing metropolitan population of nearly 500,000 residents. Davenport, the largest community in the Quad Cities, lies approximately 130 miles west of Chicago. This region primarily supports the Chicago Bears, along with the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.
A Historical Connection to the NFL
Iowa has a historical link to the NFL, dating back to the league’s inception. The Rock Island Independents, an early NFL charter franchise, were formerly the Chicago Bears’ rivals. Notably, team founder George Halas often stayed in Davenport while facing the Independents.
Challenges Ahead
Despite these efforts, attracting an NFL franchise to Iowa seems a daunting task. The state’s population has been stagnant, currently totaling 3.19 million as per the 2020 Census. In comparison, during the 1960 Census, Iowa’s population was recorded at 2.75 million. Moreover, Green Bay, Wisconsin, remains the smallest NFL market with an estimated metro population of about 330,000, raising questions about Iowa’s viability as a new home for an NFL team.
As discussions continue, Iowa’s leaders are hopeful that these initiatives can usher in a new era of professional sports for the state, showcasing its capabilities and dedication to cultivating a robust sports culture.
