Iowa Joins Effort to Attract the Bears
As the search for a new home continues for the Chicago Bears, Iowa is expressing its interest in attracting the NFL team.
Iowa’s Proposal to Attract the Bears
Recently, seven state senators from Iowa introduced a bill aimed at revamping the “Major Economic Growth Attraction” program. This modification would create incentives for constructing a professional sports stadium that could host a National Football League (NFL) franchise.
Motivation Behind the Initiative
State Senator Kerry Gruenhagen emphasized the motivation for this bill. He stated that it is designed to demonstrate to the Bears that Iowa is ready to welcome them, particularly if they face challenges in their current home state of Illinois.
Geographic Considerations
While a move to Iowa would keep the Bears close to the Chicago area, the distance is considerable. Here’s a look at the proximity of key Iowa cities:
- Davenport, Iowa: 175 miles from Chicago
- Des Moines, Iowa: 334 miles from Chicago
Despite the enthusiasm shown by Iowa officials, some may view the proposal as lacking seriousness given the significant distance involved.
Regional Competition
The move by Iowa is part of a broader competition among surrounding states to attract the Bears. With both Indiana and now Iowa showing interest, the dynamic landscape continues to evolve.
As states vie for the opportunity to host this iconic team, the discussion around the Bears’ future has just begun, and other regions, like Idaho, may also consider their chances to join the fray.
