[DES MOINES, Iowa] — A bill aiming to attract a professional football stadium to Iowa is moving forward after passing out of subcommittee recently.
The proposed legislation would include an NFL stadium in Iowa’s major economic growth attraction program. This program offers tax refunds and credits to NFL franchises interested in building a stadium in the state.
The Chicago Bears are currently searching for a new stadium location. Supporters of the bill referenced a well-known Iowa saying, “If you build it, they will come.”
“This is an idea that builds on that creativity and that is intended to give an avenue and opportunity for a tremendous investment,” Sen. Mike Bousselot said. “It takes advantage of an economic climate and state that is ready for this type of investment and jobs and is hungry for football.”
Lawmakers have suggested building the stadium near Bettendorf, close to the Quad Cities. The bill is expected to be discussed in a full committee session next week.