Imagine one of the NFL's most iconic teams packing up and leaving their historic home—a move that could reshape the sports landscape. That's exactly what Iowa is betting on as they make a bold play to lure the Chicago Bears to the Hawkeye State.
The Bears, rooted in Chicago since 1921, have never owned their stadium and are now on a quest for a new home. Their search has already taken them across Illinois and into Indiana, but Iowa legislators are hoping to turn their neighbors' gaze westward. But here's where it gets controversial: Is Iowa truly ready for an NFL team, and would Bears fans even follow them across state lines?
In a surprising move, a group of Iowa senators has introduced Senate File 2252, a bill designed to sweeten the deal for the Bears. This legislation would modify Iowa's Major Economic Growth Attraction (MEGA) program to offer lucrative incentives, including sales and use tax refunds, investment tax credits, and other state tax breaks, to any NFL franchise building a stadium in Iowa. And this is the part most people miss: The MEGA program is typically reserved for businesses investing at least $1 billion in the state, signaling Iowa's serious commitment to landing the Bears.
Iowa Sen. Kerry Gruenhagen (R - Walcott) framed the proposal as a win-win, stating, '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.' He added, 'While Illinois and Indiana squabble over this issue, we are ready to get off the sidelines and into the game.' The move, Gruenhagen argues, would bring jobs, tourism, and economic growth to Iowa, showcasing the state's potential on a national stage.
But not everyone is sold on the idea. Lifelong Bears fan Jamie Klarkowski, sipping a drink at The Yankee Doodle bar in Moline, was blunt: 'What? Ha ha ha, no way! Iowa? Never. Never, never never.' For Klarkowski, the Bears belong in Chicago—the city where they started and where their legacy is deeply rooted. 'That's where we stay, I say,' he insisted.
Even on the Iowa side, skepticism abounds. Dan Pelo, a sports fan in Bettendorf, called the idea 'crazy,' while fellow resident Tim echoed the sentiment: 'I don't think it'll ever happen.' Both men, like many others, believe the Bears should build their enclosed stadium in Arlington Heights, where the team finalized a 326-acre property purchase in February 2023. 'It'd be great for the people of Chicago and everybody,' Tim said, envisioning fans enjoying games even in freezing temperatures.
Here’s the real question: Would moving to Iowa alienate the Bears' loyal fanbase? Klarkowski and Tim both agree that relocating to another state—whether Iowa or Indiana—would be a tough pill to swallow. 'Another state would make me not very happy,' Klarkowski admitted. Yet, even he can't help but dream: 'It'd be great if they would come here, but I think they need to stay in Chicago.'
The Bears' stadium saga has been anything but smooth. Their initial focus was on building an enclosed stadium next to Soldier Field, their longtime home. A $3.2 billion plan to transform Chicago's Museum Campus received a glowing endorsement from Mayor Brandon Johnson but a lukewarm response from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and state legislators. Meanwhile, talks with developers about a South Side stadium on the site of the old Michael Reese Hospital have stalled due to engineering challenges.
As Iowa throws its hat into the ring, the question remains: Is this a game-changer or a long shot? What do you think? Would the Bears thrive in Iowa, or is their future irrevocably tied to Chicago? Let us know in the comments!
