Des Moines may be known for the Iowa Cubs, its minor league baseball team, but a recent proposal in the Iowa legislature suggests a far more ambitious sporting dream: luring the Chicago Bears to the Hawkeye State. Senate File 2252, filed Tuesday, aims to expand existing state economic development programs to incentivize the construction of an NFL stadium within Iowa’s borders.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Senator Kerry Gruenhagen of Walcott, framed the move as a proactive step, stating, “while Illinois and Indiana squabble over this issue, we are ready to get off the sidelines and into the game.” This statement alludes to the ongoing negotiations surrounding the Bears’ future stadium situation, which has seen both neighboring states vying for the team’s relocation.
However, the likelihood of the Bears seriously considering a move to Iowa appears slim. Des Moines is approximately 330 miles west of Chicago, while the Quad Cities region, closer to Iowa’s eastern border, is still roughly 170 miles away. These distances present logistical challenges for a team with a substantial existing fanbase in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Currently, the Bears own 326 acres in Arlington Heights, Illinois, a site they initially identified as their preferred location for a new stadium. However, the team has also engaged in discussions with officials in Indiana, exploring potential sites near Wolf Lake in Hammond and the Hard Rock Casino in Gary. The city of Portage, Indiana, is set to enter the fray on Wednesday, unveiling a proposal centered around “Halas Harbor” along the Burns Waterway, though it’s considered a long shot.
The Bears’ stadium search has been a protracted process, with team president and CEO Kevin Warren tasked with securing a deal more than three years ago. Recent tours led by Warren, alongside Bears chairman George McCaskey and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, included visits to both the Arlington Heights property and the Indiana sites, signaling a thorough evaluation of options.
Despite the interest shown by Indiana, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker indicated this week that talks to retain the Bears within the state are progressing. This suggests that Illinois remains a viable contender, potentially complicating any potential move to Iowa or Indiana.
The timing of Iowa’s proposal is noteworthy, coming amidst the uncertainty surrounding the Bears’ stadium future. The bill’s introduction injects another potential location into the mix, though its practical feasibility remains questionable given the geographical distance and the Bears’ existing ties to the Chicago area.
The Super Bowl LX, recently concluded on , served as a reminder of the high stakes involved in NFL success. The Seattle Seahawks’ victory, fueled by a dominant performance from running back Kenneth Walker III (who rushed for 135 yards, the eighth-most in Super Bowl history), highlighted the importance of a strong running game and overall team execution. While the Bears weren’t participants in this year’s championship game, the event undoubtedly underscores the organization’s desire to build a competitive team and secure a long-term stadium solution.
The Super Bowl also drew significant viewership, with an average of 124.9 million viewers tuning in. Bad Bunny’s halftime performance captivated 128.2 million viewers, demonstrating the event’s broad appeal and cultural impact. These figures emphasize the immense value of hosting an NFL team and the potential economic benefits that could accrue to a state like Iowa.
The Seahawks’ focus on staying “on the forefront” of innovation and competitive strategy, as reported recently, is a mindset the Bears likely share. The team’s ongoing stadium search reflects a commitment to creating a modern facility that can attract fans, generate revenue, and support a winning culture. Whether that future lies in Illinois, Indiana, or, as Iowa hopes, the Hawkeye State, remains to be seen.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the Bears are not alone in seeking a new stadium. Other teams are also exploring options, intensifying the competition for available sites and incentives. This competitive landscape underscores the importance of a well-defined strategy and a compelling proposal for any state hoping to attract an NFL franchise.
Iowa’s attempt to lure the Bears represents a bold, albeit ambitious, move. While the logistical and geographical challenges are significant, the bill’s introduction signals the state’s willingness to compete for a major professional sports franchise. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the Bears will entertain Iowa’s offer or ultimately remain in the Chicago area, or relocate to a different location within the Midwest.
