Super Bowl ticket tax exemption heads to Georgia governor

ATLANTA (AP) The Georgia Senate has approved a bill that would eliminate $10 million in state sales taxes on Super Bowl tickets if the National Football League chooses Atlanta to host the event.

It goes to Gov. Nathan Deal, who has supported it along with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.

The same exemption would be granted to other sporting events expected to generate at least $50 million in revenue. That includes All Star games for professional baseball, soccer and basketball and national college tournament finals or championships.

Backers say the NFL requires the exemption from any city bidding to host the event. Opponents called the exemption a giveaway to the NFL.

Atlanta is one of four finalists for either the 2019 or 2020 Super Bowl, competing against New Orleans, Miami and Tampa, Florida.