ATLANTA (AP) - If Atlanta is chosen to host a Super Bowl, fans buying tickets won't pay state sales tax under new law.
Gov. Nathan Deal signed the much expected measure on Thursday. He and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed have been among the proposal's biggest supporters as the city bids for either the 2019 or 2020 game.
The league named Atlanta among four finalists for either game, facing Miami or Tampa in Florida and New Orleans.
The NFL says the exemption is required. Opposing legislators criticized the change as a giveaway to the league.
The state is expected to forgo $10 million in sales taxes on game tickets. The law gives the same exemption on tickets to other sporting events expected to generate at least $50 million in other revenue.
