The Chicago Bears losing streak continued on Sunday as the team blew a 21-point lead in a disastrous defeat against the Denver Broncos. But it wasn't all bad for fans - at least those who gathered at one North Side bar.
The owner of Claddagh Ring Pub, 2306 W. Foster Ave. in Lincoln Square, promised a Bears win or free drinks for all.
"We’re hoping they win but we’re also hoping they lose, just in case so, we may have a free bar tab," one customer, Phillip Rodriguez, said prior to the game ending.
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In those final few seconds, fans no longer cheered for the team, but for free beers.
"I saved like 40 bucks at least, but I really wanted the Bears to win," customer Hilda Chan said.
Bar owner Kris Jackson decided he needed to give people a reason to spend the beautiful day indoors, so he vowed to pick up everyone's bar tab -- if the team lost.
Though he's now out a good chunk of change, Jackson said the promotion did exactly what it was designed to.
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"Small bar, small local neighborhood, but we’re really getting a lot of good press so I really do appreciate it," he said.
And fans appreciated the incentive, too. For many, it made the team's fourth straight loss a little easier.
"Emotions are everywhere – it was so close," customer Andres Castro said. "A lot of fun though, definitely wanted a win but we got free drinks.
While the promotion was one time only, Jackson said he just might bring it back in the future.