Getty Image / Michael Reaves
The Chicago Bears extended their losing streak to 14 games with a loss agains the Denver Broncos on Sunday. That streak dates back to last season (obviously) with the last Bears’ win coming on October 24th, 2022, nearly a full year ago.
The Claddagh Ring Pub near Winnemac Park in Chicago was so confident the Bears were going to snap their losing streak they offered free drinks to everyone if the Chicago Bears lose. This promo cost them dearly after Denver put up 17 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to win 31-28 on the road.
After the Broncos beat the Bears, the Claddagh Ring Pub reportedly got stuck with over $5,000 in tabs according to a report from Alex V. Hernandez on Block Club Chicago. According to the bar’s promo, patrons had to arrive prior to kickoff in order to be eligible and tabs were closed at the end of the 3rd quarter.
Chicago Bears Free Drinks Promo Goes Wrong
Unlike the recent viral bar promo in Milwaukee that guaranteed free drinks for any game Aaron Rodgers lost, this promo attempted to guarantee a win. Bar owner Kris Jackson spoke about the reason for this promo, telling Block Club Chicago that the Bears’ losing streak is actually hurting Sunday business.
Jackson said “The Bears are in such a bad losing streak. A lot of people kind of gave up and aren’t willing to waste their Sundays in a bar watching them. I thought it was good idea to create a promotion to get customers to come back and watch the games.”
He was correct, it was a good idea to get people back into the bar. Alas, the Bears lost and he got stuck with a massive bar bill of over $5,000 but the Chicago Bears Free Drinks promo has also gained national attention. The exposure has far outweighed the reach of a $5,000 ad campaign.
When asked if he’ll fire up the Bears Free Drinks promo again, he said “I don’t know if I’ll run that same exact special again, no.” But he did say that he would run some sort of Chicago Bears Losing Streak promo that would “give people incentive to come out again.”
The Bears are now +6.5pt underdogs against the Washington Commanders.