Goose Island Will No Longer Award Free Beer in Bears Field Goal Promotion

Goose Island Brewing will no longer give away free beer to armchair athletes who enter its field goal kicking contest over the weekend outside the Fulton Market taproom. Turns out the promotion couldn’t clear the crossbar legally and the brewery will now give away tickets to NFL games with the grand prize winner earning a trip to Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta where the Bears will not be playing.

Following the Bears’ loss after a last-second missed — and tipped — kick, the brewery announced on Monday a marketing ploy. They challenged angry fans to kick a 43-yard field goal on Sunday or Saturday. Winners would get a case of beer a week for a year. But, as the Tribune reported, Goose Island had to update the prizes and rules. If contestants nail their first 43-yard kick, they’ll get a second try from 65 yards out. Grand prize winners get a trip for two and tickets to this year’s Super Bowl. First-prize winners get a trip for two and game tickets to a regular season NFL game of the winner’s choice.

The brewery’s been building the field goal posts, but staff wants to surprise contestants. A spokesperson said they aren’t releasing photos of the posts. Fans are posting videos showing off their kicking skills and that’s made some brewery reps nervous about the weekend’s promotion. They’re paying for lodging, airfare, and game tickets for winners. And an ambulance will be on hand, according to a spokesperson, just in case of injury.

Meanwhile, kicker Cody Parkey appeared on Today on Friday morning and talked about how he felt he let the city and team down. Parkey’s been subject to toxic social media posts from fans who blame him for the Bears 16-15 playoffs loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Those angry replies fueled Goose Island’s promotion. Parkey said he’s stayed off social media and hasn’t seen fan reaction.