CHICAGO — When Chris Owens opened Racine Plumbing Bar and Grill in Lincoln Park 2½ years ago, he probably had Monday's BCS National Championship Game in mind.
Owens, a 1999 Notre Dame graduate, is beyond excited for the Fighting Irish-Alabama matchup at Sun Life Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.
The Lincoln Park resident said his bar, at 2642 N. Lincoln Ave., will be jammed for Notre Dame's biggest football game since the Irish won the 1988 national championship against West Virginia in the Fiesta Bowl.
"I'm going to have the same specials, same DJ, nothing new," said Owens, 36, whose bar has 12 big-screen TVs. "I'm trying not to jinx anything. This has been a long time coming."
A few blocks away at Notre Dame hangout Halligan Bar, 2274 N. Lincoln Ave., in Lincoln Park, manager Teddy Georgeson said the 14-TV locale is opening at 3 p.m. — three hours earlier than usual. It's also featuring "$3 everything," which includes bottles, shots and basic cocktails.
"We've always had a good turnout for every Notre Dame game, and hopefully this Monday won't be any different," said Georgeson, an Avondale resident.
At O'Shaugnessy's Public House, 4557 N. Ravenswood Ave., in Ravenswood, owner Liz Finan said the establishment is selling special Four Horsemen beer and Irish Jockeys, which combine red ale and Guinness.
"We have a lot of regulars who are Notre Dame fans," Finan said. "We'll be a packed house."
Several sportsbooks have Alabama as a 10-point favorite, which makes RollTideChicago.com President Laurel Stepp more than optimistic.
"After halftime, hopefully we should be in the clear, but you never know," said Stepp, a 1998 Alabama alum and Loop resident.
Stepp said 250-300 Crimson Tide fans will be packing the Houndstooth Saloon, 3369 N. Clark St., in Wrigleyville on Monday. She said her club will be passing out "Beat The Irish" stickers at the Houndstooth, which was the type of hat legendary Alabama coach Paul "Bear" Bryant wore.
"Everyone just comes in and is excited to watch Alabama games together," said Stepp, 36. "We're just excited to be representing Alabama."
The Notre Dame Club of Chicago is profiling other local bars, including Citizen Bar, 364 W. Erie Ave., in River North, to watch the big game.
O'Malley's Liquor Kitchen, 3551 N. Sheffield Ave., in Wrigleyville will be featuring the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band for pregame festivities.
The game will be televised via ESPN at 7:30 p.m.
