The Day Ernie Banks Let The Goat In.

Jan 28, 2015 | Billy Goat Curse, Sam Sianis

The Cubs started the 1994 season horribly, losing twelve home games in a row. Their worst home start in history. In an effort to end this streak, Sam Sianis and his goat went to Wrigley Field only to be denied entrance yet again. Amidst the chant of “Let the Goat in!” amongst the Wrigley crowd, Hall of Famer, Ernie Banks helped by escorting Sam and his goat into Wrigley. The Cubs won the game 5-2, ending their worst home start ever. A lesson learned?

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WIN Our 80th Anniversary Giveaway!

Dec 29, 2014 | 80th Anniversary, Billy Goat Curse, Cheezborger, Events, Lake Street, Madison, Michigan Avenue, Navy Pier, Sam Sianis, Souvenirs, United Center, Yorktown Center

Our 80th Anniversary season is coming to a close, and we’re giving away some amazing prizes. Test your knowledge of the rich history of Chicago’s favorite tavern.

Prizes include the following!

FOUR GRAND PRIZE WINNERS:

  • 2 CUBS Tickets
  • 2 SOX Tickets
  • 2 Blackhawks Tickets
  • 2 Bulls Tickets

TOP 10 SCORES will receive a PRIZE PACK that includes:

  • 1 – 80th Anniversary T-shirt
  • 1 – Billy Goat Hat
  • 1 – Billy Goat Book – A Chicago Tavern
  • 1 – 2015 Billy Goat Calendar

ENTER HERE: https://apps.agorapulse.com/go/39283/36735

Thank you to StubStop Chicago for their contribution. www.stubstop.com

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OFFICIAL RULES:

  • Contest Ends 1/9/2015 at 11:59 PM CST.
  • Winners will be notified via the email addressed they used to enter the contest. Winners will have 7 days to respond and claim their prize.
  • This promotion is not open to employees of Billy Goat Tavern or their families.

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Billy Goat’s Welcome Letter to Joe Maddon

Nov 6, 2014 | Billy Goat Curse

Conversation

Dear Joe,

On behalf of Billy Goat Tavern, welcome to Chicago!

Let me be the first goat in town to congratulate you on being named the new manager of the Chicago Cubs. I have every confidence you’ll be able to take our beloved Cubbies back to the World Series–a goal that has eluded 37 of your predecessors since 1945. That’s 69 years, Joe. That’s baaaaaaad no matter how you look at it.

Now, you’ve probably heard of the Billy Goat Curse. I want to assure you Joe, this was not my idea. Cross my horns and hope to die. But maybe we can do something about it.

I understand you have a history of allowing animals in the clubhouse. This is of particular interest to me because I’m an animal and the Cubs have a history of not letting me in their clubhouse. Which was the real reason for the Billy Goat Curse back in ’45.

Of course, there’s an easy way to lift the Curse. All you have to do is allow me free access to the Cubs’ clubhouse. Anytime I want. I’m sure you’ll agree this is a small price to pay for ending nearly seven decades of futility.

In the meantime, please feel free to stop by any one of our nine Billy Goat locations for a delicious cheezborger and a cold beer. On the house.

Sincerely,

B. Goat

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It’s been 45 years since the Cubs’ “Black Cat” game.

Sep 9, 2014 | Billy Goat Curse

On September 9th, 1969 the Cubs were poised to win the National League Pennant when the infamous black cat walked behind Ron Santo in the on deck circle. In the last quarter of the season the Cubs lost an amazing 17 1/2 games in the standings to ultimately lose the pennant to the Mets. And, the Curse of the Billy Goat lived on!

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