The ESPN Zone has been in Chicago 11 years.
"I've watched some Bear games here, not so much the hockey games. Still, it will be truly missed," said Clarence Pride, Blackhawks fan.
It's the end of an era for sports fans and 300 employees at the Chicago spot. ESPN Zones will also close in Las Vegas, New York, Baltimore and D.C. Two will remain open: one in Los Angeles, the other in Anaheim.
Chicago sports fans think they know why.
"It's more of a touristy place than a Chicago sports bar in my opinion," asid one fan.
"We got 23 14-year-olds with us and a big draw was coming here," said Mike VanDenEynde, Ohio tourist.
"Everybody knows about it. It's the ESPN Zone," said Chris Vargo, Detroit tourist.
But the Zone isn't alone. The Chicago Place mall on Michigan Avenue closed in April. And experts say overall, retail businesses and restaurants are hurting because of the economy.
"Some get through it, some don't. And we're still seeing the effect of that recession," said Peter Gill, Illinois Retail Merchants Association.
But Gill adds that overall, business should bounce back. At Block 37, where there are still vacancies, shoppers understand the pinch.
"For me, it's convenient. As far as having the money to spend, it's a little tight right now," said Gwen Fletcher, shopper.
