The Disney company is shutting down most of its ESPN Zone restaurants, including the River North location. No reason has been given though the economy may be to blame. ESPN spokesman Rob Tobias said, "Since their inception, the Zones have served sports fans very well. But from a pure business perspective, the economics have been challenging." Fare thee well, Ultimate Couch Potato contest and ESPN personality appearances. more ›

Given his popularity around town, Chicagoist would have thought that former Sun-Times sports columnist Jay Mariotti might choose to tape his Around the Horn segments from a location only slightly more disclosed than Dick Cheney's old lair. Or least choose to relocate from the Windy City to a locale where he's not quite so despised. Instead, Mariotti is venturing out in public to go on camera. This week, the controversial sportswriter began taping his daily ATH segements from ESPNZone in River North. Fans (he's gotta have a couple, right?) and hecklers can check out Mariotti at work each weekday starting at noon. At least ESPN has enough sense to keep him locked safely behind glass. more ›

When it comes to watching sports, are you the ultimate couch potato? Really? If so, ESPNZone is giving you a chance to prove it. On January 1, four contestants will have the opportunity to prove that they can outsit anyone and win the title of Ultimate Couch Potato. more ›

The defending Arena Football League champion Chicago Rush travel to Kansas City this weekend to kick off their 2007 campaign. The Kansas City Brigade went 3-11 last season. The Rush must be happy to start their season off against a team that is generally not expected to be a contender for the title. more ›

First of all, we had no idea that ESPN was sponsoring a contest to be the ultimate couch potato. We've been doing our daily reps with our three TiVos, and our endurance training consists of a steady diet of NetFlix. Had we known that we could set a record sitting on our rumps and win a 42" television, we would have worked a bit harder and made our way down to ESPN Zone yesterday. more ›

Chicagoist is a big believer in human rights. In fact, we think us humans should have more rights. For one, every living soul should have the right to visit Wisconsin Dells at least once and bask in its wonderful tackiness. Two, everyone should have the right to walk on a sidewalk without falling through giant holes. We're frivolous like that. Lastly, one should be able to go through life without looking like a celebrity because, really, what kind of life could that possibly be? more ›

Even for seasoned singles, dating is difficult. What to wear? What to talk about? Where to go? While some opt for a romantic evening at ESPN Zone, Chicagoist prefers a subtler ambiance. At 2602 N. Clark, D.O.C. Wine Bar proves to be an excellent spot for a cozy date or drinks with friends. Portholed windows and a log-style exterior invoke a nautical theme. In the main front room, the ship theme meets swanky lounge... more ›

The people of Chicago have spoken. And apparently, we think a few rounds of Dance Dance Revolution is perfect for getting our swerve on. We saw this press release over at ABC7 listing some of the winners of AOL City Guide Chicago’s “City’s Best 2006” poll. While we quibbled with some of the choices (Home Run Inn for Best Pizza?), the choice of ESPN Zone as the “best spot for first dates” floored us. Sure,... more ›