Bears in Bournemouth: Postcards with Israel Idonije | Monday, Oct. 5
As told to Gabby Hajduk
The Bears are across the pond for the UK Grand Tour, which features brand pop-ups and fan activations in five cities across all four United Kingdom nations. Former Bears defensive lineman Israel Idonije helped kick off the tour over the weekend in Bournemouth, England. Check out his postcard from his time at Bournemouth Pier and Vitality Stadium, home of the Premier League's AFC Bournemouth, where the Bears hosted a watch party for Sunday's win over the Jets.
What's up Bears fans, it's Izzy checking in from Bournemouth after an incredible weekend spent here. I mean, what a beautiful city. This is my first time down here, and It's truly a gem of a place in the UK.
I had a chance to go down to the pier, walk on the beach, ride the Ferris wheel, and then check out the city square as well. The community here and the people are just as incredible. It's truly been a privilege to spend time in Bournemouth and, of course, meet some really great Bears fans.
Saturday, we took over the pier as the first event on the UK Grand Tour, and the energy was awesome. I can't even pinpoint a favorite moment, because interacting with all the fans during the afternoon was so fun – just taking pictures, signing autographs, talking football. People were out here playing games, hanging with me and Staley and just enjoying being around other Bears and NFL fans.
I was surprised that so many of the fans knew who I was, knew my stats, knew plays that I made throughout my career. But, I always say that the Bears have the deepest international fanbase through all of professional football. Anywhere I am in the world, I meet Bears fans. I've met them in Greece, in the Dominican Republic. Even before I went out to the pier, I was at a grocery store here, and someone stopped me and was like, "Hey, you played for the Bears, right? Idonije?"
Bears fans are everywhere. It always blows my mind the love that the Bears have globally.
Sunday was obviously a ton of fun as well, getting to be at the watch party for a Bears win. We had a few hundred fans out at Vitality Stadium, where AFC Bournemouth plays, to watch the Bears-Jets game together. The vibes there were great. We had a lot to cheer for, and hearing all the fans get into the game and bring the energy is so cool to experience.
The boys handled their business back home, and we were cheering them on from across the pond, so all in all, it was a great evening to wrap up the weekend here.
I'm so grateful that I had the chance to be a part of this tour with the Bears. I think what's really special about what they're doing here is they're acknowledging that Bears fans are the best fans in the world. They're acknowledging that Bears fans touch every corner you can imagine.
Bears fandom runs deep, and it's everywhere. To go to London or just one region is still great, but to be able to touch all four corners and touch different regions, knowing Bears fans are there cheering on the team, is really special. And that's what this tour represents.
I appreciate everyone in Bournemouth for welcoming us — until next time!
-Izzy
Da Chicago Bears UK Grand Tour kicked off Saturday with a brand pop-up at Bournemouth Pier in collaboration with the Premier League's AFC Bournemouth, which will featured photo opportunities, giveaways, games and more. On Sunday, the Bears hosted a watch party at Vitality Stadium, home of AFC Bournemouth, for their 23-12 win over the New York Jets. Staley Da Bear and former defensive lineman Israel Idonije attended both events.
