Chicago Bears visit AFCB for an NFL watch party

Guests from Chicago were in town over the weekend to deliver some American Football razzamatazz. From mascots entertaining families on the beach on Saturday to a Sunday evening watch party, attended by up to 250 fans crammed into The Vitality’s 2:21 Bar, the events brought Bournemouth’s gridiron fans together.

On Saturday by the pier, Chicago’s Staley Da Bear was joined by AFC Bournemouth’s mascot Cherry Bear to entertain kids and give away freebies to growing crowds. On Sunday 4 October, the action moved to the new 2:21 Bar at The Vitality Stadium for a free Bears watch party.

After a tense opening quarter, the Chicago Bears beat the New York Jets 23-12 to add plenty of cheer to the watch party. Former Chicago Bears defensive end, Israel ‘Izzy’ Idonije was the star turn at both events. With over 130 appearances for the Bears, he took time to meet and greet fans, answer their questions and cheer on his team.

Attendees included members of local amateur side, Bournemouth Bobcats, and Bournemouth University’s team, the BU Bobcats, plus plenty of casual NFL fans. Quizzes and contests in-between the action with prizes kept the atmosphere lively.

For AFCB, the event was another step in demonstrating 2:21 Bar’s utility for commercial and matchday experiences.