The NFL confirmed Wednesday that the Steelers-Saints game in Paris will go on as scheduled Oct. 25, addressing questions about Steelers-Saints Paris game security after three weeks of protests have rocked the French capital. The league said it is working with local authorities on security for the first-ever NFL regular season game held in France, set for Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
The announcement comes as French police have used tear gas and stun grenades to disperse demonstrators across the country, according to CBS Sports. The unrest has stretched on for weeks, raising questions about whether the league’s first regular season game in Paris would proceed without disruption.
NFL Statement On Steelers-Saints Paris Game Security
The league issued a statement standing by its preparations for the Oct. 25 matchup. “We’re excited for the first-ever regular season game in Paris, and preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France on Oct. 25,” the NFL said. “As we do for every NFL game, including our international games, we work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We look forward to welcoming fans to Paris later this month.”
The statement did not detail specific security measures beyond the league’s general practice of coordinating with local authorities, a protocol it applies to every international game.
What It Means For The Game
The NFL’s decision to move forward signals the league does not currently view the protests as a threat serious enough to relocate or postpone the contest. According to CBS Sports, the Saints could potentially shift the game to Caesar’s Superdome in New Orleans if circumstances required it, though the report characterized that outcome as unlikely at this point.
No changes to the game’s date, venue or broadcast plans have been announced. The Stade de France matchup remains on track to open a new chapter for the NFL’s international series, which has previously sent games to London, Germany, Mexico and Brazil.
Scope Of The Paris Protests
The unrest tied to the Steelers-Saints Paris game security discussion traces back to high school student demonstrations over staffing shortages, which have since grown into nationwide protests touching on climate and social justice issues, according to The Associated Press. Police had made more than 6,600 arrests nationwide as of last week, the AP reported, while CBS Sports cited CBS News figures showing more than 5,000 people detained in connection with the demonstrations.
The protests have produced serious injuries among demonstrators. A police tear gas grenade shattered a 14-year-old’s jaw and several teeth, according to the AP, and a 15-year-old lost a hand in an incident involving a police stun grenade. Those incidents have fueled continued unrest in the weeks leading up to the NFL’s scheduled event.
What’s Next
The Steelers and Saints are set to meet Oct. 25 at Stade de France, barring any change to the league’s current plans. No statement from the Steelers organization, French authorities or the Paris government regarding event security has been issued. Fans awaiting further details on travel or attendance logistics have not yet received additional guidance from the league beyond Wednesday’s statement.
Pittsburgh enters the international trip coming off other roster developments, including questions at wide receiver detailed in Total Apex Sports’ coverage of the Steelers’ receiver situation. New Orleans, meanwhile, has faced its own on-field struggles, a topic covered in Total Apex Sports’ recent Steelers preview coverage.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
