NFL shuts Paris fan venues amid security concerns and protests ahead of Saints-Steelers game
The league closed its Paris fan attractions on Saturday due to accessibility and security worries, as police prepared for protests surrounding the first regular-season NFL game in France.
The NFL announced on Saturday that its "NFL House" pop-up venue in Paris would remain closed, citing potential accessibility issues and heightened security concerns. The decision came a day after the league said its downtown pop-up shop would also be shut.
The closures affect fan activities planned for Saturday, including a "French Athletes in Football" showcase and a "From the Field to the Community" program. Fans who had registered for the "Hail Mary over the Seine" activation were told they also needed a time slot, which some said was not clearly communicated.
Security preparations have dominated the atmosphere surrounding the New Orleans Saints' and Pittsburgh Steelers' matchup at Stade de France, the NFL's inaugural regular-season game in the country. French authorities have deployed a heavy police presence to deter protests, and major museums such as the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay were closed on Saturday.
U.S. State Department officials issued an alert urging Americans in Paris to exercise caution. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said preparations were made in consultation with U.S. and French officials and noted that street protests are common in France.
"I definitely think that the NFL is alert to what’s going on," Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said, adding that the game would proceed only if it were safe.
French President Emmanuel Macron met Goodell and team owners at the Élysée Palace on Friday to discuss the game and the league's long-term plans in Paris.
Other scheduled fan events, including a weekend gathering for Steelers supporters, were cancelled for security reasons. Some fans reported using social media groups to avoid protest-affected areas, while others expressed concern that the unrest could dampen the overall experience.
The Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon was also postponed to Monday at the request of local police, citing similar security constraints.