NFL confirms Steelers-Saints game in Paris despite ongoing protests
The NFL says the scheduled kickoff between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints at Stade de France will proceed on Sunday, even as large demonstrations continue in the city.
The National Football League confirmed that the regular-season matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints will go ahead at Stade de France on Sunday, with a 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time kickoff. The decision comes after a day of extensive protests in Paris, where more than 400,000 people took part in demonstrations that led to over 1,000 arrests, according to the Associated Press. The protests, which began peacefully, escalated when some participants threw fireworks and other objects at police, prompting the use of tear gas, sound grenades and water cannons.
"The game remains set for a 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff," reported Mark Maske of Front Office Sports.
League officials acknowledge the security challenges posed by the unrest but emphasize the importance of maintaining the schedule as part of the NFL's broader strategy to expand the sport internationally. They noted that any incident could complicate efforts to globalize the league and affect future overseas games.
The NFL has not provided additional details on security measures, but the organization indicated that it is proceeding with the event despite the calculated risks associated with holding a major sporting event in a city experiencing significant civil unrest.