NFL says Saints-Steelers game in Paris is still on despite unrest
The NFL says the Saints-Steelers game at Stade de France on Sunday, October 25, will go ahead despite unrest in France. The league said it has seen "no disruption or impact at league sites." It will be the first NFL regular-season game played in France.
The NFL says next Sunday's game between the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers near Paris is still on despite the unrest in France, Front Office Sports and ESPN reported. The Week 7 game is set for Sunday, October 25, at 9:30 AM ET at Stade de France, Front Office Sports reported. It will be the first NFL regular-season game in France, Front Office Sports and ESPN reported.
"We continue to work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters," the league said in a statement, according to Front Office Sports and ESPN. The league added that it is giving both teams regular updates and that "there's been no disruption or impact at league sites," Front Office Sports and ESPN reported.
The Saints said they agree with the league and plan to play. "Members of our football operations staff and internal security team have been on the ground in France for the past few days and there has been no disruption or impact at any of our team sites," the team said, according to Front Office Sports. ESPN credited the statement to Saints spokesman Greg Bensel.
The Saints planned to fly to France on Sunday night, Front Office Sports reported, right after their game against the New York Giants, ESPN reported. OutKick reported that the team was due to arrive early Monday. The Steelers will practice in Pittsburgh and leave for France on Thursday, ESPN and OutKick reported, then arrive on Friday morning, Front Office Sports and OutKick reported.
A league source said the game could be moved to another venue if the situation became untenable, OutKick reported. OutKick also reported that the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans is booked for another event on October 25.
The game is the sixth of nine international games on the NFL schedule this season, Front Office Sports reported. Stade de France is just north of Paris, ESPN and OutKick reported, in the suburb of Saint-Denis, according to OutKick.
The unrest followed nationwide protests over the cost of living on Saturday that turned into rioting and looting in several French cities, ESPN and OutKick reported.
What we know: The NFL and the Saints say the October 25 game at Stade de France is going ahead as planned.
What we don't: Whether conditions in France will change before the Steelers travel on Thursday.
Where outlets agree Front Office Sports and ESPN report that the NFL says the October 25 Saints-Steelers game at Stade de France is still on.
Where they differ The cited reports agree on the key facts so far.