Key Takeaways
- The NFL closed its Paris fan venue and merchandise store ahead of the Saints-Steelers game, citing accessibility and security concerns tied to cost-of-living protests.
- The unrest also postponed Saints House and canceled a Steelers event as police increased their presence and the U.S. State Department urged American fans to exercise caution.
- Sunday's historic first NFL regular-season game in France remains scheduled at Stade de France, with the league coordinating security plans with French and American officials.
The NFL has shut down its fan experience venue in Paris just one day before the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers are scheduled to face off in the league's first regular-season game in France.
According to the Associated Press, the league closed its "NFL House" on Saturday (October 24) as French authorities prepare for another round of demonstrations over the rising cost of living.
The NFL notified fans of the closure Saturday morning through its OnePass app, citing "potential accessibility issues." The decision came one day after the league announced that its pop-up merchandise store in central Paris would also remain closed Saturday. Despite the cancellations, Sunday's game at Stade de France in Saint-Denis is still scheduled to take place.
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Security concerns have become a major issue ahead of the historic matchup. Police officers were deployed throughout Paris on Saturday, with several businesses boarding up their storefronts ahead of the demonstrations.
The precautions follow protests across France that recently escalated into violence, rioting, and looting. Authorities subsequently imposed a nighttime curfew in the Les Halles shopping district to prevent further unrest.
The NFL had planned several fan activities throughout the weekend, including events at NFL House titled "French Athletes in Football" and "From the Field to the Community."
However, the ongoing security situation disrupted those plans. The Saints also announced that "Saints House has been postponed until Sunday," while a separate Steelers fan event was canceled Thursday (October 22).
Fans could still participate in activities Friday (October 23), including a "Hail Mary" football-throwing event along the Seine River.
The U.S. State Department also issued a security alert earlier this week, advising "Americans in Paris for the NFL game" to "exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings" because of the demonstrations.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the concerns earlier in the week, explaining that the league had been working closely with French and American officials to ensure the game could proceed safely (per CNN).
Goodell also noted that street protests "are not unusual in France."
On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron met with Goodell, Saints owner Gayle Benson and Steelers owners Art Rooney II at the Élysée Palace to "discuss Sunday's game and the long-term future of the NFL in Paris."
