The NFL is sticking to its game plan for the Week 7 showdown between the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris, France, even as widespread protests shake the city. With thousands arrested and tensions running high, the league has issued a safety map to help traveling fans stay clear of the unrest.
Protests over rising living costs, education funding, and deteriorating public services have drawn hundreds of thousands to the streets. Earlier this week, NFL reporter Ari Meirov noted on X that "Nationwide protests over rising living costs, education and deteriorating public services drew roughly 550,000 people today, including 110,000 in Paris. The demonstrations turned violent, with fires, looting and tear gas."
Despite the chaos, the NFL confirmed Sunday that the game at Stade de France is still on. "Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday," an NFL spokesperson said via email. "We continue to work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We are also providing the two clubs with regular updates. There's been no disruption or impact at league sites."
The Saints are equally confident. Executive Greg Bensel echoed the league's stance: "We concur with the NFL's statement and are planning to play the game. In addition to working closely with the NFL, we have also maintained daily security updates with our security partners in France. 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."
For fans heading to Paris, the league has released a map highlighting the protest zones versus the stadium location. The map shows that demonstrations have largely been confined to a triangle south of the city center, while the Stade de France sits several miles away in a separate circle. Many popular tourist attractions have reportedly been unaffected by the protests.
The game is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. ET next Sunday. The NFL plans to provide further updates as the week progresses. Fans are advised to monitor official channels for any changes.
This isn't the first time the NFL has faced scrutiny over the Paris game. Earlier discussions about the league's Paris game strategy drew criticism, but the league has remained firm on its commitment to international expansion. The decision to play despite the unrest has also sparked debate over safety concerns, though the league insists all precautions are being taken.
For the Saints, this game comes amid a turbulent season. The team's 1-4 start has put head coach Kellen Moore under fire, with owner Gayle Benson turning up the heat after a disappointing opening stretch. A win in Paris could shift the narrative, but the off-field distractions add another layer of pressure.
Meanwhile, Steelers fans are eager to see their team bounce back after a tough loss last week. With both teams desperate for a victory, the international stage promises high drama. But for now, the focus remains on getting everyone to the stadium safely.
As the week unfolds, the NFL will continue to monitor the situation closely. For now, the message is clear: the show will go on, and fans should use the provided map to navigate the city with caution.
