The Steelers‑Saints showdown will still tip‑off Sunday at Stade de France, but the NFL is tightening security after recent unrest in Paris.
Peter O’Reilly told reporters Tuesday the league is working hand‑in‑hand with the U.S. State Department and French authorities.
“There’s nothing more important from our standpoint than the teams’ security, the fans’ security — everybody involved with this game,” O’Reilly said at the league’s fall meetings, via the Associated Press. “Obviously being very vigilant in everything we do, in all of our planning on an hour‑by‑hour basis, working closely with the two teams.”
Rioting flared across France on Saturday as protestors decried soaring costs and shrinking public services, sparking the worst civil turmoil the nation has seen in years, with clashes and looting in major cities.
The NFL isn’t moving the historic first‑ever French game, and for my money that confidence shows the league’s commitment to expanding the sport responsibly.
“We feel confident that we would not have any impact on the broader resources needed,” O’Reilly added. “That’s always top of mind for us, and we feel confident that we wouldn’t be depleting resources in a negative way around this game.”
The Saints arrived in Paris after beating the Giants on Sunday, while the Steelers are slated to travel later this week. Will the heightened security plan keep everything on track?