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The streets of Paris are full of demonstrations, some of which have turned into riots, as nationwide protests over the cost of living and poor conditions in schools have swept across France. But that won’t stop the NFL from proceeding with its scheduled International Series game between the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Stade de France on Sunday.
The league released a statement on Sunday indicating “preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday,” despite the civil unrest in France. “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 league’s statement continued.
The Saints are scheduled to arrive in Paris on Monday, while the Steelers will travel later in the week.
The game, which is scheduled to air on NFL Network at 9:30 a.m. ET, will test how the NFL handles similar situations in the future. While the demonstrations have mostly subsided for now, such social movements can be unpredictable and create tenuous public-safety conditions.
The NFL has made no secret of its desire to expand internationally, perhaps selling a full-season package of international games to a broadcaster once an 18-game regular season becomes a reality.
But whether it be the field conditions in Brazil or civil unrest in France, the decision to expand beyond American borders raises a host of concerns the league hasn’t necessarily dealt with before. The NFL has plenty of experience handling extenuating circumstances that could affect games domestically, but comparatively little experience dealing with foreign authorities, who might act differently.
Given that this Sunday’s game is the first in NFL history to be scheduled in France, the league will have its hands full making sure the game goes off without a hitch.
Racing driver Bubba Wallace
Racing driver Bubba Wallace