The NFL is set to hold its first-ever game in Paris on Sunday, amid ongoing protests in the city driven primarily by the cost of living, underfunded public services and deteriorating school conditions
In Paris, ahead of the NFL game that's going ahead despite protests
In Paris, ahead of the NFL game that's going ahead despite protests
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PARIS — When I arrived here on Friday evening, I had no idea what to expect. I got to Gare du Nord, one of the city center train stations, at around 7 p.m. local time, hoping there would be no hostility amid the ongoing riots.
I walked the streets of Paris for eight hours on Saturday and did not see any protests or demonstrations.
Unfortunately, this is not the case for every area of Paris. Riots have been ongoing throughout the week and have continued on Saturday. On Friday, one person was killed in a shooting in the Trappes area of Paris, around 45 minutes away from the center.
From what I have experienced and from reading up on the current demonstrations, all such incidents appear to be outside Paris' city center — away from where the majority of tourists and NFL fans have been ahead of the NFL's first-ever game in France on Sunday between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints. Steelers superstar TJ Watt's wife has criticized the league for playing the game in Paris.
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Donald Trump has called for the NFL game in Paris to be suspended, something which many fans, reporters, and apparently, the league itself, are not taking too seriously. Local police have sought to make it as difficult as possible for such riots to occur in the city center.
The police presence around Paris' major landmarks and tourist areas is unlike anything I have ever seen - thousands of officers walking the streets with firearms, assault rifles, and defensive equipment.
Curfews are in place for certain areas of Paris, along with a planned route for demonstrators — areas outside the city — while tourists like myself have been told to avoid the area.
Thousands of riot officers have walked the streets in the city center around the popular tourist spots
Thousands of riot officers have walked the streets in the city center around the popular tourist spots
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Paris is only a few hours away from where I grew up, in northern England, making it very accessible. I have been to Paris a handful of times, and I have never seen the Champs-Élysées like it was today — with many of the major stores boarded up.
Rolex, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Bulgari were stores taking no chances, boarding up their doors despite demonstrations expected to be many miles away.
Meanwhile, many major attractions are also closed, including Le Louver, with many complaining that they are not being given refunds.
As well as thousands of police officers, I also saw hundreds of police vehicles — some armored — with a few helicopters circling some of the tourist locations.
Many major stores have been boarded up with some vandalized
Many major stores have been boarded up with some vandalized
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There have been constant sirens going off throughout the day. I couldn't walk five minutes with a police vehicle driving past me.
While seeing the police out in force can be unsettling, I personally have not felt unsafe or uneasy walking around the city today.
There are areas in which police and many officials will warn you off going through.
What I saw today was NFL fans. I have seen tens of thousands of NFL fans, mostly Steelers supporters, who have made the trip over from Pittsburgh.
I spoke to a few who said the same things as I had — they didn’t feel unsafe, and they’ve had a great time in Paris so far.
Thousands of riot officers have been deployed in Paris to tackle and prevent acts of violence
Thousands of riot officers have been deployed in Paris to tackle and prevent acts of violence
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Tomorrow’s game is set to go ahead, despite the local soccer team, PSG, seeing their game against Lyon postponed.
The NFL did cancel a few fan events in the city today, but has not indicated concern about the game in the Saint-Denis area of Paris.
The NFL and local police are not expecting protests near Stade de France, the location of Sunday's game.
Just speaking personally, as alluded to, I have had a pleasant time in Paris so far.
Whilst seeing the images and video and reading about the horrific nature of yesterday’s news have been unsettling, I haven’t felt unsafe, and I’m excited for the game tomorrow.
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