The NFL confirmed Wednesday that the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints will play their scheduled regular season game on Oct. 25 at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, despite ongoing protests in the city now in their third week.
"Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday," the NFL said in a statement. "We continue to work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters."
The league added that there has been no disruption or impact at league sites and that it provides regular updates to both clubs on operational and security matters.
The protests stem from student and education sector demands that the French government address under-resourced schools, poor conditions and teacher shortages. Demonstrators report deteriorating school facilities and pest infestations. Police have deployed tear gas and stun grenades to control crowds. Protesters have set fires and caused property damage. According to CBS News, authorities detained over 5,000 people in connection with the protests. Local officials are investigating both the unrest and police responses.
The French government remains in political deadlock ahead of spring presidential elections and has not announced plans to address protester demands.
The NFL has altered game locations before due to extreme weather or field conditions, and could reconsider if the situation escalates. However, the league said no such change is currently planned.
The Saints, designated as the home team, have only a private youth sports event scheduled in New Orleans on game day. If necessary, the game could move to Caesar's Superdome, though that appears unlikely at present.
This will mark the first NFL regular season game played in France. The Steelers played in Dublin last season against the Minnesota Vikings. The Saints last played internationally in 2022 in London against the Vikings.