Travel Advisory Issued For Steelers-Saints Game Due To Safety Concerns

If you plan on traveling to Paris for next weekend’s game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints, just know there’s a safety advisory in effect.

While the NFL is thrilled to have New Orleans and Pittsburgh compete in the first-ever game in Paris, there are safety concerns due to social unrest in France’s capital. According to the Associated Press, there have been thousands of arrests and hundreds of injuries since the protests first started.

“Weekslong student protests against poor school conditions and teacher shortages in France showed no signs of slowing on Wednesday, with unions calling for continued action a day after mass rallies around the country,” the New York Times wrote. “Demonstrators marched on Tuesday in dozens of cities and towns, from Caen in the north to Marseille in the south, drawing about 250,000 people, according to the Interior Ministry. Union activists, who have rallied in solidarity with high school students, put the number of demonstrators far higher.”

It’s worth noting the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for France, which means those heading over there should exercise increased caution.

The U.S. government has shared the following safety tips:

• Stay alert at tourist locations and crowded public places.
• Avoid demonstrations and areas with significant police activity.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities including movement restrictions related to any ongoing police action.
• Check local media for breaking events. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Find a safe place to stay and shelter in place if you are unable to leave the immediate area of a demonstration.

Will the game be moved?

Despite concerns about the protests in Paris, the NFL has confirmed the Steelers-Saints game isn’t being relocated.

“We’re excited for the first-ever regular season game in Paris, and preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France on October 25,” the NFL told ESPN. “As we do for every NFL game, including our international games, we work closely with local authorities and partners on all operational and security matters. We look forward to welcoming fans to Paris later this month.”

The Steelers-Saints game will kick off at 9:30 a.m. ET next Sunday.