The NFL has closed its NFL House fan experience in Paris as the French capital prepares for planned street protests, adding to security-related disruptions ahead of the league’s first regular-season game in France.
The league notified fans of Saturday’s closure through its OnePass app, citing “potential accessibility issues.” The decision followed the closure of the NFL’s temporary merchandise shop in central Paris on Friday.
The disruptions have cast a shadow over Sunday’s historic matchup between the New Orleans Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, just north of Paris.
NFL Fan Events Face Disruptions
Several activities scheduled at NFL House on Saturday, including “French Athletes in Football” and “From the Field to the Community,” were affected by the closure.
The Saints also announced that their planned Saints House event had been postponed until Sunday. Meanwhile, a separate gathering for Steelers fans had already been canceled on Thursday because of security concerns.
Although the central Paris merchandise shop was closed, the NFL had announced an alternative pop-up shop at Stade de France for fans seeking team apparel.
Paris Increases Security Ahead of Protests
Paris prepared for demonstrations Saturday with a heavy police presence and businesses boarding up storefronts. Major cultural attractions, including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, were also closed for the day.
French authorities have been working to prevent a repeat of recent violent unrest, which has included clashes and property damage.
The U.S. State Department issued a security alert this week warning Americans traveling to Paris for the NFL game to exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings.
The precautions have added uncertainty for visiting fans, although the league has continued preparations for Sunday’s contest.
Goodell Says NFL Is Working With Authorities
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said earlier in the week that the league had coordinated its preparations with U.S. and French authorities. He also noted that street protests are not unusual in France.
On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron met with Goodell, Saints owner Gayle Benson and Steelers owner Art Rooney II at the Élysée Palace. Their discussions included Sunday’s game and the NFL’s long-term future in Paris.
The meeting came as the league continued to navigate security concerns while preparing for its French debut.
Saints and Steelers Game Remains the Main Attraction
Despite the canceled and postponed fan activities, the Saints and Steelers are scheduled to meet Sunday at Stade de France in the NFL’s first regular-season game in France.
The league has emphasized its coordination with local authorities as it prepares for the event. The stadium, located in Saint-Denis outside central Paris, is separate from several of the city’s main protest areas.
Sunday’s matchup marks a significant step in the NFL’s international expansion, but the disruptions surrounding the game highlight the logistical challenges of staging major sporting events amid civil unrest.
For fans in Paris, the focus now shifts to the game itself and the security arrangements surrounding the historic occasion.
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