Overview
- The NFL confirmed Tuesday that the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints will play as scheduled on Sunday, Oct. 25, at Stade de France under stepped-up security.
- League executives said security and operations personnel have been on the ground in Paris for about 10 days and that senior security lead Cathy Lanier is part of the on-site team.
- The league says it is working hour-by-hour with Parisian and national authorities plus the U.S. State Department to manage access to team sites, fan events and the stadium.
- The Saints are already in France while the Steelers plan to fly later this week, and several players and family members have publicly voiced concern about safety for the trip.
- French unrest has included large protests, violent clashes, looting and thousands of arrests with the prime minister ordering troop reinforcements for planned weekend demonstrations, and the NFL says contingency plans exist though officials insist they were never close to moving the game.