Steelers Cancel Paris Fan Event Amid Unrest

The Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints are scheduled to play the NFL’s first regular-season game in Paris on Sunday at Stade de France, and the game remains on schedule despite recent violent unrest and more protests expected in the capital. The Steelers canceled their planned Steelers House fan gathering at a bar in the Bastille neighborhood, near the expected protest route, citing security concerns; the NFL is coordinating with French authorities and says other fan events have not been disrupted. Protests over rising living costs and concerns about public services and school conditions have included clashes, looting and arrests, and the decision to proceed with the game has drawn safety concerns, including criticism from Dani Watt, wife of Steelers star T.J. Watt. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said he trusts the league would not proceed if the game were unsafe, while the U.S. State Department advised Americans in Paris to avoid demonstrations and remain alert. Separately, strong winds and rain led the Steelers to cancel Friday practice after arriving in France, leaving a Saturday walkthrough before kickoff.