News Article
Published
Oct 24, 2026 at 03:03 PM EDT
The NFL’s first regular-season game in France has faced another disruption.
The league closed its NFL House fan venue in Paris on Saturday.
The decision came as authorities prepared for demonstrations across the capital, raising concerns about access and safety during the football weekend.
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NFL House was scheduled to host fan activities, including programs focused on French athletes and community initiatives. The league informed fans of the closure through its OnePass app, according to ESPN. The NFL merchandise shop had also been closed for Saturday, with fans directed to an alternative shop at Stade de France.
The disruptions come as Paris prepares for protests linked to concerns about living costs and public services.
Demonstrations have prompted a heightened security presence, with some businesses boarding up storefronts. Museums, including the Louvre and Orsay Museum, also closed on Saturday as officials sought to prevent further disorder.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said preparations had been coordinated with French and U.S. authorities.
“Protests are not unusual in France,” Goodell said, according to the Associated Press. He made the comment while discussing the league’s preparations and coordination with officials.
Despite the changes to its promotional schedule, the NFL has not canceled the game. The New Orleans Saints are still set to face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Stade de France on Sunday, Oct. 25, in the league’s first regular-season matchup in France.
The closures have shifted attention toward the challenges of staging an event amid public unrest. The league’s priority is to ensure the game proceeds safely while fans and visitors navigate the situation in Paris.