Saints Learn More on Safety Precautions Before Game in Paris

The New Orleans Saints enter what was seen as a special opportunity on Sunday. The Saints will play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Paris.

We have discussed the history of French involvement in Louisiana and New Orleans this week. Obviously, the game can still be special. However, there is concern over the safety of the game in France.

It has been widely documented that there have been an uptick in French protests in Paris of late. Whether those concerns are as significant as they have been made to be is unclear, but the NFL feels like it can have the game as planned.

The Associated Press updated the French effort to make Paris safe this weekend. Here's some of what they had to say on how they are protecting against violent protests on Sunday.

"Major museums, including the Louvre and Orsay Museum, are closed Saturday, though tourists were lined up to enter Notre Dame Cathedral. French authorities are intent on preventing a repeat of recent violent unrest.

The U.S. State Department this week issued a security alert that cautioned 'Americans in Paris for the NFL game' to 'exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings' because of protests.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said this week that preparations were made in consultation with U.S. and French authorities. Street protests, he said, 'are not unusual in France.'

On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron met with Goodell along with Saints owner Gayle Benson and Steelers owners Art Rooney II at the Élysée Palace to 'discuss Sunday's game and the long-term future of the NFL in Paris.' The NFL said Friday that its pop-up shop in the city center would be closed Saturday but that fans could use an alternative shop set up at Stade de France, located north of the city in Saint-Denis."

It's unfortunate that many who would have liked to see the game won't get to take in all of the sites that make Paris unique, but the opportunity to watch the Saints play where much of New Orleans' history derives from still remains. The Saints will have the chance to compete against one of the NFL's best for a win in a new environment.

The Saints have issues of their own to worry about like getting critical stops. But the NFL and Paris are hoping to take care of their safety for the game.

New Orleans will hope to get their third win against the Steelers on Sunday.