Saints Fans and Louisiana Governor Head to France for NFL Game
Supporters of the New Orleans Saints began their journey to France early Tuesday. An Air France charter flight carried Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry and several others to Charles de Gaulle Airport near Paris. The trip precedes the upcoming NFL game between the Saints and Pittsburgh Steelers at Stade de France in Saint-Denis.
Gov. Landry, donned in a hoodie featuring the Saints’ fleur-de-lis emblem, boarded the flight at Louis Armstrong Airport on Monday evening. Before departing, he shared his excitement with reporters while traveling with a group planning to spend the week in France.
“We have been in touch with the State Department and local partners,” Landry informed reporters. He expressed confidence in the safety measures for the trip, which included carrying the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV Lombardi Trophy. According to him, the NFL collaborates effectively with the FBI, Department of Justice, and Interpol to ensure security at new stadiums.
“The NFL confirmed it’s safe. We will be there with many folks from Louisiana, aiming to enjoy a good time.”
The NFL released a statement affirming the game will proceed, despite avoiding a definitive declaration of safety. “Preparations continue as scheduled for NFL events and the game at Stade de France next Sunday,” read the statement. They continue coordinating with local authorities for security and provide updates to the teams.
The Saints arrived in France after their last game, with fans following along. The Pittsburgh Steelers plan their travel for Thursday, holding a Zoom meeting to discuss plans with the league office. Steelers coach Mike McCarthy said it’s part of their routine when traveling abroad.
“The team looks forward to the trip and we’ll stay informed of the situation,” McCarthy stated.
New Orleans players, meanwhile, are off-duty on Tuesday, allowing them to explore around Versailles. Some expressed interest in attending a Paris Saint-Germain FC soccer match.
This comes amidst measures taken by the French government due to unrest in Paris and other cities, leading to curfews and some closures of tourist attractions.
Landry has business engagements planned while in France, including meetings with CEOs of Shell and BP. He also hopes to meet NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who will attend the game, to discuss the possibility of another Super Bowl in New Orleans.