Pittsburgh fans board special flight to Paris for Steelers’ first-ever NFL game in the city
The league used a stitched natural-and-artificial surface and added 25 lockers as it expands its international schedule to nine games in 2026.
- On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints will play at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, featuring a specialized hybrid field grown in Milan and transported to Paris.
- NFL field director Nick Pappas oversaw installation of the hybrid surface, which uses natural grass stitched with artificial fibers for stability, following a 10-hour truck journey from Milan.
- To accommodate a 53-man roster, the Saints requested the visitors' locker room at the Stade, requiring 25 additional lockers, extra showers, a medical room, and a cooling tub.
- Jon Barker, NFL head of international games and major events, said the league views France as "a very important market" and plans to open offices there for long-term expansion.
- The NFL is expanding its international presence in 2026 with a record schedule, and Barker noted that Sunday's event will incorporate local Parisian decorum and entertainment to build new fan relationships.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Los Angeles Times
Independent EspañolWork to prepare the lawn for Sunday's NFL match at Stade de France began months ago on an Italian farm near Milan.
The Toronto Star
Preparing the field for Sunday’s NFL game in Paris began months ago at an Italian farm near Milan
PARIS (AP) — Work on preparing the grass field for Sunday’s NFL game at Stade de France began months ago at an Italian farm near Milan.
NFL fans were looking forward to it: on Sunday, Paris will join Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin, Dublin, Madrid and London on the list of European cities that have hosted a match of the prestigious North American league. The Stade de France will be the scene of confrontation between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New Orleans Saints. Beyond the match... Read more »
Stade de France is Paris’ Superdome. To host the Saints, the NFL had plenty to change.
By now, the NFL has become more than equipped to handle the necessary work. France is the ninth non-U.S. country to host an NFL game, the latest part of an international slate that began in 2007. Some venues have held up better than others.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 47% of the sources lean Left, 46% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
