Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry departed for France on Monday evening, leading a group of supporters to Saint-Denis for the upcoming NFL game between the New Orleans Saints and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The charter flight was expected to land at Charles de Gaulle Airport on Tuesday, carrying the Saints' Super Bowl XLIV Lombardi Trophy with it.
The trip is taking place while the French government has imposed a curfew and closed some businesses and tourist sites due to street violence in Paris and other cities. Landry told reporters that he has spoken with the State Department and that the NFL, which works with the FBI, Department of Justice, and Interpol, confirmed the situation is safe for the group.
Landry stated that the group waited for the league's assessment before proceeding. He noted that the NFL indicated it was safe to travel, so the delegation from Louisiana planned to go to France to enjoy the event.
The NFL released a statement on Sunday confirming that preparations for the game at Stade de France are continuing as scheduled. The league said it is working closely with local authorities on security matters and providing regular updates to the clubs, noting that there has been no disruption at league sites.
The Saints traveled to France immediately after their Sunday game. Their players are off duty Tuesday and are staying near Versailles. Some players plan to attend a Paris Saint-Germain FC soccer match in the evening. The Steelers are scheduled to fly to France on Thursday. On Monday afternoon, the team held a video conference with the league office, with owner Art Rooney II, coach Mike McCarthy, and all players and coaches in attendance.
"We are aware of the situations over there, and have a lot of confidence in our plan," McCarthy said. He described the meeting as part of normal planning for international travel.
Landry intends to use his time in France for business purposes as well as attending the football game. He mentioned meetings with the CEOs of Shell and BP. He also hopes to meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who is scheduled to attend the game, to lobby for another Super Bowl in New Orleans.