There they went: Local Steelers fans make trek to cheer team in Paris
Despite protests, die-hard Black and Gold supporters enjoy game of a lifetime
Tim Barton (left) and Scott Rhine (wearing No. 43) stand with Steelers fans outside the Stade de France in Paris on Sunday. Courtesy photo
Steelers fans Scott Rhine (left) and Tim Barton walk past a French police officer at the gates of the Stade de France stadium outside Paris before the start of the game Sunday. The Associated Press
From left, Beth Rhine, Tim Barton, Tina Barton and Scott Rhine take a photo inside the Stade de France during the Pittsburgh Steelers game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in Paris. Courtesy photo
Scott Rhine (left) and Tim Barton (right) stand with their wives, Tina Barton (second left) and Beth Rhine among a crowd of fans inside the Stade de France in Paris. Courtesy photo
Scott Rhine and his wife Beth hold their Terrible Towel in the Stade de France in Paris. Courtesy photo
Tim Barton and his wife Tina display their “Torchon Terrible” at the Stade de France at the Steelers game in Paris on Sunday. Courtesy photo
Tim Barton (left) and Scott Rhine (wearing No. 43) stand with Steelers fans outside the Stade de France in Paris on Sunday. Courtesy photo
Steelers fans Scott Rhine (left) and Tim Barton walk past a French police officer at the gates of the Stade de France stadium outside Paris before the start of the game Sunday. The Associated Press
From left, Beth Rhine, Tim Barton, Tina Barton and Scott Rhine take a photo inside the Stade de France during the Pittsburgh Steelers game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in Paris. Courtesy photo
Scott Rhine (left) and Tim Barton (right) stand with their wives, Tina Barton (second left) and Beth Rhine among a crowd of fans inside the Stade de France in Paris. Courtesy photo
Scott Rhine and his wife Beth hold their Terrible Towel in the Stade de France in Paris. Courtesy photo
Tim Barton and his wife Tina display their “Torchon Terrible” at the Stade de France at the Steelers game in Paris on Sunday. Courtesy photo
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A couple of Altoona die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fans had an "incredible experience" cheering on their team at Sunday's game in Paris against the New Orleans Saints, despite a wave of riots across France.
Scott Rhine and Tim Barton arrived in Paris on Saturday with their wives, Beth and Tina, respectively, along with two other couples, ready to watch the Steelers play in the first NFL Paris game at the Stade de France.
When the game was announced back in May, the two knew they had to be there and immediately bought their tickets.
However, over the last few weeks, protests throughout the streets of France, including Paris, have progressed into rioting and looting.
With safety in mind, talk about canceling the game surfaced until the NFL released a statement last week noting that preparations for the historic game remained in place and that they were working closely with local authorities for security measures.
The Stade de France in Saint-Denis, France, was fenced in and had only a few entrance access points that were secured with "massive" police presence who were armed with heavy weaponry, Rhine said.
While Rhine, Barton and their crew had been paying attention to the news and had some concerns about safety, they said with the amount of security present at the stadium, they had every intention of moving forward with the once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"Honestly, the game was fantastic," Rhine said. "There were a ton of Steelers fans there and obviously we won, so that makes it even better, but it was very loud and a great experience and I'm very glad we did it."
During the game, Barton said he felt very safe and Rhine said he was very comfortable, facing no issues with staff or opposing fans. The two complimented the venue, noting that everyone was very nice and the food and drinks were great until the venue ran out.
Barton said he doesn't think they were expecting or anticipating that size of a crowd.
For years, Rhine and Barton have been attending home and away Steelers games, as they are both season ticket holders. Last year, the two witnessed Pittsburgh's win over the Minnesota Vikings in Dublin and had a "fantastic" time.
Of the 30 NFL stadiums, Rhine has been to 22 of those stadiums, traveling all over the United States to make it to as many Steelers games as possible and making it to the Paris game was no exception.
"I have traveled to many places and my wife and I plan to go to many more games," Rhine said. "Going to an away game is always spectacular. There were so many Steelers fans present."
On top of the Steelers win, Rhine and Barton were surprised to find out that a photo of them was captured outside the stadium by the Associated Press that was published on AP's website and on Page B2 in Monday's Altoona Mirror.
The pair received messages from friends and family with the photo, saying they were famous.
"I mean, what are the chances? There's 75,000 people in attendance and they got us in the photo," Rhine said.
For the rest of the week, Rhine, Barton and their wives will remain in Paris, roaming the city and sightseeing.
While the football game was clear of protests, the streets of Paris tell a different story. During their bus tour in the heart of Paris, Rhine said there was a lot of damage to buildings as storefronts were boarded up and police were walking around with guns.
"You can just see how much damage there has been with all the storefronts being boarded up and stuff like that, but it doesn't seem to have deterred too many people because this place is packed," Rhine said during a telephone interview Monday.
As visitors in the area, Rhine wasn't sure how they would be perceived, but he said that everyone has so far been very welcoming to their group.
Despite the recent events, Rhine and Barton had the time of their lives watching the game that they love.
"It was a great, hard-fought game and a good win for the Steelers," Barton said. "We go to a lot of games and this was one of the better ones."
Mirror Staff Writer Jayla Nartatez is at 814-946-7535.