A preview of the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics will air on NBC at 12 p.m. ET on Friday, July 26. Live coverage of the Opening Ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. ET, and with an enhanced encore in primetime at 7:30 p.m. ET/MT/PT that same day. The Ceremony is expected to last over three hours. Streaming on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, NBC app, NBC Olympics app.
On July 26, 2024, Paris will host an Opening Ceremony unlike any in Olympic history, revolutionizing the way the world experiences the Games. The concerted efforts of Paris 2024, the City of Paris, the French government, the IOC, and the CNOSF have culminated in a bold, original, and unique event that promises to be one of the most memorable moments in Olympic history.
For the first time ever, the Opening Ceremony will take place outside of a traditional stadium, utilizing the iconic Seine River as its stage. This innovative approach not only brings the ceremony into the heart of the city but also highlights the beauty and cultural significance of Paris. The Seine, the main artery of the city, will be the focal point as athletes make their way through Paris, symbolizing the seamless integration of sport and city life.
The parade of athletes will be a spectacular river procession, with each national delegation traveling on individual boats equipped with cameras to give television and online viewers an up-close experience. The 10,500 athletes will journey 6 kilometers from the Austerlitz bridge to the Trocadéro, passing through the center of Paris and providing stunning visuals of the city’s landmarks. This dynamic setting not only showcases Paris but also celebrates the athletes, putting them at the heart of the ceremony from start to finish.
In a historic move, the ceremony will be accessible to a large audience without an admission fee for most spectators. Fans can watch from the upper quays for free, while tickets are required for the lower quays between the Austerlitz and Iéna bridges. Eighty giant screens and strategically placed speakers will ensure that everyone can enjoy the event, creating a magical atmosphere that resonates throughout the French capital. This inclusive approach aims to engage residents of Paris, visitors from across France, and international spectators alike.
Paris 2024 has placed athletes at the core of the Opening Ceremony, breaking with tradition by featuring the parade of athletes at the beginning. Throughout the ceremony, athletes will take center stage, reflecting Paris 2024’s commitment to creating Games that prioritize the participants. This athlete-focused approach ensures that the ceremony is a true celebration of their dedication and achievements.
The river parade will start at the Austerlitz bridge beside the Jardin des Plantes at 7:30 p.m. CET. It will then make its way around Île Saint Louis and Île de la Cité, passing under several bridges and past key Olympic venues such as Parc Urbain La Concorde, the Esplanade des Invalides, and the Grand Palais. The parade will culminate at the Iéna bridge, leading to the finale at the Trocadéro where the remaining Olympic protocols and final shows will take place.
The Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris is set to be the largest in Games history, open to all and designed to be a spectacular celebration of sport, culture, and unity. By breaking new ground and making the event accessible to a wide audience, Paris 2024 is setting a new standard for future Olympic ceremonies. This historic event promises to captivate the world and leave a lasting legacy for the city of Paris and the Olympic movement.
