How to Watch the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony
The highly anticipated opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics is set for Friday, breaking with tradition to offer a spectacular and unique experience.
Innovative Parade on the Seine River
Unlike previous ceremonies held in stadiums, around 10,500 athletes will parade on more than 90 boats along the Seine River for 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). This parade will mark the beginning of the ceremony, a significant departure from the norm.
Olympics Start Time and Duration
The opening ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. EDT / 7:30 p.m. CEST and is expected to last over three hours.
Location and Route
The parade commences at the Austerlitz Bridge near the Jardin des Plantes. It follows the Seine’s course from east to west, weaving around two central city islands and passing under numerous bridges and gateways. Athletes will get views of several Olympic venues, including La Concorde Urban Park, Invalides, and the Grand Palais. The parade concludes at the Iena Bridge, linking the Eiffel Tower to the Trocadéro district, where the ceremony’s finale will take place. French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver the opening remarks at the Trocadéro.
Spectator Arrangements
Approximately 220,000 invited and security-screened spectators will occupy the upper tiers of the Seine’s banks, with an additional 104,000 paying spectators watching from the lower riverside and the Trocadéro plaza. For those in Paris without tickets, 80 giant screens will be set up throughout the city to broadcast the ceremony.
Performers at the Opening Ceremony
In addition to the athlete parade, the opening and closing ceremonies will feature 3,000 dancers, artists, and other athletes. While most acts remain undisclosed, speculation surrounds potential performances by Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, who have been spotted in Paris.
Read also:- British Olympian Charlotte Dujardin Withdraws from Paris Games Amid
Weather Considerations
Should it rain during the ceremony, athletes and spectators will get wet as there is no roof over the Seine. The latest weather forecast from Meteo-France predicts overcast skies from midday onward, with a small chance of light rain in the morning. Although the weather is expected to improve in the afternoon, showers could still affect the Paris region in the evening. Despite the potential for rain, the ceremony is planned to proceed as scheduled.
Watching the Ceremony
For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be broadcast live, ensuring fans worldwide can enjoy the grand spectacle of the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony.