The Paris 2024 Olympic Games redefined the traditional Olympic Opening Ceremony with a bold and innovative spectacle that captivated audiences around the world. By moving the ceremony from the stadium to the heart of the City of Light, this event was a truly unique and unforgettable experience. If you want to know more about the programme, the TV channel guide and where you could watch this event live, keep scrolling and read this article from top to bottom.
Breaking away from traditional Olympic ceremonies, Paris 2024 created a truly inclusive event. With 80 giant screens and speakers strategically placed throughout the French capital, the ceremony was accessible to a wider audience than ever before. This innovative approach ensured that everyone, from Parisians to global viewers, was able to be part of this historic moment, placing the athletes at the centre of the event and highlighting them as the true stars of the Olympic Games throughout the spectacle in an effort to showcase their talents and inspire the next generation.
The date of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony
The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was scheduled for today, Friday 26 July, and lasted around three and a half hours. It marks the official start of two weeks of games, which will culminate in a closing ceremony on Sunday 11 August.
What time did the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony start?
The Paris 2024 opening ceremony began at 19:30 CEST (18:30 BST in the UK / 13:30 ET and 10:30 PT in the US).
Where is the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony taking place?
Instead of the traditional procession through the stadium, athletes from around the world embarked on a historic journey along the River Seine. This innovative approach allowed for a more inclusive and accessible ceremony, with many people lining the banks to witness this extraordinary event. The parade offered a stunning backdrop of Paris’ most iconic landmarks, making it a truly unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike.
Schedule & Parade Route of the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony
The river parade followed the course of the Seine, from east to west, for 6 kilometres. The parade set off from the Austerlitz bridge, next to the Jardin des Plantes, at 7:30 p.m. (10:30 a.m. in Los Angeles, 2:30 p.m. in Rio de Janeiro, 6:30 p.m. in London and 8:30 p.m. in Athens) and circled the two islands in the city centre (Île Saint Louis and Île de la Cité) before passing under several bridges and gateways. Athletes on board the parade boats were able to see some of the official sites of the Games, including the Parc Urbain La Concorde, the Esplanade des Invalides, the Grand Palais and finally the Pont d’Iéna, where the parade stopped before the ceremony at the Trocadéro ended.
How to Watch the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony Live
All the action from Paris 2024 was available to watch via Media Rights Holders (MRHs) on traditional and streaming television. MRHs include France Télévisions in France, NBC in the United States, SKY NZ in New Zealand, Discovery Eurosport across Europe, Fuji TV/NHK/Nippon TV/TBS/TV Asahi/TV Tokyo in Japan, ARD/ZDF in Germany, the BBC in the United Kingdom, SuperSport in South Africa and Nine in Australia. For more information about where to watch the Olympics live, visit the official page.
