Sports Desk, July 26: The Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony is set to be a groundbreaking event, taking place on the iconic Seine River on July 26. This historic ceremony will be the first of its kind held outside a stadium, offering a spectacular start to the Summer Games.
A Historic First for the Olympics
The Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony will make history as the first-ever to take place outside a stadium. The event will be held on the Seine River, honoring both the City of Light and the waterway that runs through it. This unique setting will allow many spectators to witness the grandeur of the ceremony, emphasizing the inclusivity and accessibility of the Games.
The Ceremony in Numbers
Approximately 94 boats will form the parade fleet along the Seine, creating a six-kilometer-long route. The ceremony will feature 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), all participating in this unprecedented celebration.
Time and Location
The ceremony will begin at 11:00 pm IST and is expected to last more than three hours. The parade will start at the Austerlitz Bridge near the Jardin des Plantes and travel west along the Seine. Athletes will pass several Olympic venues, including La Concorde Urban Park, Invalides, and the Grand Palais, before concluding at the Iena Bridge near the Eiffel Tower. The finale will take place at the Trocadéro, where French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver the opening remarks.
Parade Route Highlights
The parade route offers a visual exploration of Parisian history and architecture. Starting at the Austerlitz Bridge and ending opposite the Trocadéro, the route passes under historical landmarks such as Notre Dame and the Louvre. The athletes, organized by their national teams aboard boats, will arrive across from the Eiffel Tower for the formal announcement of the Paris 2024 Games.
Olympic Torch Bearer
Hip hop legend Snoop Dogg will carry the Olympic torch on its final leg around the Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis, adding a unique touch to the event.
Spectators and Tickets
For the first time, the majority of spectators can watch the Opening Ceremony for free. An estimated 222,000 free tickets will be available for viewing from the upper banks of the Seine, while 104,000 paid tickets will be available on the lower quays. For those unable to secure tickets, the ceremony will be broadcast on 80 giant screens set up throughout Paris.
Performances and Attire
Canadian singer Celine Dion and US pop star Lady Gaga are expected to perform Édith Piaf’s classic “La Vie en Rose”. Other rumored performers include Dua Lipa and Ariana Grande.
Athletes will showcase luxury-designed uniforms, with Indian athletes wearing kurta bandi sets for men and matching sarees for women, designed by Tarun Tahiliani with traditional ikat-inspired prints and Banarasi brocade.
Topics of Paris Olympics 2024
Paris 2024 emphasizes commitments to gender equality, sustainability, and legacy, under the slogan “Games Wide Open”. The Opening Ceremony will highlight the creativity and culture of the host nation, setting the stage for a memorable Olympic Games.
