Why is the 2024 Olympics in Paris opening ceremony on the Seine? How long does it last and what is the route?

Opening the Olympic Games is always a historic event in world sports. This time round, the opening ceremony in Paris, to be held on July 26, will not take place as usual in the Olympic stadium, but will be held across the city itself.

And there is no better way to show the world the beauty of the French capital than a tour of the Seine River. Combined with the show itself, the unique event will be something that will remain etched in the memory of everyone watching.

This XXXIII edition of the Olympic Games is designed by and for the athletes, according to the official website. Therefore, to give importance to the athletes, the event will begin with the flag parade, something that is normally done at the end.

How long is the river Seine ceremony?

The flag parade will last for most of the ceremony, simply because those participating must make a six-kilometre journey from the beginning of the route to the end, so that athletes from all nations can finish together on the same stage.

Of course, the planning did not just take into account the athletes, but also the spectators, who will be able to watch on from the riverbanks. In fact, people will be able to watch it for free, without having to buy a ticket except if they want to see it from the lower docks, the area closest to the river.

It is estimated that between the stands installed (200,000), and the direct view from balconies (400,000), the event will have more than 600,000 spectators. In addition, eight giant screens located at strategic points and loudspeakers will facilitate the viewing of the event.

The 10,500 athletes in attendance will travel on boats along the Seine on a six-kilometre course starting at the Pont d’Austerlitz and ending at the Trocadero, the place known for having the best view of the Eiffel Tower, where the ceremony will end. Along the way, the athletes will be able to take in the sights of the city such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Louvre Museum.

The Paris Olympics’ opening ceremony is to take place on Friday July 26, 2024. It’s scheduled to start at 1:30pm ET/10:30am PT at go on for around 4 hours. In a few sports, competitions got underway in the two days before the Games’ curtain-raising event. Check out the full Olympics schedule. Stream the Olympics live on fuboTV.