The world’s eyes are on Paris 2024 as thousands of athletes come together for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, showcasing the results of years of intense training. The highly anticipated event kicks off with the opening ceremony on Friday, July 26.
Mark your calendars for Friday, July 26, 2024. The opening ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. ET (10:30 a.m. PT). Tune in to NBC, which will start its coverage at noon ET. For those who miss the live broadcast, NBC will air an enhanced encore presentation at 7:30 p.m. ET. Don’t miss this spectacular start to the games!
What’s New with the 2024 Opening Ceremony?
The 2024 Summer Olympics opening ceremony is breaking new ground with a unique and unforgettable format. For the first time ever, the event will not be held in a stadium. Instead, athletes and coaches will float down the Seine River in a grand parade, passing by many of Paris’s historic sites.
Key Highlights:
- Location: The parade will take place along the Seine River, offering a picturesque and iconic setting.
- Free Admission: Spectators can watch from the riverbanks without any admission fee.
- Artistic Direction: Renowned French director Thomas Jolly will helm the ceremony’s artistic elements.
- Presidential Address: French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver a concluding speech to cap off the evening.
The Athletes: The Heart and Soul of the 2024 Opening Ceremony
In a departure from tradition, the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics will center the opening ceremony around the athletes themselves. The event will kick off with a grand parade of athletes, highlighting their achievements and spirit both on stage before and during the ceremony.
Event Highlights:
- Athletes’ Parade: For the first time, the ceremony will start with a parade featuring athletes as the main attraction.
- Massive Participation: 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) will participate.
- VIP Attendees: Approximately 120 heads of state, sovereigns, and government leaders will be in attendance.
Global Viewership:
- An estimated 1.5 billion people are expected to watch the opening ceremony on TV and online.
- The event will be broadcast globally, ensuring audiences worldwide can witness the spectacular start of the 2024 Summer Olympic Games.
How to Watch the Paris 2024 Olympics
U.S. Broadcast Schedule:
- Networks: NBC and USA Network
- Streaming: Exclusively on Peacock
Opening Ceremony:
- Date: Friday, July 26, 2024
- Preview Show: Begins at 9 a.m. PT / 12 p.m. ET on NBC
- Ceremony Start Time: 10:30 a.m. PT / 1:30 p.m. ET
- Duration: Approximately four hours
General Olympics Coverage:
- Daily Broadcast: NBC will air coverage from about midnight PT / 3 a.m. ET to 3 p.m. PT / 6 p.m. ET.
- Primetime Show: A daily show featuring behind-the-scenes looks and highlights.
Closing Ceremony:
- Date: Sunday, August 11, 2024
- Time: 12 to 2:15 p.m. PT / 3 to 5:15 p.m. ET
How can I watch the 2024 Olympics’ Opening Ceremony for free?
It won’t be hard. Since NBC’s broadcast channel is the primary spot airing the ceremony, you can watch for free with a good HD antenna. Be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home to find the most reliable signal.
