The much-anticipated opening ceremony for the Paris 2024 Olympics is set for this Friday, promising an extraordinary spectacle unlike any previous Olympic inauguration.
A River Parade of Athletes
In a departure from the traditional stadium march, approximately 6,800 athletes will parade on over 90 boats along the Seine River, covering a distance of 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). This unique ceremony will commence at 1:30 p.m. EDT / 7:30 p.m. CEST and is expected to span over three hours.
Where is the Opening Ceremony Being Held?
The parade begins at the Austerlitz Bridge next to the Jardin des Plantes and follows the Seine River from east to west. The route winds around two central islands, passing beneath several iconic bridges and gateways. Athletes aboard the boats will enjoy views of various Olympic venues, including La Concorde Urban Park (hosting 3×3 basketball, breaking, BMX freestyle cycling, and skateboarding), Invalides (featuring archery, athletics — marathon finish, and road cycling — time trial start), and the Grand Palais (hosting fencing and taekwondo). The parade will culminate at the Iena Bridge, connecting the Eiffel Tower on the Seine’s left bank to the Trocadéro district on the right bank. The ceremony’s grand finale will be held at the Trocadéro, where French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver the opening remarks.
How to Watch the Opening Ceremony
For viewers eager to witness this historic event, the ceremony will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock, as well as NBC’s Olympic platforms — NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, NBC app, and NBC Olympics app.
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