It's almost time to say bonjour to the 2024 Summer Olympics. After years of anticipation, the Games are closer than ever, with the Olympic Trials creeping up all throughout April, May, and June. Considering that spectators weren't allowed at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Paris 2024 Olympics are set to be one of the most highly anticipated Olympic Games in recent memory. In fact, the 2024 Summer Olympics have been making headlines ever since France was confirmed as the host nation in 2017.
Given all the Olympic buzz, we took the liberty of rounding up all of the important information made available thus far. That includes details about the 2024 Summer Olympics dates, scheduling for the Olympic Trials, new 2024 Summer Olympics sports, and where to watch the Summer Olympics from home. Plus, if you're ready to take a trip to Paris, find out how to score tickets to the Olympics. Whether you're tuning in remotely or cheering on the athletes at the opening ceremony, it definitely pays to know the basics. Read on for the full Olympic rundown, and go Team USA!
Where Are the 2024 Summer Olympics?
Paris — otherwise known as the city of love and the capital of France — is set to host the 2024 Summer Olympics. Expect coverage to feature Parisian history with landmarks like the Seine River, Grand Palais, and Eiffel Tower. Most of the Games will take place in the official host city with 35 different venues across the entire Île-de-France region. Among these locations, the park at the foot of the Eiffel Tower will serve as a temporary outdoor arena, the Trocadéro will offer views of the triathlon and swimming events, and the iconic Bercy Arena will hold events like artistic gymnastics and basketball. Just outside city limits, the Château de Versailles will host equestrian events like show jumping, dressage and cross-country. The five modern pentathlon events (fencing, swimming, riding, shooting, and running) will also take place in Versailles.
When Will the 2024 Paris Olympics Take Place?
The Paris Games will begin on Friday, July 26, 2024, and conclude on Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024. Olympic Trials are taking place throughout April, May, and June. Notably, the Olympic Swimming Trials are set for June 15-23 at the Indianapolis Colts's Lucas Oil Stadium, marking the return of record-breaking athletes like Katie Ledecky. The Olympic Gymnastics Trials will take place on June 27-30 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with Suni Lee, Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas all competing to make the five-person team. While the Olympic Wrestling Trials are scheduled for April 19-20, the Olympic Diving Trials will take place on June 16-23, and the Track and Field Trials will follow on June 21-30.
Has Paris Ever Hosted the Olympics Before?
Yes! In fact, the 2024 Olympics will mark Paris's third time hosting the Summer Games — an impressive milestone only London has conquered thus far. Additionally, France will be returning as the host nation for the sixth time. Previously, France hosted the Summer Games in 1904 and 1924, both of which were set in Paris, as well as the Winter Games in 1924 (Chamonix), 1968 (Grenoble), and 1992 (Albertville). Needless to say, France knows a thing or two about hosting the Olympics.
Will There Be Any New Sports at the Paris 2024 Olympics?
In addition to the usual summer sports like gymnastics and swimming, breakdancing has been added to the Olympic lineup for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Similar to skateboarding and surfing, which made their Olympic debut in Tokyo, breakdancing is expanding the definition of Olympic sports, and has quickly become one of the most talked about events. Fans will also be happy to see Paris include newer sports like sport climbing, karate, and — yes — skateboarding and surfing, in the 2024 Games, too. According to the Paris Olympics site, the city added these sports to their initial IOC proposal because they "are closely associated with youth and reward creativity and athletic performance." This also speaks to the IOC's continued effort to integrate more inclusive and youth-focused sports into the Olympics.
How Can I Get Tickets For the 2024 Paris Olympics?
Tickets for the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympics are now available on a first come, first served basis. To get your tickets, make sure to use the official ticket service provider here, as no other platforms are allowed to sell tickets. Some sessions are already sold out, but more tickets will regularly be added for sale. To help with ticket distribution, additional surprise ticket releases will be announced only a few days in advance, giving more people the chance to buy tickets. You can create a ticketing account here to stay up to date with all the latest ticketing news and updates. When purchasing tickets, you'll be able to select your desired city, sport, and venue. There are also resources available to help you create a travel or hospitality package with increased access to exclusive guest areas, and a wide range of services to make the most of your trip. These may include local transportation, tours, and other accommodations.
How Can I Watch the 2024 Paris Olympics?
For those located in the US, the 2024 Paris Games will be available for viewing on NBC and its affiliated platforms (including Peacock). This is part of the exclusive contract the IOC granted NBC in 2014, which states that the network has exclusive broadcasting rights to both the Summer and Winter Olympics through 2032.