Paris Prepares for Historic Olympic Opening Ceremony on the Seine

Excitement is building in Paris as the city prepares to host the Summer Olympics for the third time, starting Friday, July 26. This year’s Olympics promises to be historic, particularly with the Opening Ceremony taking place on the Seine River, rather than in an Olympic Stadium.

The parade of nations will be a mesmerizing spectacle as athletes travel in boats along the river, passing iconic landmarks including the Notre-Dame and the Louvre. The event will culminate at the Trocadéro, with the Eiffel Tower as the stunning backdrop.

Due to security concerns, the number of spectators will be limited to around 300,000, who will line the riverbanks to watch the 3.7-mile parade that is expected to last nearly four hours. With sunset scheduled for 9:37 p.m., officials are excited about using natural light to create a breathtaking visual experience.

Viewers in the United States can catch the event live on NBC and Peacock. Coverage begins at 1:30 p.m. ET with Mike Tirico leading the show, joined by Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning. The parade will also have real-time commentary available online.

This year’s Opening Ceremony is expected to be a magnificent display of French culture, with various performances planned alongside the parade. Athletes from 206 nations are set to participate, showcasing their talents and representing their countries.

In light of current global conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, security measures around the event will be rigorous. Authorities are implementing extensive security checks, and access permits will be required for Parisian citizens and spectators near the event area.

As the countdown to the Olympics continues, sports enthusiasts, performers, and officials eagerly anticipate an event that is expected to draw hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide, even as the audience for prior ceremonies has seen a decline.

While the atmosphere buzzes with excitement, the city of Paris is also preparing to pamper the Olympic athletes with a variety of experiences, including tutorials on making traditional French baguettes. Athletes are embracing their time in Paris, learning not just their sports, but also a bit of French culture.

As the Opening Ceremony draws near, many notable figures are flocking to the city, with rumors of performances from stars like Lady Gaga and Celine Dion stirring up additional excitement. French officials remain tight-lipped about any scheduled performances, adding to the sense of anticipation for the big night.