Paris 2024: Olympics Kick Off with a Seine River Ceremony
The 2024 Paris Olympics have officially begun with a unique and ambitious opening ceremony, a spectacle unlike any other in Olympic history. Thousands of Olympians, including Team USA athletes, cruised along the Seine River in a parade of nations that celebrated the city's iconic landmarks.
This is the first time the opening ceremony has been held outside a stadium, creating a dynamic and visually stunning experience. Athletes from all corners of the globe, including Team USA flag bearers LeBron James and Coco Gauff, floated on boats along a six-kilometer route, traversing Paris from the Pont d'Austerlitz to the Trocadero.
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Key Highlights:
Opening Ceremony Time: The ceremony commenced at 1:30 p.m. EST (7:30 p.m. in Paris). NBC began television coverage at noon ET, with the full event expected to last more than three hours.
Team USA Outfit: Team USA's opening ceremony outfit, designed by Ralph Lauren, is a modern take on classic American style. It features a tailored wool blazer with red and white tipping, a striped oxford shirt, tapered jeans, and classic suede buck shoes.
NBC's "Gold Zone": For fans who enjoy the âNFL Red Zone,â NBC has launched âGold Zone,â a whip-around format showcasing up to 40 simultaneous live events at the Games.
Russia's Participation: Russia is technically banned from the Games, but some Russian athletes are competing as "Individual Neutral Athletes," or AINs, without flags, anthems, or national uniforms.
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Other Notable Points:
Snoop Dogg: The rapper is back for the 2024 Olympics, carrying the Olympic torch and serving as a "special correspondent" for NBC.
Simone Biles: The gymnastics superstar is competing in her third Olympics and begins her competition on Sunday, July 28.
Kelsey Plum: The Las Vegas Aces star, a 3x3 basketball gold medalist in Tokyo, is now playing for the U.S. 5x5 team in Paris.
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Looking Ahead:
Closing Ceremony: The 2024 Summer Games will conclude with the closing ceremony on August 11.
2028 Olympics: The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles.
Weather Concerns: Rain threatened to dampen the opening ceremony festivities, with a high probability of continuous rain throughout the evening.
The 2024 Paris Olympics promise to be a memorable event, showcasing the spirit of competition and the beauty of Paris. With a unique opening ceremony, innovative coverage, and a global roster of athletes, this year's Games are poised to captivate audiences around the world.
