2024 Paris OIympics: When are the games? Guide to Tickets, Key Dates and Sports

The Paris Olympics are rapidly approaching - and you’ve got many questions that need to be answered. So, here’s the complete breakdown on dates, sports, tickets and more.

The Paris Olympics are almost here, and hundreds of thousands of people are about to descend on the City of Love.

But when do they actually start? And how can you watch all the action from your couch in Australia?

Read on for our all-encompassing guide on everything you need to know about the 2024 Olympics – from key dates and how to get tickets, to what new sports you can watch this year, and even an introduction to the mascot of the Paris Games.

When do the Paris Olympics Start?

The Paris Olympic Games begin with the opening ceremony on July 26 and the closing ceremony on August 11.

However, the first competition actually commences on July 24 football and rugby sevens, with archery and handball starting on July 25.

When are the next Olympics?

The 2028 Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles, USA from July 14-30.

The opening ceremony is set to take place in the river Seine. Picture: Bertrand GUAY / AFP

How many times has Paris hosted the Olympics?

This is the third time Paris has hosted the summer Olympic Games. Paris previously staged the Games in 1900 and 1924.

Where will the Olympics be held in Paris?

The 2024 Olympic Games will be held across France and even Tahiti, where surfing will take place at the famed reef break of Teahupoo. Other events being held outside of the capital city include sailing in Marseille, football in Nice, Bordeaux, Lyon, Saint-Etienne and Nantes, shooting at Chateauroux and basketball and handball in Lille.

The Paris Olympics’ surfing events will take place in Teahupoo, Tahiti. Picture: Tim McKenna / AFP

How to get tickets for Paris 2024 Olympics?

Tickets went on general sale late last year after two lottery rounds and are available through the official Games website at tickets.paris2024.org. Available on a first come, first served basis, the allocation for many sports and individual sessions has already been exhausted but there are many events still open. There will also be periodic “surprise” releases in the coming months as surplus tickets are returned to the pool and stadium seating plans are finalised.

How much are tickets for Paris 2024 Olympics?

Tickets cost from 24 euros ($40AUD) for football preliminaries to 2700 euros ($4455) for the opening ceremony and are only available from the official Games website at tickets.paris2024.org

How to buy Opening Ceremony tickets?

While it’s been scaled back from an event originally planned to host up to two million people, the opening ceremony along the River Seine will have 326,000 ticketed spectators, including 104,000 who have paid for places and 222,000 on “higher stands” with free tickets. Paid tickets are available from the official Games website from 90-2700 euros ($150-$4455). Tourists will not be able to access the free tickets, with these available to French citizens on an invitation-only basis.

What is the Paris Hospitality Program for the Olympics?

Curated travel and hospitality packages that include guaranteed tickets and on-site hospitality in either shared lounges or private suites at various Games venues.

Is it worth it?

If your heart is set on a ticket to a sold out event or particular session, this could be the only way to experience it live. Certainly not a cheap option but likely to be an unforgettable experience.

The Paris 2024 Olympics mascot: the Phrygian cap, a symbol of revolutions, the French Republic and freedom. Picture: AFP

What is the Paris 2024 mascot?

The Phryges are the mascots for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Rather than the animals or cartoon-like icons usually chosen for mascots, the Phryges are characters based on the famous red Phrygian cap, a historic symbol of freedom, especially during the French Revolution. An ideal, rather than an animal, the Phryges are a symbol of freedom, with a mission of revolution through sport.

Where can I watch the Paris Olympics from home?

In Australia, the Nine Network will broadcast the Games after paying a reported $305 million for rights to the next five summer and winter Olympics from Paris to Brisbane 2032.

What are the new sports for the 2024 Olympics?

Breaking – also known as break dancing – will make its debut in Paris, while surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing will return after being added to the program in Tokyo.

What sports were removed from the 2024 Olympics?

Karate has been dropped from the Olympic program after making its debut at the Tokyo Games. Baseball and softball will not be played in Paris but will return to the Olympic program in 2028 in Los Angeles.

Originally published as 2024 Paris OIympics: When are the games? Guide to Tickets, Key Dates and Sports