Olympics 2024: What You Need to Know Right Now

The Paris Summer Games are just months away, and the buzz is real. From opening‑ceremony dates to ticket tips, we’ve pulled together everything you’ll want to check before the first torch is lit.

Key Dates and Event Schedule

The official kickoff is on July 26, 2024, with a spectacular ceremony along the Seine. Competition runs through August 11, covering 32 sports and more than 300 events. If you’re tracking a specific sport, the athletics track opens on July 30, swimming starts August 1, and gymnastics takes the stage on August 3.

Most fans find it handy to download the free Paris 2024 app – it sends live alerts for medal moments, schedule changes and venue maps. The app also lets you set reminders for your favorite athletes so you never miss a heat or final.

Tickets, Travel & How to Watch

Ticket demand is fierce, but there are three tiers: standard, premium and virtual. Standard tickets give you basic arena access, while premium adds early‑entry perks and better seats. If you can’t get a seat, the virtual pass streams every event in high definition and works on phones, tablets or smart TVs.

Getting to Paris is easier than you think. The city’s train network links directly from major European hubs, and budget airlines fly into Charles‑de‑Gaulle daily. Once there, buy a Navigo weekly pass – it covers metro, bus and tram for the whole Games period.

For those outside Europe, most broadcasters have secured rights, but you’ll also find free live streams on official Olympic platforms. Just make sure your VPN is set to a region where the stream is available if you run into geo‑blocks.

One thing fans keep asking: "What’s the biggest surprise this year?" The answer is still out there – new sports like breakdancing (called breaking) and skateboarding are debuting, and several athletes have switched nationalities to chase medals. Keep an eye on early qualifiers; they often hint at who will dominate later.

Finally, remember the Games aren’t just about sport. Paris is turning venues into cultural hubs with food festivals, art installations and night‑time concerts. Grab a crepe near the Eiffel Tower after a marathon run or explore the pop‑up museum at the Olympic Village. It’s all part of the experience.

Stay with us for daily updates, behind‑the‑scenes stories and quick guides on how to make the most of Olympics 2024. Whether you’re cheering from home or planning a trip, we’ve got your go‑to source for everything Paris Summer Games.