As the world bids farewell to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the closing ceremony is set to provide a fitting end to weeks of thrilling competition, record-breaking performances, and the spirit of international camaraderie. Unlike the ambitious and unconventional opening ceremony, which took place along the Seine River, the closing ceremony will embrace a more traditional approach, unfolding in the iconic Stade de France. This 80,000-seat stadium, which has witnessed remarkable feats throughout the Games, will now transform into a stage for artists, dancers, acrobats, and surprise performers, all coming together to celebrate the achievements of the athletes and to pass the torch to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Olympics.
Paris 2024 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony Event Timing and Broadcasting Details
The closing ceremony will take place on Sunday, marking the culmination of the Paris Games. NBC will begin its coverage with a live preshow at 2 p.m. ET, offering viewers a recap of some of the most unforgettable moments from this year’s Olympics. The official ceremony is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. ET, with an encore telecast airing during prime time. The ceremony is expected to last a little over two hours, followed by a special broadcast at 10 p.m. ET, focusing on the upcoming Los Angeles Games.
For those eager to watch the ceremony, NBC will provide multiple streaming options, including on NBC, Peacock, and NBC Olympics platforms. Additionally, viewers can tune in on their local NBC channels, and full TV listings are available on the NBC Olympics schedule page.
Highlights of the Closing Ceremony
Much like the opening ceremony, details about the closing event have been closely guarded by the Paris 2024 Olympic Committee. However, it has been revealed that the theme for the ceremony will be “Records,” a fitting tribute to the extraordinary achievements witnessed throughout the Games. Artistic director Thomas Jolly, who also orchestrated the opening ceremony, has promised a spectacle featuring over a hundred performers, including acrobats, dancers, and circus artists.
The ceremony will follow the traditional format, beginning with the parade of athletes, where competitors from various nations will march together, symbolizing unity and sportsmanship. This will be followed by the display of participating nations’ flags and the lowering of the Olympic flag. The closing ceremony will also include the host city handover, where Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo will officially transfer the Olympic flag to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, signifying the transition to the next Olympic cycle.
Additionally, the ceremony may feature the presentation of some final medals, adding to the emotional weight of the event. The extinguishing of the Olympic flame will mark the official end of the Paris 2024 Games, a moment that will be both poignant and reflective, as the world looks forward to the next chapter in Olympic history.
A Glimpse into the Paralympic Games
While the Olympic flame will be extinguished, the spirit of competition continues with the Paralympic Games, scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 8. The flame for the Paralympic Games will be lit shortly after the Olympic Closing Ceremony in Stoke Mandeville, the birthplace of Paralympic sport. In the days leading up to the Paralympics, about 1,000 forerunners will carry the Paralympic flame to 50 cities across France, marking the beginning of a new journey for athletes who continue to inspire the world with their resilience and determination.
Who Will Take Center Stage?
Hosting the ceremony will be NBC’s Mike Tirico, returning alongside late-night host Jimmy Fallon, sports commentator Terry Gannon, and former Olympic figure skaters Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir. These familiar faces have become synonymous with Olympic coverage, bringing both expertise and entertainment to the broadcast.
The ceremony will also feature a lineup of prominent performers representing California, in a nod to Los Angeles, the next host city. Among them, rapper Snoop Dogg, who has been a notable presence throughout the Games, will play a significant role in the handover segment. R&B artist H.E.R. is set to perform the U.S. national anthem, adding a touch of elegance to the proceedings.
While the full slate of performers remains under wraps, there is speculation that Los Angeles natives Billie Eilish and the Red Hot Chili Peppers will be part of the event. French bands Phoenix and Air are also expected to grace the stage, according to ceremonies director Thierry Reboul. Additionally, actor Tom Cruise, who attended several Olympic events and is currently filming “Mission: Impossible 8” in Europe, is rumored to be involved in the celebration.
Flag Bearers for Team USA
Leading Team USA in the parade of athletes will be swimmer Katie Ledecky and rower Nick Mead. Ledecky, the most decorated female Olympian of all time, added to her legacy by winning her 14th medal in the 800-meter freestyle, securing her ninth gold medal. Mead, along with his teammates Liam Corrigan, Michael Grady, and Justin Best, made history by winning gold in the men’s four rowing event, marking the first U.S. victory in the event since 1960.
These athletes, along with their fellow competitors, embody the dedication, perseverance, and excellence that define the Olympic spirit. As the world watches the final moments of the Paris 2024 Games, we are reminded of the unifying power of sport and the shared human experience that transcends borders.
Looking Ahead to Los Angeles 2028
As the curtain falls on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, the world’s attention turns to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Olympics. The closing ceremony will provide a glimpse into what promises to be a spectacular celebration of sport, culture, and innovation in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. With a legacy of hosting the Games in 1932 and 1984, Los Angeles is poised to deliver an unforgettable experience, blending tradition with modernity.
In conclusion, the Paris 2024 Closing Ceremony will not only celebrate the achievements of the past weeks but also set the stage for the future of the Olympic movement. As athletes, spectators, and nations come together one last time in Paris, we are reminded that the Olympic Games are more than just a competition—they are a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity.
