Here’s all you need to know about the date, timing, performers, and streaming of the Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw to a close, the much-anticipated closing ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, August 11, marking the end of an extraordinary event.
The official games began on July 26, with some preliminary team events starting as early as July 24. The final day of competition coincides with the closing ceremony, which will commence at 2 p.m. ET at the iconic Stade de France, where the event is expected to last for about three hours, similar to the Tokyo closing ceremony in 2021.
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Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony: Timing and Schedule
The closing ceremony is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. CEST (3 p.m. ET). Viewers across different U.S. time zones can tune in at 2 p.m. CDT, 1 p.m. MDT, and noon PDT.
Before the ceremony, several final athletic events are set to take place on August 11, including the women’s marathon, basketball, cycling, men’s handball, modern pentathlon, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, and wrestling.
Tradition and Symbolism of Olympics Closing Ceremony
Olympic closing ceremonies have evolved significantly since the first modern Games in 1896. Today, the ceremony includes several key elements: the entrance of the host country’s head of state and the International Olympic Committee president, the raising of the host nation’s flag accompanied by its national anthem, a parade of flags and athletes, and the symbolic handover of the Olympic flag to the next host city, which in this case is Los Angeles for the 2028 Games.
The ceremony concludes with the extinguishing of the Olympic flame, symbolizing the end of the Games.
This year’s closing ceremony, titled “Records,” will be directed by Thomas Jolly, who also helmed the opening ceremony. Jolly promises a solemn yet celebratory event at the Stade de France, where the tension of competition will give way to a grand, visually stunning show that aims to leave a lasting impression.
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Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony: Performances
The Paris Olympics 2024 closing ceremony will feature a star-studded lineup of performances, including Billie Eilish, Snoop Dogg, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and H.E.R.
These artists, all native Californians, will contribute to the ceremonial handover to Los Angeles. H.E.R. is slated to perform the U.S. national anthem live from the Stade de France.
Organizers have transformed the stadium into a massive concert venue with over 100 performers, acrobats, dancers, and circus artists, creating a dynamic and reflective celebration of the Olympic spirit.
Paris Olympics 2024 Closing Ceremony: Flag Bearers of the USA
Representing Team USA as flag bearers are swimmer Katie Ledecky, the most decorated American female Olympian, and gold medalist rower Nick Mead. Mead’s selection marks the first time a rower has served as a flag bearer at the closing ceremony, while Ledecky, emotionally moved by the honor, expressed her pride in representing a team that has delivered outstanding performances across various sports.
Looking Ahead
For those eager to watch the Paris Olympics 2024 closing ceremony, it will be broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock. As we bid farewell to the Paris Games, the world looks forward to the next Olympic gatherings.
The Winter Olympics are set for Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy from February 6-22, 2026, followed by the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles from July 14-30, 2028.
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Meanwhile, the Paralympics will kick off on August 28, 2024, running through September 8.