Why Paris Olympics opening ceremony will be first of its kind after bold decision

The Paris Olympics will make history immediately by holding the opening ceremony outside the stadium for the first time.

On Friday, the Olympics will officially get underway in Paris with the opening ceremony - following in the footsteps of recent Games in Beijing, London, Rio, and Tokyo. Organizers decided to make history by hosting the opening ceremony outside the stadium.

Approximately 80 boats will ferry around 10,500 international athletes on a stunning route along the River Seine toward the Eiffel Tower. The event allows for more fans to catch a glimpse of the festivities, with over 300,000 spectators mooted.

READ MORE: Olympic athletes all given same special phone when they arrive in Paris
READ MORE: Brittney Griner emotionally explains Team USA 'honor' at Olympics after Russia horror

The parade of athletes, which will take place at the start of the ceremony in another first, will travel from east to west, carrying the 10,500 athletes through the centre of Paris. Athletes and performers will sail past some of the French capital's most iconic landmarks.

“Paris 2024 is breaking new ground by bringing sports into the city and the same will be true of the opening ceremony, set to be held in the heart of the city along its main artery: the Seine,” a Paris 2024 statement read. “Taking on a new guise, the parade of athletes will be held on the Seine with boats for each national delegation.

“These boats will be equipped with cameras to allow television and online viewers to see the athletes up close. Winding their way from east to west, the 10,500 athletes will cross through the centre of Paris, the overall playing field for the Games on which these competitors will display their sporting prowess over the next 16 days.

Follow us on X for the best and latest in sports news

“The parade will come to the end of its 6-kilometre route in front of the Trocadero, where the remaining elements of Olympic protocol and final shows will take place. Eighty giant screens and strategically placed speakers will allow everyone to enjoy the magical atmosphere of this show reverberating throughout the French capital.

“The opening ceremony for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will be the largest in Games history. It will be open to all: residents from Paris and its region, as well as visitors from all over France and around the world.

"By opening with the parade of athletes, Paris 2024 is breaking with tradition. Athletes will be featured on stage during the introduction to and throughout the ceremony as part of Paris 2024’s constant aim to hold Games created for and by athletes.”

However, the opening ceremony may be affected by reports the Olympics are struggling to sell out key events. Paris is hosting the Games for the third time this summer, but it's claimed between 500,000 and 600,000 tickets remain unsold.