Paris 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony Sees Attendance Cut for Enhanced Security Measures
The attendance capacity for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games' opening ceremony, set to be a unique riverside event, has been reduced by half as a precautionary security measure. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced the decision during an interview with France 2, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safety at the prestigious event.
Attendance capacity at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games’ Opening Ceremony will be reduced by half for security reasons. This will be the first time the ceremony is held along a river, as announced by French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin in an interview with French broadcaster France 2.
Minister Darmanin also mentioned that there is no specific terrorist threat targeting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris.
Around 104,000 people will be seated in the stands along Paris’ Seine river, while an additional 220,000 individuals will be on the raised roadways spanning the six kilometer stretch where the ceremony will take place, according to Darmanin.
For years, French officials had been proud of the fact that they expected around 600,000 spectators to attend the Opening Ceremony.
Athletes take part in a race on a runway set near the Alexander III bridge on the Seine in Paris on June 23, 2017.
Athletes take part in a race on a runway set near the Alexander III bridge on the Seine in Paris on June 23, 2017.
The organizers' vision for a more inclusive Olympic Games was to host the ceremony outside of a traditional stadium. The current attendance is expected to be four times the capacity of the Stade de France, which is the country's main stadium, according to the minister.
In the days leading up to the Opening Ceremony, an "anti-terrorist security perimeter" will be established around the Seine, with limited public access, according to Darmanin.
Additionally, airspace around Paris will be closed for five hours on the evening of the Opening Ceremony, starting from 7 p.m. local time in Paris (1 p.m. ET), to ensure there is no disruption to the event, Darmanin added.
The minister said that there would be a “very significant” anti-drone protocol in place, with French law enforcement having helped with similar measures at the Qatar World Cup.
Editor's P/S:
I am both intrigued and slightly disappointed by the decision to reduce the attendance capacity at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games' Opening Ceremony. On the one hand, I understand the need to prioritize security in light of potential terrorist threats. The "anti-terrorist security perimeter" and airspace closure are necessary precautions to ensure the safety of attendees.
On the other hand, I can't help but feel a sense of loss for the thousands of spectators who will be unable to witness this historic event in person. The organizers' vision of a more inclusive ceremony outside a traditional stadium was commendable, and it's unfortunate that security concerns have necessitated a scaled-down approach. Nonetheless, I am confident that the Opening Ceremony will still be an unforgettable spectacle, albeit with a more intimate audience.
