The Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics have concluded with a resounding success, surpassing expectations in ticket sales and attendance. A staggering 12,132,647 tickets were sold across both Games, representing a remarkable 95% of crowd capacity at the venues. Tony Estanguet, the head of the Paris organizing committee, hailed the event as an “unprecedented success.”
Estanguet emphasized the Games’ record-breaking attendance, noting that the final evening of Paralympics athletics on September 7th saw a crowd of 67,500 at the Stade de France, the highest turnout of the entire summer. This achievement highlights the success of the organizers’ innovative approach to hosting events, one that broke from traditional norms and embraced the spirit of exploration.
The organizers dared to push boundaries, holding the opening ceremonies for both the Olympics and Paralympics outside of traditional stadiums. They also staged competitions near iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Palace of Versailles, creating a unique and captivating experience for both athletes and spectators. This bold strategy, according to Estanguet, has already inspired the organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The LA team shadowed the Paris team throughout the summer, gleaning valuable insights into their innovative approach.
In the coming months, the Paris and Los Angeles organizing committees will hold multiple meetings to share their experiences and insights. Estanguet advised the LA team to “be audacious and to build on the specificities and the strength of their territory.” He emphasized the importance of identifying the unique strengths of LA 2028 and embracing boldness in their planning and execution.
Paris’ summer of sporting triumph culminates on Saturday with a grand parade on the Champs Elysées, featuring hundreds of French athletes. This celebration will undoubtedly be a fitting finale to a Games that redefined the boundaries of innovation and engagement.
