The Paris Games are set to open with grandeur, against the backdrop of the Seine River as athletes parade by in boats. However, security concerns have forced the French government to scale back ambitions, cutting the number of spectators allowed at the ceremony and raising the security readiness to the highest level. French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that the ceremony could be shifted to the national stadium if the security threat is deemed too high.
Preparations for the Paris Games include 35 venues steeped in history, with events ranging from equestrian rides at the Palace of Versailles to urban sports at Place de la Concorde, a site known for its bloody past during the French Revolution. The venues span across Paris, with events taking place at iconic locations such as the Grand Palais and the Parc des Princes soccer stadium. Additionally, surfing events will be held in Tahiti, showcasing the unique locations chosen for the Games.
Ticket sales for the Paris Games have been successful, with around 9 million tickets already sold. The top-selling sports include soccer, track and field, basketball, and rugby sevens. Organizers plan to release an additional 250,000 tickets for sale to mark the 100 days to go milestone. The prices range from 24 euros to 2,700 euros, with various packages available for different events and matches throughout the Games.
Security measures for the Paris Games are extensive, with around 30,000 police officers expected to be deployed each day and additional officers from 46 countries joining forces. With 120 chiefs of state confirmed to attend the opening ceremony, precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of all participants and spectators. Unprecedented security measures will be in place, but facial recognition technology will not be used during the Games.
Transportation in Paris during the Games is a key concern, with potential train strikes and traffic restrictions causing challenges for visitors and residents alike. Public transport operators are preparing to carry hundreds of thousands of Olympic visitors per day, but strikes may impact the services. The city is making efforts to educate people on how to navigate the transportation challenges during the Games.
Accommodations for the Paris Games include the Olympic Village for athletes and officials, as well as a variety of hotel rooms, Airbnb rentals, and other options for fans and tourists. Prices for accommodations have fluctuated, with some hotels initially tripling prices before competition from Airbnb forced them to lower rates. Despite the challenges, preparations are underway to ensure a successful and memorable Paris Games for all involved.
