Despite an unprecedented demand for tickets to the 2024 Paris Olympics, availability remains for major events more than a week after the games commenced. Organizers noted an all-time high in ticket sales, yet several track and field events still have unsold tickets, including the much-coveted 10,000m men’s final and the first round of the women’s 800m race held at the Stade de France. Notably, the most affordable tickets remaining have a €195 ($210; £165) price point, as less-expensive options have sold out.
Spectators with luxurious taste can avail themselves of available tickets for Saturday night’s track and field events, with pricing set at €690 ($744; £582). This premium package includes admission to the women’s 100m semi-finals and final, and the 4x400m relay mixed final. Another highlight, the men’s 100m final, expected to star U.S athlete Noah Lyles, also holds available tickets priced at €525 ($566; £443). Conversely, other events, like freestyle BMX, achieved a full sell-out on day one.
Notably, the 2024 Olympics organisers have grappled with criticism aimed at their premium event pricing. Sebastian Coe, World Athletics President, and former head of the London 2012 Olympic Committee, voiced concerns stating these are likely the priciest tickets in Olympic history and shared fears for economical exclusion of fans and athletes alike. However, Paris 2024 Organising Committee president, Tony Estanguet, contends if prices are compared to past edition events in London or Tokyo; Paris 2024 offers the ‘same price range.’
Organisers argue that when adjusted for inflation, the Paris 2024 ticket prices are akin to the costs seen at the London 2012 Olympics, and that these prices are slightly higher. Further to this point, ample availability remains at non-track and field events, where prices start from €15 ($16; £13). Highlight offerings include the Spain versus Japan men’s football quarter-final. Primarily, only hospitality tickets are available for the men’s basketball final which could feature notable members from Team USA. These exclusive passes – priced at €6, 500 ($7,000; £5,500) include access to an off-site hospitality package at the Eiffel Tower.
Of the ten million tickets available for the Paris Olympics, two million were reserved for stakeholders and hospitality. The general public has access to these via the official Olympics website, sold in multiple phases, initially presented through a ballot system. Participants in the ballot were required to purchase tickets to at least three different events. Popular sporting events, such as track cycling, fencing, and judo, as well as climbing and BMX freestyle, sold out swiftly within the first few days.
Lastly, one free alternative peeks through – some Olympic events can be enjoyed without a ticket. Certain events like the men’s and women’s marathon and road cycling races permits spectators to line up along the streets and watch the show without spending a dime. Spectators have a chance of witnessing these iconic Olympics, albeit from a different perspective, without the necessity of set-aside seating.
