NBC to Bring 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony to IMAX Theaters Nationwide

By DaMarko Webster

NBC is set to revolutionize the viewing experience of the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony by extending its live coverage to IMAX (NYSE: IMAX) theaters nationwide on Friday, July 26. This marks the first-ever presentation of the global event in IMAX format, promising audiences an unparalleled spectacle.

Unlike traditional opening ceremonies held in stadiums, the 2024 Paris Olympics organizers are breaking new ground. They are transforming the iconic River Seine into a colossal theatrical stage. A flotilla of nearly 100 boats spanning four miles will ferry thousands of athletes from over 200 nations past hundreds of thousands of spectators lining the riverbanks. The procession will wind through Paris, passing renowned landmarks like the Austerlitz Bridge, the Jardin des Plantes, and culminating at the Trocadéro, where the final segments of the ceremony will unfold.

IMAX will broadcast NBC’s live coverage of the Opening Ceremony to over 150 IMAX theaters across the United States. This move aims to provide fans with a captivating and immersive theater experience, promising to deliver one of the most remarkable Opening Ceremonies in Olympic history.

Recent announcements revealed that Kelly Clarkson, Grammy Award-winning artist, and Peyton Manning, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback, will join Mike Tirico, NBC Olympics primetime host and two-time Sports Emmy Award winner, in hosting NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Opening Ceremony.

Gary Zenkel, President of NBC Olympics, expressed excitement about sharing this historic moment with audiences nationwide, highlighting the significance of witnessing the commencement of 16 days of athletic greatness against the backdrop of Paris.

Rich Gelfond, CEO of IMAX, echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for extending NBC’s coverage of the Opening Ceremony to IMAX theaters. He emphasized the opportunity for fans to come together and experience the awe-inspiring start of the Paris Olympic Games in July.

Starting March 29, a promotional trailer for NBCUniversal’s coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics will run in IMAX theaters nationwide. Tickets will be available for purchase at local IMAX locations and through Fandango in the summer.

The stage is set for the world’s greatest athletes to compete in Paris, where the modern Olympic Games were conceived 130 years ago. This will mark Paris’s third time hosting the Olympics, tying with London for the most Summer Games hosted. Los Angeles will join these cities in hosting its third Summer Games in 2028.

NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 will primarily be broadcasted on the NBC network and streaming service Peacock. For more programming information, visit the NBC website.

NBCUniversal holds the U.S. media rights to the Olympic Games through 2032, covering Paris (2024), Milan Cortina (2026), Los Angeles (2028), and Brisbane (2032). The host city for the 2030 Olympic Winter Games is yet to be determined.