CSUF Olympics Team Coverage of Opening Ceremony Fan Zones

PARIS – Even though there were still tickets available in the hours leading up to the Olympic opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Games, not everyone was willing to hand over up to 3,000 euros to get prime seating along the Seine.

And others weren’t willing to fight the anticipated crowds near the river and Eiffel Tower. That didn’t mean they couldn’t experience the ceremony, however.

There were hundreds of large screen televisions set up around the city at watch parties, including at 16 official fan zones located within the city’s 20 arrondissements – administrative districts.

Cal State Fullerton Olympic News sent teams to watch parties and fan zones around Paris to capture the atmosphere of the opening ceremony.

Hôtel de Ville
4th arrondissement

The fan zone at Hôtel de Ville promised to be a perfect spot to watch Friday’s opening ceremony unfold as a large venue located in close proximity to the Seine river, where each country’s team entered on boats.

However, many would-be spectators were left disappointed when they found out that only those holding tickets to the opening ceremony on the Seine could access the fan zone.

Officials distributed more than 300,000 tickets to the event, and about 200,000 of those were free. Still, without a free ticket obtained in advance, fans could not enter the watch party area.

“I was waiting for something very special for everyone,” said Taniela Koffi, who lives in Paris. “I was hoping someone can do something for people who don't have tickets.”

The area, with many restaurants and activities nearby, did prove to be special for those who had a ticket, but Hôtel de Ville felt like a missed opportunity to give locals an opportunity to experience the opening ceremony.

As the rain fell on spectators both inside and outside the Hôtel de Ville and the opening ceremony began, fans stuck on the outside climbed walls of the surrounding buildings in search of a look at the two big screens inside.

— Connor Alicaya

Parc Monceau
8th arrondissement

Fans from all around the world gathered at Parc Monceau’s fan zone, located in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, including American pilot trainee Ethan Flynn, who was dressed in USA overalls.

“One of the things that I love most about the Olympics is that everybody comes together,” Flynn said. “You don’t think about your country’s problems nor the other country's problems, and everybody just enjoys the time together.”

Parc Monceau is known for its beautiful greenery, French sculptures and open areas for people to enjoy, and as the Olympic opening ceremony got underway, hundreds of people gathered on the grass with blankets, picnicking and socializing.

Most brought along umbrellas or ponchos in anticipation of the expected rain showers during the ceremony. As they waited for it to begin, they were treated to live performances by French singers, dancers and actors.

When the ceremony began, fans flooded past the security checkpoint barriers, eager to engage in the excitement as the city’s first Olympic Games in 100 years got underway.

– Courtney Iseman

WingStop Watch Party 10th arrondissement

This was a watch party, American style.

WingStop played host to a private party that included free chicken wings for anone who attended. A big-screen television directly behind the live DJ accommodated everyone from the ground floor up to the rooftop bar.

And if all of that wasn’t appealing enough, fresh fade haircuts and tattoos were available – also on the house – for anyone who dared.

Rapper Flavor Flav, who has emerged as the U.S. water polo teams’ biggest fan, made an appearance. Spectators at this particular watch party hardly noticed the steady rain falling. Like most of us, they were just happy to be there.

And in keeping with the American theme, the largest cheers were saved for Team USA as it floated down the Seine toward the Eiffel Tower and the center of the opening ceremony.

– Michael Cody Stephenson

Place de la Bataille-de-Stalingrad 19th arrondissement

The historic Place de la Bataille-de-Stalingrad, located in the 19th Arrondissement of Paris, provided an energetic setting for fans to view the opening ceremony and featured a beautiful view of the Bassin de la Villette canal.

Named after one of the major battles of World War II, the landmark features an overhead sky Paris Metro train and numerous fountains that complement the experience for fans, who came from many nations.

Interactive events included cross-training competitions for young children and adults, physical activity classes for seniors and a basketball court for all.

Heavy rain was falling as the opening ceremony began, but attendees came prepared with tons of umbrellas and ponchos and had the opportunity to watch as the Olympic torch relay passed through the nearby Parc de la Villette. 

The flame made its way along the canal towards the watch party site, giving fans there an up-close look. The convenience of the surrounding area also played a part in attracting so many Olympic fans, as the canal is lined with restaurants and is a popular place to go for a stroll.

– Sergio Gonzalez

Arènes de Lutèce 5th arrondissement

The persistent rain that soaked the popular Latin Quarter and other areas of Paris before and during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of fans who gathered at Arènes de Lutèce, an ancient arena that dates to the first century.

“It feels wet, but I’m very excited,” said Crystal Wright, an American citizen who was attending the watch party at Arènes de Lutèce. “This is something I wanted to do my entire life.

“It’s a dream come true.”

Despite the heavy downpour, most fans shared Wright’s enthusiasm and remained in their seats within the storied arena.

During the rule of the Roman Empire, Parisians gathered here to watch gladiators, circus performances and theatrical events. Today it serves as a common gathering place for picnics and soccer games.

The 2024 Olympics brought a new crowd that included people from around the globe. And no matter the color of the flag they saw representing the teams as they appeared, cheers were heard throughout the stadium.

– Isaac Veazey-Chavez

Grange Aux Belles 10th arrondissement

The Gymnasium of Grange Aux Belle located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, was a popular spot to watch the Olympic opening ceremony for families with kids of all ages.

This gymnasium and sports complex, which includes basketball courts, ping pong tables and a running track among other features, was filled with children and adults filling the time before the ceremony playing a range of sports from soccer to badminton.

“Sports for me are very important,” said Javier Torrecilla of Spain, who was playing soccer with his family while awaiting the start of the ceremony. “It’s an honor to be here, as a sports person.”

Despite rain and a limited area near the large television screen where the families gathered to watch the colorful ceremony, the Gymnasium remained packed and active throughout the opening ceremony.

– Hope Pharris