After cheering on our fave athletes from all over the world for the past few weeks (looking @ you, Simone Biles!), the time has officially come for the 2024 Olympics to come to a close. And though we’re emo about the whole ~thing~, we’re *also* excited for the Closing Ceremony, which will take place today (Sunday, August 11).
Here’s everything you need to know about the 2024 Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony, including what to expect, when exactly to tune in, when it ends, and how to watch it.
When is the 2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony?
The Closing Ceremony—which will take place IRL at the Stade de France—is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 11, so mark your calendars!
Oh, and P.S: You can tune in and catch all the action live on NBC and stream it on Peacock.
Okay, but when does the Olympic Closing Ceremony end? How long is it?
The Closing Ceremony is scheduled to last for two hours, which makes it half the length of the Olympic Opening Ceremony. This means the Closing Ceremony is expected to end around 5:15 p.m. ET.
What can we expect to see at the Closing Ceremony?
Good Q! Interestingly enough, there are actually a buncha recurring elements at pretty much all Olympic Games Closing Ceremonies. The head of state of the host country typically enters along with the International Olympic Committee president. Additionally, the national anthem of the host country is played or sung as the host nation’s flag is raised.
Other components include several final medals being handed out (as it’s also the last day of the sporting events), a parade of flags and athletes, *and* the handover of the Olympic flag to organizers of the next city set to host the Games (aka Los Angeles!!!). Oh, and FYI: This year, H.E.R. is expected to sing the American national anthem as part of the handover, so def keep your eyes peeled for the performance.
Finally, as is tradition, the Olympic flame is extinguished at the end of the highly watched event.
Anything else?
Yes! For starters, the Closing Ceremony is being called “Records,” and according to Thomas Jolly, the artistic director for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, there’s a whole ~vibe~ he wants to create for the end of the sports competition series.
“We want to celebrate, but consciously. This moment of celebration will also be an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the Olympic Games in our society. This moment of celebration will also be an opportunity to reflect on the importance of the Olympic Games in our society,” he said in part (via Deadline). “So I’ve designed a show in which the Olympic Games disappear once again, and someone comes along and founds them. It’s a very visual, very choreographic, very acrobatic show with an operatic dimension to give a great visual fresco and say goodbye to athletes from all over the world. Together, let’s make this evening a memorable and conscious celebration, honouring the past and embracing the future,” he added.
To say we’re excited to watch is truly an understatement!
