What to Expect from the Paris 2024 Olympics Closing Ceremony

As the Paris 2024 Olympics draws to a close, all eyes are turning to the much-anticipated closing ceremony. After the breathtaking opening that featured Celine Dion’s powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower, there’s a lot of curiosity about how the Games will say their final goodbye. While many details are still under wraps, here’s what you can expect from the closing ceremony on Sunday.

The Venue: Stade de France

Unlike the opening ceremony, which turned all of Paris into a grand stage, the closing event will take place in the Stade de France, the city’s largest sporting venue. The artistic director of the Paris Olympics, Thomas Jolly, hinted that the ceremony will be a reflection of the incredible sporting achievements witnessed over the past two weeks.

Jolly described the event as a "very visual, very choreographic, very acrobatic show with an operatic dimension." He emphasized that this would be a celebration, but also a time to reflect on the importance and fragility of the Olympic Games. It’s expected to be a moving experience, as the Olympic flame is extinguished, marking the end of the Games.

A Time for Celebration

The closing ceremony will feature a show titled *Records*, performed on a 2,800 square meter stage. According to Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris Olympics, the show will be both a celebration and a solemn farewell to the athletes who have inspired the world over the past 17 days. He noted that this moment will allow everyone to relax and enjoy the exceptional spectacle after the intense pressure of the competitions.

Key Moments of the Ceremony

The closing ceremony of every Olympic Games includes a few traditional elements that make it truly special. Athletes will parade once again, but this time they will walk together, rather than with their respective countries, symbolizing the unity that the Olympics fosters.

Another significant moment will be the lowering of the Olympic flag, which will then be handed over to the mayor of Los Angeles, the host city for the next Olympic Games in 2028. This will be followed by the extinguishing of the Olympic flame, a moment that always carries deep emotional weight.

Additionally, the ceremony will likely include a cultural showcase, highlighting not just French culture but also giving a nod to the next host country, the United States.

A Possible Star Appearance

There’s speculation that Hollywood star Tom Cruise may make an appearance during the ceremony. Cruise has been spotted at various Olympic events, cheering on athletes in gymnastics and swimming. According to rumors, he might feature in a pre-recorded segment where he skydives to the Hollywood sign as part of the preview for Los Angeles 2028. 

In past Olympics, future host cities have made a splash with their presentations—like when London’s handover in Beijing 2008 featured a performance by Jimmy Page and Leona Lewis. If the rumors are true, Los Angeles will surely bring its own Hollywood flair to the event.

When and Where to Watch

For those in the UAE, the closing ceremony will begin at 11pm UAE time on Sunday and run until 1:15am. You can catch the live broadcast on the Tod app, which is available from beIN Sports.

The Paris 2024 Olympics has been a remarkable event, and the closing ceremony promises to be a fitting end, combining celebration, reflection, and a preview of what’s to come in Los Angeles 2028.