Paris 2024 Olympics: Ticket Prices Spark Controversy, Accessibility Initiatives in Place

After an Olympic Games held in a near-empty stadium in Tokyo three years ago, the 2024 Paris Olympics are set to welcome spectators back to the venues, with more tickets sold than ever before. However, concerns have been raised about the cost of tickets for this highly anticipated event. The ticket prices for the Paris Olympics vary significantly depending on the event, with some sports commanding higher prices than others. For instance, the opening ceremony tickets ranged from €90 to €2,700, with the cheapest available ticket priced at €500 the week before the event. The closing ceremony tickets ranged from €45 to €1,600, with the cheapest ticket available at €600. Notably, the €90 tickets for the opening ceremony sold out in less than an hour. For individual sports events, ticket prices also vary widely. For example, watching qualification matches for tennis can cost as much as €260 for a show court, while tickets for the rhythmic gymnastics events can reach up to €380 for medal events. The organizers of the Paris Olympics have faced criticism over the ticket prices, with concerns raised by Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics, who warned that these could be the most expensive ticket prices ever seen at an Olympic Games. However, Tony Estanguet, president of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, defended the prices, stating that they are comparable to previous editions like London and Tokyo, considering inflation. In an effort to make the Games accessible to a wide range of spectators, the organizers have also implemented various initiatives. For example, one million tickets were released at a price of €24, albeit in less desirable areas of the stadiums. Additionally, tickets for certain outdoor events like road cycling, mountain bike cycling, sailing, and triathlon are priced at a flat rate of €24, with the option of watching for free along public roads or the river Seine. By May 2023, almost 70% of the tickets had been sold, indicating a strong interest in the event despite the price concerns. The French government has also purchased tickets to distribute free of charge across the country to ensure broad access to the Games. For those still looking to attend the Paris Olympics, there are still tickets available for some events. An official resale option is also available, allowing tickets to be sold at face value through the Paris 2024 Tickets app. Furthermore, for the Paralympics, there are 500,000 tickets available at affordable prices, with half priced at €25 or less and all finals tickets costing between €25 and €100. As the world eagerly awaits the start of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the debate over ticket prices continues, highlighting the delicate balance between ensuring the financial sustainability of the Games and making them accessible to fans from all walks of life.