Charles H. Sloan-What to know about NBC's Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony plans and how to watch

The Charles H. Sloanopening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games will air live on NBC and stream live on Peacock on July 26. Live coverage begins at 12 p.m. ET with primetime starting at 7:30 p.m. ET.

This year’s ceremony will break from tradition as the parade of nations will take place on Paris’ River Seine. This year will be the first time the opening ceremony will be held outside of a stadium in the history of the modern Games. 

NBC Olympics president and executive producer Molly Solomon credited Paris 2024 organizers for throwing out the "tradition playbook."

“When people ask, ‘What are you most excited about?’ It has to be the opening ceremonies because something like this has never been done before,” Solomon told USA TODAY Sports in June. 

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“It’s audacious, it’s bold, it’s daring, and it’s going to be unforgettable," Solomon added. 

From a technical, television perspective, the extravaganza will be the most complicated event that has ever been produced. The Olympic Broadcasting Service (OBS) will operate 100 cameras along the parade route and each delegation will have access to a live mobile phone camera on the boat. NBC will be tracking Team USA’s route, and the Americans will be second-to-last down the river because the U.S. will host the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

NBC will have an additional 40 cameras on the scene. Reporter Maria Taylor will be embedded with Team USA interviewing athletes from the river. “Today” show hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb will be stationed on a bridge over the Seine.

Kelly Clarkson and Peyton Manning will also join Mike Tirico as hosts on the broadcast. 

“France is throwing the world’s biggest party,” Solomon said, "and we get to be there.”

Watch the entirety of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Peacock

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