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Paris highlights new era of Olympic openness with fan zones across city 2024/8/2 source: International Daily Print

Paris is redefining the Olympic atmosphere through citywide fan zones, with the games extending beyond stadiums for a more open Olympics.

With 25 official fan zones scattered throughout the city, Paris has transformed into a large Olympic community, pulsating with energy and fervor.
At the iconic Trocadero Square, where athletes disembarked after the opening ceremony and a pivotal torch relay stop, transformations have been underway. Soon to be crowned the champions' park, the site will welcome all sports fans free of charge, and medalists will share their triumphs with fans there, a celebration unprecedented in the Summer Games.
Many fan zones are located at renowned landmarks, blending sports viewing with sightseeing seamlessly.
"To the Eiffel, it's beautiful, and the city of Paris is beautiful," said one of the visitors.
The Hotel de Ville, the city hall of Paris with a history of more than 600 years, has been transformed to a place for games broadcasts, food and drinks, as well as cultural events.
There, sports fans from across the globe gather together for the Olympic Games and exchange skills. A father and a son from the southern French city of Lyon lauded the prowess of the Lebrun brothers, French table tennis players, who have ignited fervor for the sport in France.
"They attracted my attention to the table tennis. Regularly, we don't have so great players," the father said.
The more accessible Olympics dispelled ticketing woes, allowing visitors to partake in the spirit of Olympics in the street. For those yearning to witness the events firsthand, ample ticketing options ensure that the thrill of the games remains within reach.
"Just to see the events, to see the sports, to get the big screens and to share with friends and and family, that's great," said one of the visitors.
"There are many tickets available online that you can buy, so I don't think it's a problem," said another visitor.
The 2024 Olympics is the third time that Paris has hosted the Summer Games. The first was in 1900, and the last was a century ago in 1924.
Paris held the Olympics opening ceremony on the iconic Seine River, the first time that an Olympics opening ceremony was not held in a stadium.


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