Paris 2024 Games: Closing Countdown to Inaugural Ceremony & Beyond - Breaking News Live Update

The Paris Olympics opening ceremony is set to kick off at 9 p.m. local time (CEST), marking an unprecedented outdoor spectacle in Olympic history. With over 45,000 police and several army units prepared for the event, which also involves a temporary shutdown of central Paris and its airspace, anticipation is high as millions await this momentous occasion.

The extensive two-year preparation has remained under wraps until now. The ceremony promises to captivate audiences with grandeur that surpasses traditional stadium performances by showcasing the city's vibrancy and French culture in full display on an international stage.