Tokyo’s 2021 edition of the Summer Games was a bit of a ghost town thanks to COVID, but this time around, the doors are wide open, and fans are flocking to fill those seats at the Paris Olympics 2024. IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell has already announced that over 8.8 million tickets have been snatched up, and there are still plenty up for grabs.

However, a certain trend is visible in the ticket prices for the Paris Olympics 2024, and it’s got everyone talking. As the opening ceremony draws near, let’s dive into the highs and lows of what fans could be spending to witness history—spoiler alert: it’s a mixed bag!

What are fans willing to shell out for the show of a lifetime at the Paris Olympics 2024?

On July 26, 2024, the Paris Olympics will kick off with an unforgettable opening ceremony—right in the heart of Paris, not in a stadium like usual! Picture this: a spectacular show unfolding along a 6-kilometer stretch of the Seine River and at Trocadero. It’s a historic move that’s got everyone buzzing. But here’s the catch: the ticket prices are sky-high! According to insidethegames. biz, the premium seats cost $26,600! That lofty price has almost no match unless it is compared to the track and field matches’ ticket price, which stands to be $1,034 at the highest. Surely, those prices are prone to creating ripples. 

According to Tariq Panja, a sports raconteur, he shared on X, almost 4000 tickets for the Paris Olympics 2024 opening ceremony are still left unsold (on July 21). The price range of those tickets runs between $1,078 and $12,940. Remember, those seats are from the 100,000 slots that have come, tagged with tickets. In the past, the hosts already made 200,000 seats free for the audience. The high price chart has also affected audience density in athletic games. 

For track and field fans, the ticket prices start at $26 and can climb up to $1,034. These rates are significantly higher than those for the London 2012 Olympics (not even factoring in inflation). The hosts attribute these steep prices to recent inflation, but the consequences are already apparent. With many tickets still unsold, there’s concern that this could dampen the excitement for the games.

Sebastian Coe, CEO of World Athletics, has voiced his concerns, emphasizing, “We are asking for a balance. There will always be premium tickets, but it’s important that our stadiums are filled with people who love our sport, not just those who can afford to attend the Olympic Games.” Reflecting on these sentiments, let’s dive into what other sports are costing fans.

What will it cost to see Simone Biles, LeBron James, and other icons? Even NBA stars might flinch!

This time around, Paris is upping the ante with a whopping 10 million tickets available, beating Rio 2016’s 8 million. On the ticket price as well, this 33rd edition of the Olympic Games has turned out to be the frontrunner. Take artistic gymnastics and swimming, for instance—these are prime examples of how pricey things have gotten.

Simone Biles is gearing up for her third Olympics, and watching her in the all-around final will cost anywhere from $135 to $746. Yeah, those prices are making even NBA stars do a double-take. U.S. guard Tyrese Haliburton, who’s about to cash in on a cool $245 million contract, joked, “I heard it’s really expensive to get in, But I think I can make that work.” In the swimming sport, the situation is more diverse.

Want to catch Katie Ledecky splashing her way to glory? Brace yourself: tickets start at $26 but can soar up to $1,067 for the finals and semifinals. Those jaw-dropping prices have left plenty of seats still up for grabs. Basketball fans aren’t off the hook either. Men’s final tickets are pegged at $1,059, while the women’s final is a bit more wallet-friendly at $551. So, if you’re eyeing a spot to see LeBron James and Stephen Curry, you might end up spending as much as a stay in a 4-star hotel!

With prices like these, it’s no surprise some tickets are still up for grabs. Here’s hoping the high cost doesn’t keep fans away more than it already has. What do you think about shelling out top dollar to catch the world’s best athletes in action? Are these prices a gold medal for exclusivity or just a ticket to sticker shock? Drop your thoughts below!