WASHINGTON — The Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony is expected to be a one-of-a-kind spectacle with thousands of athletes parading on more than 90 boats on the Seine River.
The open-air ceremony, something that's never been done before during modern Games, will transform the city and its landmarks into a giant stage.
While specifics about the ceremony are a closely guarded secret, we do know it'll feature the traditional Parade of Nations with athletes highlighted from more than 200 countries.
In another break from tradition, the athletes' arrival will start the ceremony, not mark the end of it.
What is the Parade of Nations order?
The order which countries enter for the Opening Ceremony Parade of Nations is traditionally in alphabetical order based on the language of the host country. Since the Paris 2024 Olympics are taking place in France, expect the order to be determined by the French names of countries.
But there are some notable exceptions, including the first and last countries to enter.
Which country marches first at the Olympics Opening Ceremony?
Greece always marches first in recognition of their country creating the modern Olympic Games. This year, one of their flagbearers will be a familiar face to U.S. sports fans. NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo will be Greece's male flagbearer and is the first Black flagbearer in the country's history at an Opening Ceremony.
While their placement for the 2024 ceremony has yet to be confirmed, the Refugee Olympic Team followed Greece during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Which country enters last in the Parade of Nations at the Opening Ceremony?
The host nation always enters last for the Opening Ceremony Parade of Nations, so this year that means the France delegation will be the final group to arrive.
The IOC also introduced a new tradition a few years back to honor upcoming host countries, which directly impacts where the United States will march in the Paris Opening Ceremony.
Since the Tokyo Olympics, upcoming hosts have marched just ahead of the host country at the back of the pack. That means the United States and Australia (hosts of the 2028 and 2032 games, respectively) will march at the end just before France.
When is the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony?
The 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony officially begins on Friday, July 26 at 7:30 p.m. local time in Paris. That means it will start at 1:30 p.m. Eastern, 12:30 p.m. Central, 11:30 a.m. Mountain and 10:30 a.m. Pacific.
NBC and Peacock will have live coverage of the Opening Ceremony beginning at Noon Eastern.
Telemundo will also provide Spanish-language coverage beginning at 1 p.m. ET.
Primetime coverage of the Opening Ceremony will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and Peacock.