As the 2024 Paris Olympics Games kick off, San Antonians are watching with excitement and hope.
A handful of people gathered at The Rock at La Cantera to watch the opening ceremony Friday afternoon on the big screen.
More than 10,000 athletes representing 184 countries sailed through the Seine River, passing through historic Paris monuments, smiling and waving at fans excited to watch them play. The outdoor ceremony was a first time in modern history of opening ceremonies.
Summer Olympic Games began on Wednesday and paused on Friday for the 2024 Paris Olympic Ceremony. It kicks off more than two weeks of more than 329 sporting events where 30 sports will compete for medals through Aug. 11.
The grand opening to the Olympics is usually a key event Alinne De La Grange makes sure to watch. She’s most excited to watch the swimming, basketball and gymnastics competitions.
“When everyone is interested in watching this, it makes people come together for their countries, no matter what’s going on in the world,” said De La Grange, as she sat with her two young sons who were excited to see Victor Wembanyama wave from the France boat.
Because the games are being hosted in France, Wembanyama floated by last.
De La Grange said she expected more people to be there watching, but pointed out the opening ceremony happened in the middle of the day.
Debbie and Gene Berger enjoyed wine over the opening ceremony. Their two sons–now in their 30s– played soccer and baseball growing up, so the family is excited to watch the USA men’s soccer team.
The Bergers watched the USA women’s soccer team play Zambia on Thursday, saying the best goal of the game belongs to Trinity Rodman. They’ll pay close attention to the track and field, swimming and gymnastics events.
“There’s so much going on right now that we are not united, and it brings us all together,” Debbie Berger said as her eyes filled with tears. “If we could just take a moment to breathe and appreciate these athletes and watch their talent and not worry about war or politics.”
The Rock at La Cantera will offer food and drinks until 10 p.m. at the opening ceremony screening.
The Alamo Heights Gymnastics Academy will host a watch party on Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., that costs $55 per day. Sign up online by clicking here.
Chicken N Pickle will also host its own version of Bar Olympics, for people over 21, on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m as the 2024 Paris Olympics play on large TV screens. Games will include corn hole, lawn golf, pickle pong, and pickleball at $30 per team.
Where to watch Wemby’s Olympic Debut
San Antonio Spurs’ 2023 No. 1 Draft Pick Wembanyama is one of 139 current and former NBA and WNBA players competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Wembanyama will play when the France basketball team Group B faces Brazil, Germany and Japan.
He’ll play Saturday and on Aug. 2. If Group B advances, France will play in the quarterfinals on Aug. 6, on Aug. 8 and on Aug. 10. To see the complete basketball schedule, click here.
You can watch Wemby on NBC, on NBCOlympics.com, on the NBC Replay Hub, and on Peacock, starting July 27. Telemundo will also provide Spanish-language coverage beginning at noon.
