Get ready to watch athletes representing Team USA at the 2024 Summer Olympics like you’ve never seen them before — on the big screen.
For the first time in Olympics history, the 2024 Paris Summer Games will be screened in movie theaters across the country. More than 150 IMAX theaters are live broadcasting the opening ceremony on July 26. And beginning on July 27, 160 AMC Theatres nationwide will be screening selected live daytime coverage from NBC each day through the end of the Games on Aug. 11.
Ryan Noonan, vice president of corporate communications at AMC Theatres, shared that the growing popularity of virtual watch parties inspired the partnership of NBC and AMC Theaters to bring the Olympic games to the big screen. This innovative approach aims to cater to sports fans who enjoy cheering together and experiencing the thrill of the games in a communal setting.
Jason Squire, host of The Movie Business Podcast and professor emeritus at USC School of Cinematic Arts, emphasized that bringing live sporting events to the big screen is a “win-win” for everyone involved.
The Olympics opening ceremony on July 26 will be broadcast live for the first time ever at select IMAX theaters nationwide, kicking off at 1:30 p.m. ET. This year’s ceremony will be a four-mile-long trek on the Seine, with roughly 100 boats carrying thousands of athletes as they float by some of Paris’s most iconic landmarks.
The theater locations for the screenings have yet to be confirmed, but fans can expect a unique viewing experience. Showings of NBC’s Olympics coverage are expected to run around four hours each day per screening, offering a variety of sports coverage including basketball, swimming, volleyball, and track and field.
According to a 2024 Fandango study, ticket buyers are interested in experiencing more than just movies in theaters, with comedy tours, concert films, TV premieres and finales, and sporting events among the top events they’d like to see.
Jason Squire highlighted that this move to showcase the Olympics in theaters is a test to gauge audience interest without relying on big celebrities or high-budget movies. The success of this venture could potentially revolutionize the theater industry and attract a new wave of patrons.
As fans eagerly anticipate the Olympics screenings, the hope is that this innovative approach will not only provide an exciting way to enjoy live events but also breathe new life into theaters that have faced challenges in recent years. With the support of audiences, the Olympics screenings could pave the way for a resurgence in theatrical experiences.
In conclusion, the partnership between NBC, AMC Theatres, and the Olympics symbolizes a bold step towards reimagining the traditional theater experience and engaging audiences in a fresh and exhilarating way. As history has shown, sometimes all it takes is a new idea to captivate audiences and create a memorable and fulfilling experience for everyone involved.
