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I attended 5 Olympic events as a regular fan. Here’s what surprised me the most.

August 6, 20240
Same-day tickets can be obtained for many Olympic events.

Agnes Groonwald

My husband and I bought most of our tickets over a year before the Games. Navigating the time zone to buy tickets was the hardest part, as we hadn’t yet moved to France from the United States. The cost was reasonable, too, with tickets to many events starting at about 25 euros ($27).

Once the Games began and we attended our first few events, I realized it would’ve been quite easy to wait until the Olympics started to nab tickets instead.

Although high-interest medal rounds in disciplines like women’s gymnastics or swimming sell out first, a fresh round of tickets typically becomes available every morning on the day of scheduled events.

One day, I had the option to purchase quarter-final handball tickets for 24 euros or tickets to the men’s boxing semi-finals for 305 euros. I didn’t buy them, but I was surprised to find that the Olympics could be a show-up-and-go event if you’re flexible enough.

Parts of the city seemed calmer than usual.
I found that the trains were crowded but frequent.

Agnes Groonwald

Before each event I attended, multi-page guides arrived in my inbox with detailed instructions on public-transit options. Visitors were dissuaded from driving, and alternatives were given depending on their starting point.

The trains were crowded but frequent, not unlike any other big event in Paris. However, it helps that the city is so well-connected by public transit.

For visitors not used to the city’s public transportation, I’ve seen at least half a dozen helpers available to answer questions and support ticket-buying at each station. The event’s organization has been impressive.

There are no small sports.
The Olympics really do bring people together.

Agnes Groonwald

It’s hard to articulate how the Olympic Games bring people together until you’ve experienced it yourself. The high level of country pride was alive and well inside each arena, but I didn’t see anyone cross the line for those allegiances.

Instead, there was an air of inclusivity, with flags worn as capes and faces covered in paint. Attending the events felt overwhelmingly positive, even when our team didn’t make the cut … or the podium.

In addition to the spectators, everyone employed at the Olympics was pleasant. The staff outside each venue made it easy for us to find our way.

Inside the stadiums, it was almost as if they’d employed people to hype up the crowd and get everyone on their feet during big moments. We didn’t need much of that, though. Being there was enough to get us excited and invested in what was happening around us.

The Games aren’t even over yet, and I’ve already registered for tickets to attend the next Winter Games. We’re coming, Milano Cortina 2026.