Paris: The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games are on track for record ticket sales, continuing the event’s remarkable growth since the London 2012 Games, although organizers acknowledge that challenges remain.
Organizers announced on Friday that over 2.1 million tickets have already been sold, with 500,000 tickets still available and an additional 300,000 held in reserve. The record for ticket sales stands at 2.7 million, set during the London 2012 Paralympics. Craig Spence, spokesperson for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), noted that Tokyo 2020 would likely have surpassed this record if not for the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Yesterday alone, we sold 60,000 tickets,” Paris 2024 spokesperson Anne Descamps revealed at a press conference.
Etienne Thobois, General Director of Paris 2024, highlighted the strong demand for tickets, stating, “We’re almost sold out at iconic venues like the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, and the Velodrome. We’ve even had to increase capacity at the Chateau de Versailles, where the para equestrian competitions will be held.”
However, Spence emphasized that ticket sales are not the sole measure of the Paralympics’ success. “We’ve had to cap the number of media attending for the first time ever, limiting it to 1,000,” he said. “We also have more rights holders than ever before, broadcasting these Games to record audiences, so we are heading in the right direction.”
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The presence of global celebrities like former Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp and movie star Jackie Chan has brought additional attention to the Paralympics, but Spence pointed out that efforts need to continue beyond the Games themselves.
“One thing we are very aware of at the IPC is that we don’t want to be relevant to the media just every four years. It’s crucial that we engage audiences in the world championships and other events between the Games and continue to tell the stories of our athletes,” Spence said. He acknowledged that while the IPC does not control the world championships, which are organized by international federations, it is vital to build the profile of these events.
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Spence also highlighted the increasing media interest in the Paralympic Games. “The level of interest for the Paralympic Games is extraordinary. Last Thursday alone, we received over 600 media enquiries, whereas in London, we had around 100 per day,” he said. “That’s the kind of interest we’re seeing, and it’s clear that we’re moving in the right direction.”
A significant achievement, according to Spence, is the growing international appeal of the Games. Paris 2024 figures reveal that 8% of tickets have been purchased by international buyers, a notable increase from the usual 3-5%.
