Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony Spectator Count Halved to 300,000

The decision, announced by French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, comes amid security concerns and logistical challenges of managing large crowds in an open-air setting.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that the number of spectators for the Paris Olympics opening ceremony has been halved to around 300,000 due to security and organizational challenges.
The opening ceremony, scheduled for July 26, will be the first to be held outside a traditional stadium setting, taking place along a 6-kilometer route on the River Seine.
The revised plan allows for 100,000 paying spectators with a waterside view, and more than 220,000 people with free tickets on the river’s upper embankments.
Previously, Darmanin had estimated that up to 600,000 spectators would be able to attend the ceremony.
The decision comes amid France's high alert for terror attacks and the logistical challenges of managing such large crowds in an open-air setting.