PARIS (France) – The 2024 Olympic Basketball Tournaments in Paris have made history with record-breaking attendance numbers. A remarkable 1,078,319 fans attended both the Women’s and Men’s tournaments, surpassing the previous Olympic record of 1,068,032 set during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
This achievement is particularly notable given that the Paris Olympics featured only 52 games, 40 fewer than the 1996 format. Despite the reduced number of games, the average attendance per game reached an impressive 20,737, with near-equal support for both the Men’s (21,711) and Women’s (19,763) games.
Outstanding Fan Turnout in Lille
The opening nine days of games at Lille’s Pierre Mauroy Stadium set the stage for this record-breaking feat. A total of 876,686 spectators filled 91.8% of the stadium’s capacity, creating an electrifying atmosphere as fans proudly supported their national teams.
The Men’s games in Lille attracted 466,053 fans, averaging 25,983 per game, which filled 94.6% of the 27,360-seat stadium. The Women’s games also saw significant support, with 410,633 fans attending, averaging 22,813 per game, or 83.4% of capacity. This strong attendance set a new benchmark for women’s basketball in Europe, with the final game between France and Australia drawing a record 27,193 fans.
Bercy Arena and 3×3 Basketball Thrill Fans
Following the Lille games, Paris’ Bercy Arena hosted the remaining matches, contributing to the record with its 13,000-seat capacity. Every game at Bercy had a minimum attendance of between 11,852 and 12,454, resulting in a total of 201,633 fans over the course of the tournament.
Additionally, the 3×3 basketball tournament, held at Place de la Concorde, saw sold-out sessions every day, with 4,000 spectators per session and a total attendance of 72,000. This marked the first time that 3×3 basketball was played at the Olympics in front of a live audience, adding to the historic nature of the 2024 Games.
The Paris 2024 Olympics have set a new standard for basketball, with fans turning out in unprecedented numbers to support their teams and contribute to an unforgettable Olympic experience.
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