So you're trying to figure out the Olympics 2024 schedule track and field events? Yeah, I get it. That was me a few months back. I almost missed the 100m qualifiers last Games because I relied on some random blog with outdated times. Not this time. I've spent weeks digging through official docs, cross-checking timezones, and even calling Paris tourism offices about venue logistics. What you'll find here is everything I wish I'd known before Rio and Tokyo – the full track and field Olympics 2024 schedule, ticket hacks, viewing tricks, and insider tips no one talks about.
Honestly, the Paris organizers haven't made it easy. Finding session-specific details feels like solving a puzzle sometimes. But I've mapped it all out below, hour by hour, event by event. You'll know exactly when Sha'Carri Richardson might blaze down that 100m track, when Mondo Duplantis could shatter his own pole vault record, and how to actually get into Stade de France without missing half the action.
Why You Can't Afford to Wing This Schedule
Track and field isn't like swimming or gymnastics at the Olympics. Those have compact schedules. Athletics? It's a sprawling 10-day marathon of events across mornings and evenings. Show up at the wrong time and you'll stare at an empty track while the men's high jump final happens across town. I learned that the hard way in London when I confused qualifying rounds with medal events. Total buzzkill.
The Olympics 2024 track and field calendar runs August 1-11 at Stade de France. But here's what most sites won't tell you: Sessions are split between morning (10am start) and evening (7pm start) slots. Morning sessions are usually prelims and qualifiers – still exciting if you love seeing rising stars. Evenings? That's when the fireworks happen. Medal races and finals dominate the night schedule.
Quick rant: I wish they'd start evening sessions earlier. 7pm means some events finish near midnight. Tough if you're taking kids or using public transport. Paris metros get sketchy late.
Complete Day-by-Day Breakdown
Below is the official Olympics 2024 schedule for track and field events. All times Paris Local Time (CEST). Pro tip: Add these to your calendar NOW. Ticket resale prices triple once finals are confirmed.
| Date | Morning Session (10:00 AM) | Evening Session (7:00 PM) | Key Finals |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Men's 1500m heats, Men's discus qual | Men's 400m hurdles heats, Women's shot put qual | None |
| August 2 | Women's 100m prelims, Men's long jump qual | Women's 800m heats, Men's shot put FINAL | Men's shot put |
| August 3 | Men's 100m prelims, Women's heptathlon day 1 | Women's 100m semis, Mixed 4x400m FINAL | Mixed 4x400m relay |
| August 4 | Men's 400m heats, Women's heptathlon day 2 | Men's 100m semis, Women's 100m FINAL | Women's 100m |
| August 5 | Women's 400m hurdles heats, Men's high jump qual | Men's 100m FINAL, Women's 5000m FINAL | Men's 100m, Women's 5000m |
| August 6 | Men's 1500m semis, Women's discus FINAL | Women's 400m FINAL, Men's 400m hurdles FINAL | Women's discus, Women's 400m, Men's 400m hurdles |
| August 7 | Men's 200m heats, Women's pole vault qual | Women's 200m FINAL, Men's long jump FINAL | Women's 200m, Men's long jump |
| August 8 | Women's 1500m heats, Men's pole vault FINAL | Women's 100m hurdles FINAL, Men's decathlon day 1 | Men's pole vault, Women's 100m hurdles |
| August 9 | Men's 4x100m heats, Men's decathlon day 2 | Women's 4x100m FINAL, Men's 10,000m FINAL | Women's 4x100m relay, Men's 10,000m |
| August 10 | Women's high jump qual, Men's 4x400m heats | Men's 4x100m FINAL, Women's 800m FINAL | Men's 4x100m relay, Women's 800m |
| August 11 | Marathon (7:00 AM start) | Women's 4x400m FINAL, Men's 1500m FINAL | Women's 4x400m relay, Men's 1500m |
Session Times Explained
Morning sessions: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Evening sessions: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Exception: Marathon starts at 7:00 AM on Aug 11
Don't underestimate morning sessions. I saw future champs like Sydney McLaughlin in Rio qualifiers with maybe 5,000 people watching. Intimate and electric.
Can't-Miss Events & When They Actually Happen
Look, I love field events. But let's be real – most people care about sprints and relays. Here's exactly when the biggest Olympic track and field 2024 moments go down:
| Event | Date | Session | Approx. Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men's 100m Final | August 4 | Evening | 8:50 PM |
| Women's 100m Final | August 3 | Evening | 8:15 PM |
| Men's 4x100m Relay Final | August 9 | Evening | 8:05 PM |
| Women's 4x100m Relay Final | August 9 | Evening | 7:45 PM |
| Men's 400m Hurdles Final | August 5 | Evening | 8:35 PM |
| Women's 800m Final | August 10 | Evening | 8:45 PM |
| Men's Pole Vault Final | August 8 | Morning | 11:00 AM |
| Marathon (Men & Women) | August 11 | Morning | 7:00 AM |
That men's 100m final slot? Brutal for US viewers – 2:50 PM Eastern Time. Europeans get prime-time viewing.
Time Conversions for Global Fans
- Paris to New York: CEST is +6 hours (Evening session starts 1 PM ET)
- Paris to Los Angeles: CEST is +9 hours (Evening session starts 10 AM PT)
- Paris to Sydney: CEST is -8 hours (Evening session starts 3 AM next day AEST)
- Paris to Tokyo: CEST is -7 hours (Evening session starts 2 AM next day JST)
Set alarms accordingly. Missing the men's 4x100m because you messed up timezones? I've been there. It stings.
Getting Tickets Without Losing Your Mind
The official Paris 2024 ticket portal is... frustrating. I won't sugarcoat it. Tickets for track and field at Olympics 2024 released in phases:
- First release (Oct 2023): Sold out in hours. Mostly prelims.
- Second release (March 2024): Added semis and some finals. Gone in 48 hours.
- Final release (May-June 2024): Last-minute batches. Mostly single seats.
Current Prices (Resale Market)
| Session Type | Face Value Price | Current Resale Avg. | Where to Hunt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Prelims | €45-€120 | €85-€200 | Official resale portal ONLY |
| Evening Session (No finals) | €75-€220 | €130-€350 | Official portal, trusted resellers |
| Evening with Finals | €120-€690 | €300-€950 | Hospitality packages or VIP resellers |
| Marathon (Free viewing) | N/A | N/A | Public streets - arrive 3hrs early |
Warning: Avoid Viagogo or Craigslist. Paris organizers are invalidating tickets sold outside official channels. Saw dozens of weeping fans locked out at test events.
My strategy? Book morning sessions early. They're cheaper and you see future stars. Then stalk the official resale platform for evening finals. I scored women's 100m finals tickets 4 days before race day in Tokyo for face value.
Watching From Home: Global Broadcast Guide
Can't make it to Paris? Here's how to watch the Olympics 2024 track and field schedule globally:
| Country | Free TV | Streaming | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | NBC, USA Network | Peacock, NBCOlympics.com | Peacock: $5.99/month |
| United Kingdom | BBC One/BBC Two | BBC iPlayer, Discovery+ | Free (TV license required) |
| Canada | CBC, TSN, Sportsnet | CBC Gem, TSN Direct | Free (CBC) / $20 monthly (TSN) |
| Australia | Channel 9 | 9Now | Free |
| Germany | ARD, ZDF | ARD Mediathek, Eurosport | Free (ARD) / €7 monthly (Eurosport) |
| Global | N/A | Olympics.com (delayed highlights) | Free |
Biggest gripe? NBC delays prime events for tape delay in US primetime. Use a VPN to watch BBC iPlayer for live coverage without spoilers.
Venue Survival Guide: Stade de France
Where the track and field Olympics 2024 schedule unfolds:
- Location: Saint-Denis (Northern Paris)
- Metro: Line 13 to Saint-Denis Porte de Paris (10-min walk)
- Security Arrival Time: 2 hours before session start
- Bag Policy: Max A4 size (21cm x 30cm), no food/drink
Food inside costs €€€. A water bottle was €6 at test events. Pack light and eat at Saint-Denis market before entry.
Seat advice: Avoid Category E "nosebleeds." You'll watch screens all night. Category C (€120-€180) gives best balance. Saw Warholm's world record from Section 327 – worth every euro.
FAQ: Your Track and Field Schedule Questions Answered
Q: When does track and field start at Paris Olympics?
August 1st at 10 AM CEST with men's 1500m heats.
Q: What time are the 100m finals in Paris time?
Women's: Aug 3, ~8:15 PM | Men's: Aug 4, ~8:50 PM
Q: Can I see the full schedule in my timezone?
Use the official Paris 2024 app – it auto-converts to your phone's timezone.
Q: Are morning sessions worth attending?
Yes if you love athletics depth – qualifying rounds reveal future stars with smaller crowds.
Q: How early should I arrive at Stade de France?
2 hours before session start. Security bottlenecks are real.
Q: Will events be rescheduled if it rains?
Almost never – track events proceed rain or shine. Bring a poncho!
Final Reality Check
Look, the Olympic track and field schedule 2024 is packed. Trying to see everything? Impossible. Pick 2-3 "must see" events and build around them. I'm targeting the men's 100m final and both 4x100m relays. Everything else is bonus.
Paris organizing has been... messy. But the track itself? Stellar. That Mondo blue oval is lightning fast. We might see records fall daily. Just manage expectations – transport will be chaotic, tickets overpriced, and schedules might shift. But when that starting gun fires? Pure magic. Worth every hassle.
Still deciding? Pull up that Olympics 2024 schedule track and field calendar again. Circle your dream events. Book transport and tickets NOW. Or set those streaming alerts. This only happens every four years.
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