NBC, AMC Theaters Partner To Bring Live Paris Olympics Coverage To Big Screens

In an unusual move, NBC is partnering with AMC Theaters to bring the 2024 Paris Olympics to the big screen. This summer, sports fans across the U.S. will have the opportunity to gather at their local AMC Theater to witness Olympic history as it unfolds live in Paris.

From July 27 to Aug. 11, NBC’s live afternoon coverage of the Paris Olympics will be screened at approximately 160 AMC locations throughout the U.S. The screenings, which begin the day after the Opening Ceremony, will showcase daily highlights and other stories. Tickets will be available for purchase through AMC and Fandango starting this summer.

The partnership between NBC and AMC marks a significant shift in how Olympic coverage is consumed. As Adam Aron, chairman and CEO of AMC Theatres, explained, “We are excited to extend NBC’s daily live coverage of the Paris Olympic Games to AMC Theatres across the country, allowing fans to gather and watch the drama, intrigue, and spectacle of the Summer Games this July.”

For AMC, offering live sports coverage is a strategic move to attract moviegoers and fill seats. AMC, like other movie theaters, continue to struggle in a post-pandemic world. By providing a unique communal viewing experience for the Olympics, AMC hopes to engage sports fans who may not typically frequent movie theaters.

Gary Zenkel, president of NBC Olympics, said: “The afternoon broadcasts on NBC will offer many of the most compelling live moments from Paris, and we believe these gatherings will fuel overall enthusiasm for the games.”

NBC’s AMC deal is just a small part of its plans. Coverage will air on NBC, NBCUniversal’s various cable channels, Telemundo, NBC affiliate stations and online. In a first for the Summer Games, NBC’s streaming service Peacock will provide 5,000-plus hours of Olympic coverage, including all 329 medal events.

The Paris Olympics hold special significance as the city celebrates the 130th anniversary of the modern Olympic Games. Paris, which previously hosted the Olympics in 1900 and 1924, will tie London as a three-time host of the Summer Games.

To help generate excitement for the upcoming Games, an NBCUniversal promotional trailer for its Paris Olympics coverage will begin running in AMC theaters nationwide on March 29. This early exposure aims to raise awareness of the theatrical screenings and build anticipation among sports fans.

One question remains: Will fans want to watch the Games in a theater or on their couch?