Excitement rippled across the globe as football fans eagerly anticipated the start of UEFA EURO 2024. One of the most frequently asked questions leading up to the tournament was, “What Time Does The Opening Ceremony For The Euros Start?” While the spectacular opening ceremony for EURO 2024 in Germany has already taken place, understanding when it happened and revisiting the key details of this major football event remains of great interest.
The UEFA EURO 2024 opening ceremony was held on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the Munich Football Arena in Munich, Germany. It commenced shortly before the opening match between host nation Germany and Scotland. For fans tuning in around the world, the approximate start time was 9:00 PM Central European Summer Time (CEST). To catch the pre-match festivities and the opening ceremony, viewers were advised to tune in to broadcasts and streams approximately 30-60 minutes prior to the 9:00 PM CEST kickoff of the Germany vs. Scotland match.
While specific details about the EURO 2024 opening ceremony performances are readily available through event highlights and news reports, it’s important to remember that the ceremony served as a vibrant prelude to a month-long festival of football. Now, let’s delve into more essential information about the EURO 2024 tournament itself.
EURO 2024: Key Tournament Information
Host Nation and Venue
Germany was the proud host of EURO 2024, marking the second time the nation has staged the UEFA European Championship, with West Germany having hosted the 1988 edition. This tournament was, however, the first time Germany hosted the Euros since reunification, adding a special significance to the event. Germany also has a strong history of hosting major football tournaments, including the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Aerial view of the ten UEFA EURO 2024 host cities stadiums
The ten UEFA EURO 2024 host cities across Germany, showcasing the widespread locations for matches and fan experiences.
Tournament Dates and Schedule
EURO 2024 spanned a full month of thrilling football action, kicking off on June 14, 2024, and culminating in the final match on July 14, 2024.
- Group Stage: June 14 – June 26
- Knockout Stage: Began on June 29
As the host country, Germany was automatically placed in Group A and played the opening match in Munich against Scotland on June 14, securing a dominant 5-1 victory. Germany/West Germany boasts a rich EURO history, having participated in every edition since 1972 and winning the tournament in 1972, 1980 (as West Germany), and EURO ’96.
Qualified Teams and Groups
The EURO 2024 final tournament draw took place in Hamburg on December 2, 2023, setting the stage for exciting group matchups:
Group A: Germany, Scotland, Hungary, Switzerland
Group B: Spain, Croatia, Italy, Albania
Group C: Slovenia, Denmark, Serbia, England
Group D: Poland*, Netherlands, Austria, France
Group E: Belgium, Slovakia, Romania, Ukraine*
Group F: Türkiye, Georgia*, Portugal, Czechia
*Teams qualified through play-offs.*
Tournament Format
EURO 2024 maintained the same format as UEFA EURO 2020, ensuring a familiar structure for fans. The top two teams from each of the six groups, along with the four best third-placed teams, advanced to the round of 16, setting the stage for the knockout rounds and the journey to the final.
Final Match Location
The prestigious Olympiastadion in Berlin was selected to host the EURO 2024 final on Sunday, July 14, 2024. In a thrilling match, Spain defeated England 2-1, securing their fourth EURO title and becoming the first nation to achieve this milestone.
Host Cities Across Germany
Ten world-class cities across Germany were chosen as host venues for EURO 2024. These venues included nine stadiums previously utilized for the 2006 World Cup, along with the addition of the modern Düsseldorf Arena.
EURO 2024 Host Cities:
- Berlin: Olympiastadion Berlin (Capacity: 71,000)
- Cologne: Cologne Stadium (Capacity: 43,000)
- Dortmund: BVB Stadion Dortmund (Capacity: 62,000)
- Dusseldorf: Düsseldorf Arena (Capacity: 47,000)
- Frankfurt: Frankfurt Arena (Capacity: 47,000)
- Gelsenkirchen: Arena AufSchalke (Capacity: 50,000)
- Hamburg: Volksparkstadion Hamburg (Capacity: 49,000)
- Leipzig: Leipzig Stadium (Capacity: 40,000)
- Munich: Munich Football Arena (Capacity: 66,000)
- Stuttgart: Stuttgart Arena (Capacity: 51,000)
Notably, Munich Football Arena had the unique distinction of hosting matches in its second consecutive EURO tournament, having also been a venue for UEFA EURO 2020.
Fan Zones and Atmosphere
Each host city created dedicated fan zones, offering public viewing areas and a vibrant atmosphere for supporters to gather and celebrate the tournament. These fan zones became hubs of excitement, enhancing the overall EURO 2024 experience.
Enthusiastic fans in Berlin's Fan Zone at Platz der Republik
Berlin’s Fan Zone at Platz der Republik, filled with supporters enjoying the EURO 2024 atmosphere during the Germany vs. Scotland match.
Official Match Ball: FUSSBALLLIEBE
The official match ball of EURO 2024, named FUSSBALLLIEBE, meaning “love of football” in German, was unveiled in Berlin in November 2023. Produced by Adidas, FUSSBALLLIEBE incorporated Connected Ball Technology for the first time in a EURO tournament, adding a layer of innovation to the games.
Tournament Mascot: Albärt
Albärt, a friendly teddy bear, was chosen as the official mascot for EURO 2024 through a vote involving UEFA.com users and schoolchildren. Albärt was introduced to fans in June 2023 and became a recognizable and beloved symbol of the tournament.
Albärt, the official UEFA EURO 2024 mascot posing with the trophy
Albärt, the official UEFA EURO 2024 mascot, pictured during the trophy tour, embodying the fun and spirit of the tournament.
EURO 2024 Volunteers
An impressive 16,000 volunteers from 124 countries played a crucial role in the success of EURO 2024. Selected from over 146,000 applicants, these volunteers supported the tournament operations across the host cities, embodying the motto “United by football. Vereint im Herzen Europas.”
A diverse group of 16,000 volunteers at EURO 2024
16,000 dedicated volunteers from around the world contributed to the seamless execution and welcoming atmosphere of EURO 2024.
Official Song: “FIRE”
The official EURO 2024 song, “FIRE,” was a collaboration between Italian producers Meduza, American band OneRepublic, and German singer Leony. Released across streaming platforms, “FIRE” aimed to capture the passion and energy of football and music fans alike, becoming the soundtrack to the tournament.
Conclusion
While the EURO 2024 opening ceremony is now a cherished memory, the tournament itself delivered a month of unforgettable football moments. From the opening match in Munich to the final in Berlin, EURO 2024 in Germany was a resounding success, showcasing top-tier football, enthusiastic fans, and the unifying power of the beautiful game. For those looking to relive the excitement or prepare for future tournaments, understanding the key details of EURO 2024, including when events like the opening ceremony took place, provides valuable context and appreciation for these major sporting events.
