Magical, Marvellous, Magnifique: Eiffel Tower lights up beach volleyball venue on Olympic nights

Every night, the lights dim at the Eiffel Tower Stadium as France’s most iconic landmark lights the night sky

As the sun sets on the Eiffel Tower Stadium, the beach volleyball party ramps up a notch. Darkness envelopes the stadium. The lights dim. 13,000 mobile phone lights illuminate the stadium stands.

After the sun sets and the clock nears 10pm, the crowd hushes. They know the significance of this moment. A unique experience at the best stadium on earth that will be no more after the Olympic and Paralympic Games Paris 2024 conclude in September – although it will live on in the memories of the hundreds of thousands of fans who have passed through the Stadium’s gates, alongside billions watching around the world.

Strobe lights flood the sand with the colours of the French Flag. Blue. White. Red. Music cuts through the silence, counting down to the Eiffel Tower’s grand reveal. Phone cameras light the way, like burning embers ready to strike a fire. Suddenly, the Iron Lady ignites, ablaze with an inferno of shimmering gold against the night sky.

The crowd erupts and the lights brighten, revealing the sand court and world-class athletes, ready for another battle in their Olympic quest for gold. From here the party continues – the height of athleticism, tactical knowhow, teamwork and determination plays out on the sand. One team vying for an edge. Meanwhile, 13,000 fans cheer them on, feet stomping as the stadium vibrates and hums with energy.

Olympic Games Paris 2024 Beach Volleyball: schedule and results