The 2024 America’s Cup Begins in Barcelona

This is the summer of sporting competitions! Besides the Olympic Games, we will witness other significant sporting moments. The 2024 America's Cup will take place in our beloved city of Barcelona. This event, which combines technological innovation and grandeur in sailing, promises to be one of the most notable events of the year. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the opening ceremony, the duration of the event, the complete schedule, and where to watch the regatta.

Opening ceremony of the America's Cup

The opening ceremony of the 37th Louis Vuitton America's Cup will be held on 22 August 2024 in Barcelona. This event will mark the official start of the competition, bringing together the best sailing teams in the world. The inauguration will be a spectacle highlighting Barcelona's rich maritime history and its ability to host high-level sporting events.

The opening ceremony will feature team parades, boat presentations, and an artistic display showcasing both local culture and nautical tradition. Prominent figures from the sailing world and local authorities are expected to attend, welcoming the competitors and spectators. Additionally, there will be a series of parallel activities and events, including exhibitions, workshops, and concerts, all designed to create a festive and exciting atmosphere for sailing enthusiasts in the city.

How long is the 37th Louis Vuitton America's Cup?

The 2024 America's Cup runs from 22 August to 27 October. The main event, known as the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup Match, will be held from 12 to 27 October. Between these dates, several preliminary regattas and the Louis Vuitton Cup will take place, determining which team will challenge the current champion, Emirates Team New Zealand.

The Louis Vuitton Cup is a crucial series that not only selects the official challenger but also provides thrilling entertainment for the fans. This phase of the event includes multiple rounds of regattas in an elimination format. The semi-finals and finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup are particularly intense, as only the strongest team will advance to challenge the title defender in the America's Cup Match.

Complete schedule of the 2024 America's Cup

The schedule for the 2024 America's Cup is as follows:

• 22 August: Opening Ceremony
• 23-25 August: Final Preliminary Regatta
• 29 August - 7 October: Louis Vuitton Cup
• 12-27 October: America's Cup Match
• 17-26 September: UniCredit Youth America’s Cup
• 5-13 October: Puig Women’s America’s Cup

Key dates begin with the official inauguration on 22 August. The final preliminary regatta will take place from 23 to 25 August, where teams will have their first chance to compete in a real race. The Louis Vuitton Cup, from 29 August to 7 October, will determine the challenger. Then, from 12 to 27 October, the America's Cup Match, the main event, will be held. Additionally, the UniCredit Youth America's Cup and the Puig Women’s America’s Cup will take place between September and October, providing platforms for the future stars of sailing.

Where to watch the 2024 America's Cup regatta?

From Land

Barcelona offers multiple places to watch the 2024 America's Cup from land. The Fan Zones and the Race Village will be equipped with giant screens and located in strategic areas such as the Port Olímpic and nearby beaches, providing a privileged view of the regattas.

The Fan Zones will not only allow fans to follow the regattas live but also offer a variety of interactive activities, exhibitions, and food and drink stalls. These zones will become meeting points for sailing enthusiasts, where they can enjoy the atmosphere and share the excitement of the competition. The Race Village, located at the heart of the port, will be the epicentre of activity with access to the teams and boats, providing a unique and close-up experience of the action.

From the water

If you prefer to watch the competition from the water, you can approach the perimeter of the racecourse with your boat. There are also boat rental options offering personalised experiences to enjoy the regatta from the sea.

Watching the 2024 America's Cup from the water offers an unparalleled perspective. Many local companies offer yacht and motorboat rental packages, allowing spectators to get close to the action and feel the adrenaline of the regattas. Additionally, there will be specialised charter boats providing guided tours and onboard catering services, creating a luxurious experience for those who wish to enjoy the event with all the comforts.

On screen

For those who cannot be present in Barcelona, the 2024 America's Cup will be broadcast live through international sports channels such as ESPN, NBC Sports, and Eurosport. Additionally, streaming platforms associated with these channels, like ESPN+ and NBC Sports Gold, will offer live and on-demand coverage.

The television and online coverage will ensure that fans around the world do not miss a single moment of the action. The broadcasts will include expert commentary, real-time analysis, and replays of the best moments, providing a complete experience for remote viewers. The streaming platforms will allow users to watch the regattas on any device, ensuring total accessibility.

Economic and sustainable impact on the city

Barcelona is not only preparing to be the epicentre of elite sailing but will also benefit economically. The event is expected to generate over 19,000 jobs and significant economic impact, reinforcing the region's blue economy.

The economic impact of the 2024 America's Cup will be broad and profound. The influx of international visitors will boost the tourism industry, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, and shops. Additionally, investment in infrastructure and services related to the event will create employment opportunities and foster economic development in key sectors. The promotion of the blue economy, which includes sustainable productive activities related to oceans and coasts, will receive a considerable boost, contributing to the region's sustainable growth.

In addition to the exciting sporting events, the 2024 America's Cup in Barcelona will stand out for its commitment to sustainability. Advanced technologies and ecological practices will be implemented to minimise the environmental impact of the event, setting new standards in the world of nautical sports.

Sustainability will be a fundamental pillar of the 2024 America's Cup. The organisers have adopted various initiatives to reduce the event's carbon footprint, such as using renewable energy, efficient waste management, and promoting eco-friendly sailing practices. The competition boats, equipped with cutting-edge technologies, will not only be fast and competitive but also environmentally friendly. This sustainable approach aims to inspire other sporting events and the nautical industry in general to follow the same path.

Tourist experience in Barcelona

Barcelona is a city full of charm and culture, and during the 2024 America's Cup, visitors will have the opportunity to explore its many attractions. From Gaudí's iconic architecture to golden beaches and vibrant nightlife, Barcelona offers something for everyone.

For those seeking a complete experience, the Ocean Drive Barcelona hotel is an excellent accommodation choice. This hotel combines exclusivity and comfort with a privileged location near the city’s main points of interest. Additionally, if you are looking for a restaurant in Barcelona with local and delicious options, the hotel's restaurant offers an exquisite selection of dishes, perfect for enjoying after a day full of action at the regattas.

In short, the 2024 America's Cup in Barcelona promises to be an unforgettable event that combines the excitement of the competition with the charm of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Do not miss the opportunity to be part of this historic event, whether by attending in person, following the action from the water, or watching the regattas from the comfort of our hotel.