The Arena recently reopened following a $15 million upgrade thanks to the Australian Government which included new seating to accommodate a wide range of sport, music and community events, lighting and air-conditioning.

The multi-purpose and accessible venue will host two free activation and watch parties on Sunday 4 August for the Olympics and Saturday 31 August for the Paralympics.

Both events will take place at the family friendly time of 10am to 2pm and will be the first chance for local residents to check out the new look Arena which has hosted many iconic sporting and community events over its 40-year history.

The site will feature big screens with bean bags for residents to watch the live broadcast and replays of the Games via Channel 9. There will also be a range of sport demonstrations and challenges, food trucks and kids activities including face painting and colouring-in.

There will also be site tours running every 30 minutes and free access to the Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) interactive sports exhibit, Sportex. The AIS Visitor Centre will also be decked out in green and gold and will broadcast the Games during opening hours.

ASC CEO Kieren Perkins OAM said the ASC was pleased to partner with the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) and Paralympics Australia (PA) to bring the LIVE Site to Canberra.

“We’re delighted to be chosen as Canberra’s Olympic and Paralympic LIVE Site joining iconic venues around the country such as South Bank, Federation Square, Yagan Square and Darling Harbour,” he said.

“The newly refurbished AIS Arena is a fantastic facility, and I can’t think of a better opportunity for Canberrans to see it for themselves next month.”

“With Brisbane 2032 just eight years away, there’s every chance that future Olympians and Paralympians could be in the crowd cheering on their idols and being inspired to chase their own sporting dreams.”

Book your free ticket to the Olympic watch party on 4 August here.

Book your free ticket to the Paralympics watch party on 31 August here.

Australian Olympic Committee CEO Matt Carroll AM said: “The AIS has long been a landmark for Australian high-performance sport. Welcoming communities around Canberra to celebrate the Paris Olympic Games at Olympics and Paralympics LIVE at AIS Arena will be an experience unparalleled in its connection to Australian sporting heritage.” “The AOC is pleased to partner with the Australian Sports Commission to host Olympics and Paralympics LIVE as one of the first events in their renewed facility and we’re looking forward to seeing the excitement it will generate amongst Canberrans and visitors to cheer on the Aussie athletes.”

Paralympics Australia interim CEO Cameron Murray said: “It’s fantastic that fans will have the chance to explore the upgraded AIS Arena and experience all the action and excitement from Paris at Olympics and Paralympics LIVE events in Canberra.” “The AIS holds a special place in the Australian Paralympic movement and has played a pivotal role in the success of the Australian Paralympic Team over decades. I can’t think of a better place for Canberrans to attend a Paralympics LIVE event and show their support for the Australian Paralympic Team competing on the world’s biggest sporting stage.”