A Deep Dive into the Olympic Team Houses at Paris 2024: From TeamNL to Casa Colombia

When it comes to Olympic events, we all know the athletes are the main attraction. But let’s not forget the unsung heroes of the games—the Olympic Team Houses. These unique spaces go far beyond serving as a cozy spot for fans and athletes to hang out. They’re full-on experiences that captivate every sense and create unforgettable memories. For those of us in the event production world, they’re a masterclass in how to design experiences that hit every mark.

We were fortunate to visit a few standouts from Paris 2024: TeamNL House, Casa Brazil, Casa Mexico, and Casa Colombia. Keep reading to find out our favorite moments in the houses we visited!

TeamNL House: A Celebration of Dutch Pride

TeamNL House (formerly known as Holland Heineken House) is the poster child for turning a hospitality space into an experience that’s more than the sum of its parts. It’s all about crafting an authentic immersion where every detail screams Dutch pride. The TeamNL house showcased vibrant orange decor and meticulously curated Dutch snacks and drinks.

We love that TeamNL House focused on its primary audience—Dutch fans and athletes. They want to ensure everyone who walks through those doors feels like they’ve been transported to the heart of the Netherlands, even in the middle of Paris. The design journey here is all about nostalgia and camaraderie, creating touchpoints that evoke national pride and shared victory.

Casa Brazil: Samba, Sports, and So Much More

Moving on to Casa Brazil, this team house takes experiential design to another level. The Brazilians know how to throw a party, and Casa Brazil is no exception. When you walk in, vibrant colors, rhythmic beats, and the smell of Brazilian cuisine hit you all at once and it almost feels like going to Brazil itself.

Every visitor’s journey through the space is carefully curated from the welcoming capoeira dancers at the entrance to the interactive football zones inside. Each touchpoint feels like a deliberate invitation to experience a slice of Brazilian culture. The transitions between these touchpoints are seamless, blending the energy of live performances with moments of relaxation and reflection, ensuring visitors never feel like they’re just moving from one room to another. It’s a living, breathing entity that embodies Brazil’s spirit of joy and celebration.

Casa Mexico: A Fiesta of Culture and Connection

Casa Mexico also knows how to craft a spectacular experience. With its roots in Mexican culture and tradition, this team house created a world of vibrant colors, lively mariachi music, and mouth-watering cuisine.

Casa Mexico focused on storytelling. The traditional art pieces displayed on the walls and the tequila-tasting stations set up for visitors tells a story of Mexican pride and each interaction is a chance to connect with Mexican culture on a deeper level.

Casa Colombia: Where Passion and Pride Meet

Last but certainly not least, we have Casa Colombia where we watched the Closing Ceremony. This team house is all about the vibrant, passionate spirit of Colombia. The experience begins the moment you step inside, with live music, traditional dance performances, and, of course, plenty of coffee.

Casa Colombia honed in on what makes Colombian culture so unique and built an entire experience around it. Every touchpoint is an invitation to explore, from interactive coffee workshops to salsa dancing lessons. Each component created moments of discovery and joy, all while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Colombia.

Conclusion: Creating Experiences that Resonate

These Olympic Team Houses are a masterclass in how to create experiences that resonate with attendees on a deep, emotional level. Whether it’s the sense of pride at TeamNL House, the joy of discovery at Casa Brazil, the community spirit at Casa Mexico, or the passionate energy at Casa Colombia, each space offers something unique and unforgettable.

For those of us in the event production world, there’s so much to learn here. It’s not just about throwing a party; it’s about designing experiences that stick with people long after they’ve left. It’s about creating spaces where every detail, every touchpoint, and every transition works together to tell a story and create a feeling.

So, next time you’re tasked with planning a large-scale event, think like the creators of these Olympic Team Houses. At the end of the day, it’s those unforgettable moments that people will remember and talk about long after the event is over.