The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics officially begin tomorrow, Friday, February 6, 2026, with a historic Opening Ceremony at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium. This star-studded event marks the symbolic start of the Games (prelims like curling and women’s hockey already underway), featuring global performances, the Parade of Nations, and the lighting of not one, but two Olympic cauldrons for the first time ever.
Expect a celebration of Italian culture, inclusivity, and winter sports magic across multiple venues. Here’s everything you need to know to watch, what to expect, and how to follow along.
When & Where Is the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony?
Here’s all of the info for you on the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony.
- Date: Friday, February 6, 2026
- Time: Live coverage starts at 2 p.m. ET (11 a.m. PT / 8 p.m. local CET in Milan); primetime encore at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). Ceremony expected to last ~3 hours.
- Main Venue: San Siro Stadium (Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium), Milan – historic 76,000+ capacity home to AC Milan and Inter Milan soccer.
- Unique Twist: First-ever multi-venue ceremony! Parade elements and celebrations spread to satellite sites in Cortina d’Ampezzo (cauldron lighting), Predazzo, and Livigno for a “widespread” inclusive feel.
- Theme: “Armonia” (Harmony) – emphasizing unity across Italy’s regions and the world.
How to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in the US?
NBCUniversal has full rights to show the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony and more.
- TV: Live on NBC starting 2 p.m. ET (primetime recap at 8 p.m. ET).
- Streaming: Peacock (live and on-demand; Peacock Premium required, $5.99+/month). Also on NBCOlympics.com, NBC.com, NBC app, and NBC Sports app.
- Commentators: Terry Gannon and Mary Carillo host, with Shaun White (3x Olympic gold medalist) on Parade of Nations analysis. Reporters at multiple venues; Mike Tirico contributes remotely.
- International: Check local rights holders (e.g., BBC in UK); Olympics.com for highlights.
Pro tip: Stream on Peacock for full live access without cable.
Performers & Entertainment Highlights
The ceremony promises blockbuster acts blending international stars and Italian icons:
- Mariah Carey (5x Grammy winner) – Global superstar headliner; expect a show-stopping performance.
- Andrea Bocelli (famed Italian tenor) – Emotional, powerful vocals.
- Laura Pausini (Golden Globe winner, Italian icon) – Brings home-country energy.
- Pierfrancesco Favino (award-winning actor/producer) – Hosting/narration elements.
- Sabrina Impacciatore (“The White Lotus” star) – Adds celebrity flair.
- Lang Lang (world-renowned pianist) – Classical touch.
- Additional surprises: Over 1,300 performers, 182 original designs, 1,400+ costumes—produced by Balich Wonder Studio for a spectacle of light, music, and culture.
Parade of Nations & Key Moments
- Order: Starts with Greece (traditional first), alphabetical in Italian, ends with host Italy. ~3,000 athletes from 90+ nations march (some at satellite venues for inclusivity—e.g., athletes parade near their competition sites).
- Team USA Flag Bearers: Speed skater Erin Jackson (2022 500m gold) and bobsledder Frank Del Duca.
- Olympic Cauldrons: Two identical designs (inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s knots, lightweight aluminum) lit simultaneously—one at Milan’s Arco della Pace, one in Cortina’s Piazza Dibona.
- Other Traditions: Olympic flag raising, oaths, and the symbolic flame lighting to officially open the Games (Feb 6–22).
Why This Opening Ceremony Is Historic
- First multi-venue Opening Ceremony (Milan + Cortina/Predazzo/Livigno).
- Emphasis on regional Italy and inclusivity.
- Ties into the Games’ spread-out venues for a more connected feel.
Stay tuned for live updates as the ceremony unfolds. Follow along with our tracker for real-time highlights, athlete arrivals, and post-ceremony reactions.
More 2026 Winter Olympics Resources
- 2026 Winter Olympics Live Updates & Results Tracker
- 2026 Winter Olympics Schedule: Full Day-by-Day Calendar & Printable PDF
- 2026 Winter Olympics TV Schedule & How to Watch Guide
- Olympics Hub: Schedules, Printables, Brackets & Guides
- Printable 2026 Olympic Hockey Schedule & Bracket
- Parlay Builder Tool for the Olympics and Super Bowl
The Milano Cortina 2026 Games are here. Don’t miss the magic tomorrow!
