Quick Read
- The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games Opening Ceremony takes place today, February 6, 2026.
- The ceremony is primarily hosted at Milan’s historic San Siro Stadium and is expected to last about three hours.
- For the first time in Olympic history, two cauldrons will be lit, one in Milan and one in Cortina d’Ampezzo.
- International stars like Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, and Laura Pausini are scheduled to perform.
- NBC and Peacock will broadcast the ceremony live starting at 2 p.m. ET, with a re-airing at 8 p.m. ET.
MILAN (Azat TV) – The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games officially kick off today, Friday, February 6, with its highly anticipated Opening Ceremony, primarily hosted at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium. This year’s ceremony, expected to last approximately three hours, is making history with the lighting of two Olympic cauldrons for the first time ever, symbolizing the dual host cities of Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Millions of viewers worldwide are set to tune in for the spectacle, which promises a blend of traditional Olympic pageantry and modern entertainment, featuring a lineup of globally recognized artists. The event serves as the grand inauguration for the Winter Games, showcasing Italy’s cultural heritage and uniting nations under the Olympic spirit.
Historic Dual Cauldron and Star-Studded Performances
The decision to light two Olympic cauldrons – one in Milan and another in Cortina d’Ampezzo – marks a significant first in the history of the Olympic Games, underscoring the collaborative nature of the dual-host city model. The main ceremony at Milan’s historic San Siro Stadium will be a showcase of local pride and international unity, culminating in the traditional Olympic torch relay and the groundbreaking dual cauldron lighting.
The ceremony’s entertainment program is designed to create an ’emotional atmosphere’ ahead of the Games, according to the local Olympic committee. Headlining the musical performances is global superstar Mariah Carey, whose participation is noted to ‘fully represent the emotional atmosphere that accompanies the run-up to the Games.’ The committee emphasized that ‘Music is a universal language that attracts different stories and sensibilities, and intertwines with the opening ceremony’s theme of harmony.’ Alongside Carey, audiences can expect to see renowned Italian artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Pierfrancesco Favino, Laura Pausini, and The Paper star Sabrina Impacciatore take the international stage, contributing to a truly memorable start to the Games.
Broadcast Details and Expert Commentary
For viewers in the United States, the 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony is scheduled to begin live at 2 p.m. ET on Friday, February 6, and will be broadcast on both NBC and Peacock. For those unable to watch the live transmission, a special re-airing of the Opening Ceremony is slated for later that evening at 8 p.m. ET. The event is projected to run for approximately three hours, a duration consistent with many previous modern Olympic Games opening ceremonies, such as the 2024 Paris Games and Tokyo 2020.
NBC’s coverage of the event will be anchored by veteran journalists Savannah Guthrie and Terry Gannon, who will be joined by Olympic gold medalist and snowboarding legend Shaun White for additional commentary. Guthrie expressed her excitement, stating, ‘I couldn’t be more thrilled to host the Opening Ceremony alongside the incomparable Terry Gannon and snowboarding legend Shaun White. It’s such an honor to celebrate the world’s best athletes and introduce the magic and wonder of the Winter Games and northern Italy to viewers at home.’ Gannon echoed her sentiments, adding, ‘Winter sports’ greatest athletes at a legendary stadium in one of the most vibrant cities in the world… count me in! I’m thrilled to be a part of the team along with Savannah and Shaun for a compelling, meaningful showcase to kick off the Milan Cortina Olympics.’ White, returning to the Olympics in a new capacity, remarked, ‘The Olympics have been such a huge part of my life, and to return in this new role – celebrating the athletes, the energy, and the incredible backdrop of Italy – is truly an honor. I know what that moment means when the world is watching, and I can’t wait to help bring that magic to everyone at home.’
Setting the Stage for Milan Cortina 2026
The Opening Ceremony not only marks the official commencement of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games but also sets the tone for the competitions to follow. It provides the host nation with a unique opportunity to showcase its culture, hospitality, and readiness to welcome athletes and visitors from around the globe. The blend of tradition, innovation, and star power aims to captivate audiences and ignite enthusiasm for the weeks of sporting excellence ahead.
The inclusion of a dual cauldron, coupled with a diverse array of international and local talent, underscores a modern approach to the Olympic tradition, balancing historical significance with contemporary appeal to engage a broader global audience.