Terry Gannon Steps into the Spotlight for Milan Cortina Olympics Opening

Terry Gannon Joins the Olympic Opening Ceremony Lineup

In February 2026, the eyes of the world will once again turn to the Olympic Games—this time in the heart of northern Italy, where Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo are set to host the XXV Winter Olympics. The games promise all the drama and triumph we’ve come to expect, but before the first medal is won, a dazzling opening ceremony will set the stage. And at the center of it all, stepping into a new role, is NBC Sports commentator Terry Gannon.

Gannon, whose voice has narrated countless Olympic moments, will co-host NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Opening Ceremony alongside Savannah Guthrie, the trusted TODAY co-anchor. For Guthrie, this marks her fourth time leading an Olympic opening broadcast—her presence now as familiar to viewers as the Olympic flame itself. But for Gannon, it’s a moment of firsts: after four stints hosting closing ceremonies, he’s finally taking the opening spotlight.

From Closing Ceremonies to Center Stage: Gannon’s Olympic Journey

For years, Terry Gannon has been a fixture behind the scenes, guiding audiences through the emotion and spectacle of Olympic closing ceremonies. His knack for blending sports knowledge with genuine human connection has made him a favorite among viewers. Now, as he prepares for his debut at the opening ceremony, Gannon steps into a role that is as much about celebration as it is about storytelling.

Joining Gannon and Guthrie in the broadcast booth will be none other than Shaun White, three-time Olympic gold medalist in snowboarding. White’s own history with the Games—gold medals in Torino, Vancouver, and PyeongChang—gives him a unique perspective on what the athletes will feel as they enter Milan’s historic San Siro Stadium for the Parade of Nations. “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,” White remarked, reflecting on the gravity of the occasion.

A Celebration of Sport, Culture, and Italian Grandeur

The opening ceremony for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will be held at San Siro Stadium, a venue steeped in nearly a century of sporting history. Home to legendary football clubs AC Milan and Inter Milan, the stadium provides a dramatic setting for the global event. Organizers have hinted that the festivities will stretch beyond the stadium, involving competition venues across Milan and Cortina in ways never seen before—a nod to the region’s rich sporting and cultural heritage.

As in years past, the ceremony will showcase the Parade of Nations, where athletes from around the world march beneath their flags. The lighting of the Olympic cauldron, a moment that always manages to capture the collective breath of viewers, will symbolize not just the beginning of competition, but the unity and hope that the Games represent.

Behind the scenes, Emmy-winning producers Lindsay Schanzer and director Mike Sheehan will shape the broadcast, ensuring that every moment—whether sweeping panorama or intimate athlete close-up—resonates with viewers. Their experience promises a seamless blend of tradition and innovation, echoing Italy’s own fusion of ancient and modern.

The Team Behind the Broadcast: Familiar Faces and New Perspectives

While Savannah Guthrie returns as a seasoned Olympics host, balancing her duties on TODAY with the grandeur of the Games, Terry Gannon’s transition from closing to opening ceremonies marks a new chapter in his broadcasting career. Guthrie expressed her excitement: “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.”

Mike Tirico, another NBC Sports mainstay, will contribute to the opening ceremony coverage remotely from California, where he will be preparing to call Super Bowl LX just two days later—a testament to the scale of NBCUniversal’s sporting commitments in 2026.

Shaun White’s presence in the booth is more than ceremonial. Having contributed to Olympic coverage in London (2012) and Rio de Janeiro (2016), White bridges the gap between athlete and analyst, offering insights that only someone who’s stood atop the Olympic podium can provide.

Anticipation Builds for a Winter Games Like No Other

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be Italy’s fourth time hosting the Games, and the second for Cortina since 1956. The event promises not just world-class competition, but a celebration of Italy’s landscapes, culture, and spirit. The opening ceremony, airing live at noon ET and again in primetime at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and streaming on Peacock, will be the first taste of what’s to come.

For viewers, the spectacle is not just about the parade or the cauldron. It’s about the stories—of athletes and nations, of the hosts guiding us through the pageantry, and of the moments that linger long after the closing fireworks fade. The Milan Cortina opening ceremony is set to be a testament to collaboration, resilience, and the enduring power of sport.

As the countdown begins, Terry Gannon’s journey from the closing ceremonies to his debut at the opening celebration mirrors the broader spirit of renewal and anticipation that defines the Olympics themselves. When the world tunes in, it won’t just be for the athletes, but for the voices who help us understand what these Games mean.

In spotlighting Terry Gannon’s transition to opening ceremony host, the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics broadcast promises not only a fresh perspective but also a sense of continuity. With Gannon, Guthrie, and White at the helm, viewers can expect a broadcast that honors tradition while embracing change—a fitting reflection of the Olympics’ enduring appeal.