Milan And Cortina Set Stage For Historic Olympic Opening

The world is gearing up for a dazzling spectacle as the 2026 Winter Olympics prepare to kick off in Italy, marking a historic first for the Games. This year, Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo will share hosting duties, uniting snow-capped mountain peaks with the vibrant pulse of one of Italy’s most iconic cities. About 2,900 of the globe’s top winter athletes have descended upon these twin venues, ready to carve their names into Olympic lore. With the opening ceremony set for February 6, anticipation is at a fever pitch—fans, athletes, and officials alike are counting down the hours to an event that promises both tradition and innovation in equal measure.

For the first time ever, the Olympic opening ceremony will be split between two locations: Milan’s legendary San Siro Stadium and the picturesque town center of Cortina d’Ampezzo. This unprecedented approach underscores the Games’ theme of "Armonia"—harmony in Italian—a tribute to the nation’s rich history, vibrant culture, and enduring Olympic spirit. Creative Lead Marco Balich, the visionary behind the ceremonies, has described "Armonia" as a bridge connecting Italy’s past and present, its cities and mountains, and its people with the world. The dual locations will feature simultaneous cauldron lightings: one in Milan, in front of the Arco della Pace, and another in Cortina’s Piazza Angelo Dibona, inspired by the genius of Leonardo da Vinci.

The festivities begin at 2:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. local time) at San Siro Stadium, with coverage broadcast live on NBC and streamed on Peacock, NBCOlympics.com, and other NBC platforms. For those who can’t catch it live, a primetime encore will air at 8 p.m. ET. Terry Gannon and three-time Olympic snowboarding champion Shaun White will anchor the broadcast from Milan, while Mike Tirico will provide remote commentary from Northern California as he preps for Super Bowl LX.

Meanwhile, Cortina d’Ampezzo will host its own parallel ceremony, starting at 8:00 p.m. CET in the town center. Here, the public is invited to witness the magic firsthand—no ticket required. The event will feature a Nations Parade along Corso Italia, with each country represented by a single flagbearer. Italy, as host nation, will break tradition with two: Olympic alpine skiing medalist Federica Brignone and Olympic curling champion Amos Mosaner. Large screens around the Campanile di Cortina will stream the Milan proceedings, ensuring fans in both locations can share the experience in real time.

The opening ceremony itself is shaping up to be an unforgettable showcase of music, pageantry, and Italian flair. Pop superstar Mariah Carey headlines a star-studded lineup, joined by classical virtuoso Lang Lang, opera legends Cecilia Bartoli and Andrea Bocelli, pop icon Laura Pausini, and celebrated Italian actors Pierfrancesco Favino, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Matilda De Angelis. Each performer will bring their unique artistry to the stage, weaving together a tapestry of sound and spectacle that celebrates both Italy and the Olympic movement.

Of course, the Parade of Nations remains a centerpiece of the ceremony, as athletes from around the world march proudly behind their flags. Team USA has selected long track speedskater Erin Jackson and bobsledder Frank Del Duca as its flagbearers, a nod to both speed and strength. According to Team USA, the American delegation will number 232 athletes—each one hungry for a shot at Olympic glory.

But not every nation will be present in full. Russia and Belarus remain banned from competing as countries, a continuation of the sanctions imposed during the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, some athletes from these nations may participate as Individual Neutral Athletes (AINs), competing without their national flags or anthems. As a result, neither Russia nor Belarus will be represented in the Parade of Nations, and their anthems will not be played, even if an AIN stands atop the podium. It’s a stark reminder of the broader geopolitical tensions that sometimes shadow the Olympic ideal.

The Olympic torch relay, a cherished tradition dating back to the 1936 Berlin Games, has already captured imaginations across Italy. The 2026 torch was lit in Olympia, Greece, on November 26, 2025, before arriving in Rome on December 4. From there, it has journeyed through every region of Italy, spreading a message of peace and friendship before its grand arrival at San Siro Stadium for the official start of the Games. The simultaneous lighting of the cauldrons in Milan and Cortina will symbolize unity and the enduring flame of the Olympic spirit.

For those wondering about the logistics: Milan is six hours ahead of the U.S. East Coast, so American fans will need to plan accordingly to catch the action live. NBC’s comprehensive coverage ensures that no moment will be missed, whether you’re streaming on Peacock or tuning in for the primetime encore. The ceremony is expected to last around three hours, encompassing musical performances, official proceedings, and the all-important lighting of the Olympic flame.

In addition to the main events in Milan and Cortina, other host city venues such as Predazzo and Livigno will feature their own Nations Parades, further emphasizing the Games’ commitment to inclusivity and regional pride. It’s a logistical marvel, but one that organizers believe will set a new standard for Olympic unity and celebration.

The significance of these Games extends far beyond the opening ceremony. For Italy, it’s a chance to showcase its warmth, creativity, and resilience on the world stage. For athletes, it’s the culmination of years of sacrifice and training. And for fans, it’s an invitation to witness history in the making—whether from the stands of San Siro, the squares of Cortina, or living rooms around the globe.

As the world prepares to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics come to life, one thing is clear: this is no ordinary opening ceremony. With its dual venues, star-studded performances, and a message of harmony that resonates across borders, the stage is set for a celebration that will be talked about for years to come. The Olympic flame is about to burn brighter than ever, uniting Milan, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and the entire world in a shared moment of awe and inspiration.

With final preparations underway and the torch relay nearing its destination, excitement is building by the minute. The 2026 Winter Olympics are poised to open with a ceremony as grand and inclusive as any in Olympic history, setting the tone for two weeks of unforgettable competition and camaraderie.