Here is everything you need to know about the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics, including TV and streaming options for the celebration.
Olympics opening ceremony Pacific Time schedule: 2026 Winter Games start time, channel to watch ceremonies live originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
If you're a sports fan who lives on the West Coast, you are familiar with early start times for games. College football and NFL weekends may require a few cups of coffee, especially if there is an international contest on the schedule.
Well, it's time to set those alarms for the 2026 Winter Olympics. With events being held in Italy, there will be a nine-hour difference between Pacific Time and Central European Standard Time.
There is some good news, though. The opening ceremony is a prime-time production in Italy, so you won't have to beat the sun in order to witness the official start of the Milan Cortina Games.
Here is everything you need to know about the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics, including TV and streaming options for the celebration.
Winter Olympics opening ceremony Pacific Time schedule
- Date: Friday, Feb. 6
- Time: 11 a.m. PT
The opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. PT on Friday, Feb. 6 (8 p.m. local time in Italy). The ceremony is expected to last approximately three hours.
There will also be an encore presentation of the ceremony at 5 p.m. PT.
Where to watch Winter Olympics opening ceremony: TV channel, live stream
- TV channel: NBC
- Live stream: Peacock
If you have a traditional cable or satellite package, you can watch the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics on NBC. Terry Gannon and Mary Carillo will handle the commentary with Shaun White joining them during the parade of nations.
Peacock will also carry the opening ceremony live. The NBC-owned streaming service's sports programming features live coverage of NFL Sunday Night Football, the NBA, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Premier League soccer, Big Ten football and basketball, Notre Dame football, Big East and Big 12 basketball, PGA Tour golf and more.
Where is Winter Olympics opening ceremony?
- Venue: San Siro Stadium
The opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics will be held at San Siro Stadium in Milan. It is the largest stadium in Italy with more than 75,000 seats.
Who is performing at Winter Olympics opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics will feature an incredible lineup of performers. Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini and Sabrina Impacciatore are expected to appear on the Olympic stage.
What is the theme of Winter Olympics opening ceremony?
The theme for the opening ceremony is "Armonia" (harmony in Italian).
"It means 'bringing together' in musical terms, different elements," said Marco Balich, the creative lead of the opening ceremony. "Because there are two cities, Milan and Cortina, city and mountain, the harmony between man and nature, between cultures, people and different ways of thinking."
Who are the flag-bearers for Team USA at Winter Olympics?
Bobsledder Frank Del Duca, who is of Italian heritage, and speedskater Erin Jackson will serve as Team USA's flag-bearers for the opening ceremony.
"With the Olympics being held in Italy, it means even more. Nearly everyone in my family is of Italian descent," Del Duca said. "There is no greater honor than leading Team USA into the opening ceremony at an Italian Olympics. It feels like a bridge between my family's heritage, and the country I'm so proud to serve."
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