2018 Olympics Closing Ceremony: How to Watch
Between the U.S. women's hockey team winning gold and Nathan Chen's historic six-quad comeback, the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang included plenty of bright spots. Team USA will walk away with more than 20 medals and unprecedented performances in cross-country skiing and luge.
But sadly, the competition will all come to end this Sunday, February 25, after two weeks of highs and lows. Here's everything you need to know about the big spectacle that will close out the games:
What time does it start?
You'll want to wake up early on Sunday if you want to watch the live event that begins at 8 p.m. Korean Time, or 6 a.m EST. The NBC live stream won't feature any anchor commentary though, so if you want to hear hosts Tara Lipinski and Johnny Weir's pithy digs, you should tune in at 8 p.m. EST for the primetime broadcast.
Where will it air?
Just like the opening ceremony, you can catch the live stream on NBCOlympics.com or the NBC Sports app. You can download the free app on either your phone or streaming sticks like Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Chromecast. Of course, you can always watch on the NBC channel. Check your local listings for more specifics.
Where is it held?
Athletes will return to PyeongChang Olympic Stadium, the venue built specifically for the two ceremonies and scheduled for demolition after the games' end. Predicted cold temperatures and the arena's open roof mean attendees will have to bundle up yet again.
What will happen?
Historically, the opening ceremony serves as an opportunity for the host nation to introduce its culture and traditions to the world. In contrast, the closing ceremony focuses on international unity. Instead of the Parade of Nations, athletes often mingle and party together, celebrating their achievements. Here's a rough outline of the night:
Organizers award the medals for the last event.
Newly elected athletes to the IOC Athletes' Commission thank the volunteers.
The Olympic flag is to presented the mayor of the next host city.
The IOC President and Local Organising Committee give speeches.
The Olympic flame is extinguished.
The show begins.
South Korea's Yonhap reports K-pop stars EXO and CL will perform alongside other unnamed stars.
Who will carry the U.S. flag?
Team USA announced Friday that cross-country skier Jessie Diggins received the honor of bearing the stars and stripes. Alongside teammate Kikkan Randall, she became the country's first-ever gold medalist in the sport, as well as its first flag bearer for the closing ceremony.
"I actually thought there maybe had been a mistake. I was like, 'What? I can't believe this,'" Diggins told the TODAY Show. "It is so humbling, and I feel so honored to have been picked."
The 26-year-old from Afton, Minnesota, skied the final lap of the race on Wednesday, crossing the finish line first and ending Team USA's 42-year Olympic medal drought in cross-country skiing.
What will the U.S. wear?
Ralph Lauren designed a whole 'nother set of looks for Team USA to rep during the closing ceremony. The outfit includes a vintage-ski-inspired sweater, white down jacket, and navy track pants. Knit gloves, a matching ski hat, and an American flag bandana will keep athletes toasty during the festivities.
What's Ivanka Trump doing there?
Donald Trump's daughter has already arrived in South Korea. She's leading a delegation of five U.S. officials, including White House press secretary Sarah Sanders. The advisor to the President had dinner with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Friday before attending the show on Sunday. North Korean General Kim Yong-chol will also be at the ceremony, but there will be no formal meeting between the U.S. and the North Korea.
Who's hosting the Olympics next?
If you went all in on figure skating or curling this week, you'll have to wait four years to see these sports on the Olympic level again, when the games travel to Beijing in 2022. The Chinese capital will become the first city to ever host both the Winter and Summer Olympics. Tokyo will receive the Olympic flame first though as the Japanese prepare for the 2020 competition.
You Might Also Like
