Mark Your Calendars: Here's When the Olympics Opening Ceremony Is Happening Tonight

Since the Tokyo Olympics were postponed due to the pandemic last year, athletes have had an extra year to train, and fans of the event were left to play the waiting game. But the beginning of the festivities is almost here, with the opening ceremony on July 23 (FYI, Even though it was delayed a year, the official name is still Tokyo Olympics 2020). This year’s games come with a unique set of circumstances, such as Japan’s recent ban on in-person spectators due to rising COVID-19 cases in the country. The opening ceremony, which includes the revealing of team uniforms and honoring country flags during the Parade of Nations, will happen without the usual loud cheering from the stands. However, you can still join in on the action from home. Here’s everything you need to know about the opening ceremony and how to watch it.

Where is the ceremony being held?

The opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics will be held at the Japan National Stadium in Tokyo. Fun fact: It was originally used as the main stadium for the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games.

When is the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony?

The opening ceremony is on July 23, 2021 at 7 a.m. EST and 4 a.m. PT. Keep in mind that Tokyo is 13 hours ahead of the United States’ East Coast and 16 hours ahead of the West Coast. If you’re not an early bird though, fear not. NBC will air it during their primetime coverage at 7:30 p.m. EST.

How can I watch or stream the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony?

In addition to the NBC channel, viewers can stream the events on NBCOlympics.com and on the NBC Sports app (available on Apple, Android, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast).

What happens during the event?

Most of the details surrounding the opening ceremony have been kept under wraps, but the theme for the event is “United by Emotion,” likely to focus on bringing the many different cultures together after almost two years of isolation due to the pandemic. What we do know, however, is that the marching order of the Parade of Nations will be determined by the Japanese language instead of the English alphabetical order, according to Tokyo news outlet Kyodo News.

What will Team USA wear?

While sports is the main reason for the season of the Olympics, fashion comes in at a close second. The parade acts as a red carpet for athletes from all over the world, and Team USA will be decked in Ralph Lauren.

Who’s hosting the opening ceremony?

Savannah Guthrie and Mike Tirico will be hosting, according to NBC. Guthrie, who was pregnant in 2016, was set to host the Rio Summer Olympics, but bowed out due to concerns about the Zika virus’s effects on pregnant women. Tirico has worked for NBC Sports since 2016.

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