The countdown is on for the 2026 Winter Olympics, and excitement is building for the opening ceremony, a hallmark of Olympic tradition. Milano Cortina 2026 is set to break new ground by hosting festivities across various locations in Italy, rather than confining them to a single venue.
San Siro Stadium in Milan will serve as the main stage, showcasing dazzling performances, the beloved Parade of Nations, and the unprecedented lighting of two Olympic cauldrons.
With the United States fielding its largest-ever team of winter athletes competing in 16 sports, fans have ample reason to tune in. Whether you opt for live viewing or prefer the primetime encore, knowing your options is crucial to not missing this historic occasion.
Mark your calendars: the opening ceremony kicks off on Friday, February 6, with live coverage beginning at 2 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock. The event is expected to last around three hours, wrapping up around 5 p.m. ET.
If you can’t catch it live, NBC will air a primetime encore at 8 p.m. ET, allowing viewers to experience the spectacle later in the evening.
Traditional cable subscribers can watch both the live and encore broadcasts on NBC. Hosting duties will be handled by NBC Sports veteran Terry Gannon, alongside Mary Carillo. Commentary during the Parade of Nations will come from three-time Olympic snowboarding champion Shaun White, while Mike Tirico will contribute remotely from California as he prepares for Super Bowl LX on February 8.
The broadcast promises extensive coverage of historic moments, featuring performances by Grammy winner Mariah Carey, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, and Golden Globe winner Laura Pausini. For the first time in Winter Olympics history, viewers will witness the simultaneous lighting of two cauldrons—one at Arco della Pace in Milan and another at Piazza Dibona in Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Streaming platforms offer the most comprehensive viewing experience. Peacock will provide live coverage of the entire ceremony, along with the primetime encore available for streaming.
Peacock's ad-supported subscription starts at $7.99 per month, granting access to all Olympic events through February 22. An ad-free Premium Plus tier is available for $16.99 per month, allowing downloads for offline viewing.
In addition to Peacock, viewers can access the opening ceremony via the NBC app, NBC Sports app, and at NBCOlympics.com and NBC.com. All streams are compatible with mobile devices, tablets, and connected TVs.
For those without cable or streaming subscriptions, there are several free options to watch this historic event. The simplest method is through your local NBC affiliate using a digital antenna, which will broadcast both live and primetime presentations at no cost.
Peacock occasionally offers free trial periods for new subscribers; checking before the ceremony may reveal promotional offers. Additionally, NBCOlympics.com typically streams select Olympic content, though full access to the opening ceremony may be restricted.
Viewers should verify if their TV provider includes NBC and Peacock access as part of their existing packages since many cable and satellite services now bundle these offerings.
The primetime encore at 8 p.m. ET on February 6 serves as the primary replay option for those who miss the live broadcast. This enhanced presentation will include additional context and highlights tailored for evening audiences.
Beyond day-of replays, Peacock subscribers can access the full ceremony on demand, allowing for convenient viewing throughout the games. NBC Sports platforms may also feature condensed highlight packages and key moments from the ceremony in subsequent days.
This year’s ceremony departs from tradition by spreading celebrations across multiple Italian cities instead of concentrating them at San Siro Stadium. The theme "Armonia" (harmony) embodies this distributed approach, with simultaneous athlete parades planned for Predazzo, Livigno, and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
The dual cauldron concept draws inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci's geometric interlacings, symbolizing harmony between Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo while honoring Italy's rich artistic heritage. The flames will burn synchronously from February 6 through February 22.
Stay informed with real-time updates and behind-the-scenes moments as coverage unfolds throughout the opening ceremony. A live blog will track every significant moment from the Parade of Nations to the lighting of the twin Olympic cauldrons.
