The Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will open with a high-profile ceremony that blends sport, culture, and international entertainment, as organizers prepare to welcome athletes and audiences from around the world. Scheduled for Friday, Feb. 6, the Opening Ceremony at Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium is expected to set the tone for the Games with a mix of traditional Olympic rituals and performances from globally recognized artists, including pop icon Mariah Carey.
The three-hour event will formally launch the Olympics, even as several competitions begin earlier in the week. Live coverage is set to start at 1 p.m. CT, with broadcasters carrying the ceremony across television and streaming platforms to ensure broad access for viewers worldwide. The ceremony will air live on NBC and stream on Peacock and official Olympic platforms, with a primetime rebroadcast beginning at 7 p.m. CT for audiences unable to watch earlier in the day.
In addition to the customary Parade of Nations and the lighting of the Olympic torch, the program will feature a diverse lineup of performers representing both international and Italian talent. Carey’s appearance is expected to headline the entertainment segment, adding star power to an already ambitious production. Italian artists and actors will also take part, including tenor Andrea Bocelli, award-winning singer Laura Pausini, and actor and producer Pierfrancesco Favino. Actors Sabrina Impacciatore and Matilde De Angelis are also scheduled to participate, underscoring the host nation’s cultural presence on the global stage.
While the ceremony serves as the symbolic start of the Olympics, competition begins two days earlier. Alpine skiing and curling events are set to open the sporting calendar on Feb. 4, followed closely by ski jumping, snowboarding, figure skating, and ice hockey. The early schedule allows athletes to begin vying for position before the formal celebration takes place.
The first medals of the Milan Cortina Games will be awarded on Feb. 7, marking the beginning of nearly three weeks of competition across Italy’s winter sport venues. Athletes from dozens of countries will compete in disciplines ranging from fast-paced hockey matchups to precision-based figure skating and endurance-focused skiing events. The Games will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on Feb. 22.
With its combination of live music, ceremonial traditions, and the gathering of the world’s top winter athletes, the Opening Ceremony is poised to deliver both spectacle and significance. Organizers say the event will celebrate Italy’s heritage while highlighting the unity and competitive spirit that define the Olympic movement, making Milan Cortina 2026 one of the most anticipated winter sporting events in recent years.
