London 2012 Olympics Schedule: Essential Guide to Opening Weekend

The 2012 Olympic Games are here, ready to enthrall us with memorable athletic feats and epic finishes. With a multitude of sports and events on the docket, one needs a comprehensive viewing guide for the opening weekend. 

We'll get a taste of what should be a jaw-dropping opening ceremony, the start of the tennis tournament at Wimbledon and drama in the pool from Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte. 

Here's a rundown of the most marquee events taking place this weekend.

Friday, July 27

Opening Ceremony: 7:30 pm ET on NBC

Always a spectacle, the 2012 Olympic opening ceremony is directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Danny Boyle.  

As is usually the case, we don't know who'll light the Olympic torch, but it'll most likely be a prominent British athlete or cultural icon. 

Former Beatles star Paul McCartney is set to be one of the performers during what many believe will be the most captivating opening ceremony in Olympic history. 

Saturday, July 28

Tennis tournament begins: 7 am-3 pm ET on Bravo

Outside of Rafael Nadal, who dropped out of the Olympics due to nagging knee problems, all of game's biggest names will participate at the All England Club, the site of Wimbledon. 

Hometown Andy Murray had a magic run at Wimbledon just a few weeks ago but fell to Roger Federer. The 25-year-old Scot will, once again, have the crowd in his favor throughout. 

U.S. Women's Soccer vs. Colombia: Noon on NBC Sports Network

The American women begin their redemption tour after losing to the Japan in the final of the 2011 World Cup. 

All the usuals are participating for the U.S., like Abby Wambach, Alex Morgan, Lauren Cheney, Christie Rampone and goalkeeper Hope Solo. 

Colombia is currently No. 28 in the FIFA world rankings. 

Michael Phelps vs. Ryan Lochte Part 1: Live at 2:30, TV airing set for 8:00 pm ET on NBC

Phelps, who enters this Olympiad with a chance to become the most decorated Olympic athlete in history, starts the London Games with the 400-meter individual medley and will likely face his biggest challenger, teammate Ryan Lochte. 

This is the first of a few must-see races between these two during these Olympics. 

After a teammate questioned Phelps' work ethic, and with Lochte posing a legitimate threat, the iconic swimmer will be more driven than ever before. 

Sunday, July 29

U.S. Men's Basketball vs. France: 9:30 am ET on NBC

The American's had their issues with the Brazilians but steamrolled Great Britain in two exhibition games prior to the Olympics. 

Without great front line depth, the U.S. is absolutely loaded with athletic talent and will likely employ an uptempo attack predicated on the creation on turnovers. 

The French team will have Spurs point guard Tony Parker but will be without Bulls center/power forward Joakim Noah. 

Men's 4x100-meter freestyle relay: Live at 3:55, TV air set for 8:00 pm EST on NBC

The American men will look to avenge a third-place showing at the 2011 World Championships in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay. 

In the 2008 Games in Beijing, U.S. won this relay in heroic and dramatic fashion, as anchor Jason Lezak surged from behind to capture gold.