Olympics Opening Ceremony Time 2018: TV Schedule, Live Stream and Kick-off Info
One of the greatest sporting spectacles on the planet is set to start in Pyeongchang, South Korea, as the 2018 Winter Olympics begin on Friday.
The premier athletes from winter sports will be in attendance as the opening ceremony takes place at the Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium for the prestigious event.
The Games will be held across 13 venue sites, with the full schedule available from the competition's official website.
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Here is how you can watch the action:
Start Date: Friday, Feb. 9
Time: 11 a.m (GMT)/6 a.m (ET)
TV: NBC Universal (U.S.), BBC and Eurosport (UK)
Stream: NBC Olympics, BBC iPlayer
Kick-off Information
It is unusual to see an opening ceremony occur after the start of events, but the Winter Olympics promises to entertain sports fans throughout February.
Curling has been hugely popular during the Games over the years, especially in the UK and Canada, and the discipline will gets under way on Thursday alongside qualification for the ski jumping—with the pageantry pencilled in on Friday.
Politics will be on the agenda for the kick-off of the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, as North Korea and South Korea plan to show each other respect as they march together at the opening ceremony.
Rachel Axon of USA Today reported the International Olympic Committee have approved the gesture, with the two countries appearing under the Korean Unification Flag.
The moment will be a historic display from two nations that have been filled with division and conflict over many decades.
IOC President Thomas Bach hailed the coming together of the neighbours. Per Axon, he said:
"The Olympic Games are always about building bridges. They never erect walls. The Olympic spirit is about respect, dialogue and understanding. The Olympic Winter Games Pyeongchang 2018 are hopefully opening the door to a brighter future on the Korean peninsula, and inviting the world to join in a celebration of hope."
The opening and closing ceremonies will be held at the purpose-built Olympic Stadium, but the new structure will not host any sporting events.
The Telegraph reported the expected running order at the opening ceremony:
- President of South Korea enters
- National anthem
- Athletes parade
- Pigeons and doves released into the arena
- The President of South Korea officially opens Pyeongchang 2018
- Olympic flag raised with the Olympic anthem
- Olympic oaths taken
- Lighting of the Olympic flame
- Full artistic programme
The event promises to be a fascinating one, and with the time difference to North America and Europe, sports fans could be tempted to watch at inhospitable times.
Great Britain's primary hopes lie with short-track speedskater Elise Christie. The Scot has dominated her event this year and will want redemption after a hugely disappointing showing at Sochi 2014.
United States fans will be keeping an eye on figure skating superstar Nathan Chen, who has a magnificent chance of landing the gold medal.
Team USA collected nine golds at the previous Winter Olympics, but their last haul of 28 medals in total will be difficult to match considering the improved strength of the teams from Germany and Norway.
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