How to watch the Milan Cortina opening ceremony

The International Olympic Committee and the Milan Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee have finalized the initial broadcast and scheduling details for the XXV Olympic Winter Games opening ceremony, which is set to take place at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, on February 6, 2026. This highly anticipated event marks the return of the Winter Games to Europe, aiming to showcase Italian heritage and innovation while officially initiating seventeen days of elite international competition. As preparations intensify, organizers have released comprehensive viewing information to ensure global audiences can access the festivities via traditional television networks and modern digital streaming platforms. The 2026 opening ceremony is breaking tradition by utilizing a dual-city model, with Milan hosting the ice sports and the opening festivities, while Cortina d’Ampezzo serves as the hub for snow events. The San Siro Stadium, historically a temple of football, will be transformed into a theatrical stage to house the Parade of Nations and the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron. While the specific list of musical performers and artistic directors remains under wraps to maintain the element of surprise, officials have confirmed that the ceremony will lean heavily into the themes of sustainability and the 'Futura' logo, which was the first-ever Olympic emblem chosen by a public vote. For viewers tuning in globally, the ceremony will be broadcast live across various time zones, with major networks like NBC in the United States, Eurosport in Europe, and RAI in Italy providing wall-to-wall coverage. In addition to linear television, the event will be available on streaming services such as Peacock and Discovery+, offering multi-angle views and behind-the-scenes content. This digital-forward approach is designed to reach a younger demographic and provide a more interactive viewing experience than previous iterations of the Winter Games. Logistically, the ceremony will begin in the evening local time to take full advantage of advanced light projections and fireworks displays against the Milanese skyline. Spectators lucky enough to attend in person are being advised to monitor official ticketing portals, as the San Siro's capacity for the event will be slightly modified to accommodate the massive production stages. Following the ceremony, the Games will span 16 venues across northern Italy, representing a decentralized model that organizers hope will serve as a blueprint for future sustainable Olympic hosting.