Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony Is Now Streaming Live on Sunset
Sundays for football. Summers for baseball. Local news every day. And today, the world turns its attention to the official start of the Olympic Winter Games.
The Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is now streaming on Sunset, bringing one of the most globally watched live sports events of the year directly to viewers looking for a seamless way to experience the spectacle without complicated equipment or high cable bills.
This ceremony marks the formal launch of the Winter Games and sets the stage for more than two weeks of international competition, culture, and celebration across Italy.
A historic opening night in Milan
The Opening Ceremony is taking place at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan, one of Europe’s most recognizable sporting venues and a powerful symbol for the start of the Games.
The ceremony officially begins at 8:00 p.m. local time in Italy (CET), with U.S. coverage beginning at 2:00 p.m. ET and 11:00 a.m. PT. Pre-ceremony programming begins shortly before the opening sequence, giving viewers extended access to the buildup, behind-the-scenes coverage, and athlete arrivals.
The event signals the beginning of the Olympic competition window, which runs through February 22, 2026.
A first-of-its-kind multi-centered ceremony
For the first time in Winter Olympic history, the Opening Ceremony uses a fully multi-centered format.
In addition to the main presentation in Milan, simultaneous athlete parades and live ceremonial segments are being staged in several official host locations, including:
- Cortina d’Ampezzo
- Livigno
- Predazzo
This multi-location production allows different Olympic communities to be showcased live during the broadcast, creating a panoramic view of Italy’s alpine regions and reinforcing the distributed nature of the 2026 Games.
The approach is designed to highlight the country’s geographic diversity, winter sport infrastructure, and cultural identity in real time.
A globally recognized performance lineup
The Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony features a high-profile group of international and Italian performers, bringing both global star power and national cultural pride to the stage.
The ceremony’s musical and performance program includes:
- Andrea Bocelli
- Mariah Carey
- Laura Pausini
- Sabrina Impacciatore
The lineup blends classical and contemporary pop performances with theatrical storytelling, helping frame the ceremony around themes of unity, artistic heritage, and international cooperation.
The official beginning of the Olympic Games
While several preliminary competitions, including curling and figure skating, began earlier today, the Opening Ceremony represents the symbolic and ceremonial start of the Olympic Games.
The event features:
- the parade of athletes from participating nations
- the formal raising of the Olympic flag
- the artistic and cultural presentation created specifically for Milano Cortina 2026
- and the ceremonial moments that signal the start of official competition across all venues
For athletes, the ceremony marks the culmination of years of training and qualification. For viewers, it serves as the emotional and cultural gateway into the Winter Games.
Now streaming on Sunset
Viewers can stream the Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony now on Sunset, making it easy to follow every moment of the live production and athlete celebrations from home or on the go.
Sunset was built for audiences around the world who want hassle-free streaming of live sports, entertainment, and premium channels — without high cable bills or complicated equipment.
Here’s what viewers get with Sunset:
Full-Day Free Test Access
Try it instantly with no commitment.
Live Sports Access
Watch major live events across the sports calendar, including NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC, Pay-Per-View, and international competitions.
Local & Premium Channels
Stay connected to local coverage while enjoying national and specialty programming.
24/7 Support
Help is always available when you need it.
Movies & Series Library
A constantly growing catalog of films and television series for every viewing style.
Multi-Screen Viewing and Fast Channel Switching
Watch more and wait less with smooth switching across devices.
How the ceremony is being broadcast worldwide
The Opening Ceremony is being carried in the United States by NBC, with a primetime encore presentation scheduled later in the evening. Digital coverage is also available through Peacock, NBC Olympics digital platforms, and the NBC Sports app.
With live access now available on Sunset, viewers can experience the full ceremony as it unfolds — including the performances, athlete processions, and multi-city segments that define the unique structure of Milano Cortina 2026.
As the Opening Ceremony streams today on Sunset, the world officially steps into the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics — launching more than two weeks of competition, global stories, and unforgettable moments on the international stage.