MILAN (AP) — Milan’s San Siro stadium is set for a final hurrah. The opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will likely be the last event of major global significance held at the iconic stadium before it is torn down in the next few years.

The unprecedented four-site, dual-cauldron Milan Cortina Winter Games opening ceremony replete with references to Italian icons and culture has started

San Siro will be on the global stage likely for the final time in its existence as it hosts the Milan Cortina Olympic Games Opening Ceremony. The stadium is set to be demolished within the next five years.

Featuring tributes to da Vinci and Dante, Puccini and Pausini, Armani and Fellini, pasta and vino, and other iconic tastes of Italian culture — plus Mariah Carey hitting all the high notes in “Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu” aka “Volare” — an unprecedented four-site,

Italy welcomes the world with pageantry to open the Games—here is everything you need to know about the performers, start time, and how to watch on NBC and Peacock.

The iconic symbol of the Olympics, the five rings, made their entrance in spectacular fashion at the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.