The official beginning of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro kicks off Friday night with the Opening Ceremony.
It will be a celebration of sport, competition, friendship and Brazilian culture. Unfortunately, Brazilian soccer legend Pele is not feeling well and won’t be able to make it, but the event should still provide plenty of memories.
Keep it right here for the latest news, updates and highlights from the Opening Ceremony in Rio.
11 p.m.: An amazing overhead picture.
Here’s another view.
10:57 p.m.:Â Vanderlei Lima lights the Olympic cauldron and the Opening Ceremony is over.
Photo via James Lang/USA TODAY Sports Images
10:53 p.m.: Here’s Gustavo Kuerten with the Olympic torch.
Thumbnail photo via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports Images
10:50 p.m.: Brazilian sports legends are taking turns.
10:48 p.m.: The torch has entered Maracana Stadium!
10:40 p.m.: The Olympic Games are declared open by Brazil’s interim president, as fireworks go off.
Photo via Jack Gruber/USA TODAY Sports Images
10:30 p.m.: IOC president Thomas Bach addresses the ceremony towards the end.
Photo via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports Images
10:15 p.m.: Here’s host nation Brazil.
Photo via Jeff Swinger/USA TODAY Sports Images
9:45 p.m.: The parade of nations keeps rolling with Russia.
Photo via Jack Gruber/USA TODAY Sports Images
9:25 p.m.: A few more.
Photo via Jack Gruber/USA TODAY Sports Images
Photo via Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports Images
9:10 p.m.: Some interesting uniforms.
Photo via Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports Images
Photo via Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports Images
Photo via Jeff Swinger/USA TODAY Sports Images
Photo via Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports Images
Photo via Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports Images
8:45 p.m.: The United States of America, led by Michael Phelps!
Photo via Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports Images
8:40 p.m.: Here are some more nations.
8:20 p.m.: Here’s Canada!
8:15 p.m.: The athletes have started to walk in the Parade of Nations.
8 p.m.: Gisele Bundchen, famous supermodel and wife of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, has made an appearance.
7:30 p.m.: Here are some cool photos from various skits and performances.
Photo via James Lang/USA TODAY Sports Images
Photo via Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports Images
Photo via Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports Images
Photo via Kyle Terada/USA TODAY Sports
Photo via Rob Schumacher/USA TODAY Sports Images
7:10 p.m.: Pretty cool.
7 p.m.: The Opening Ceremony has started in Brazil, but NBC’s not showing it until 7:30 p.m. ET.
6:42 p.m.: There will be plenty of dancing tonight.
6:40 p.m.: Here are some cool photos.
5:15 p.m.: A bit of breaking news ahead of the ceremony.
5:05 p.m.: Here’s a non-Opening Ceremony tweet from the Olympics.
5 p.m. ET: It’ll be interesting to see how this translates on television.
Thumbnail photo via Peter Casey/USA TODAY Sports Images
