The Winter Olympics are here, and the world is buzzing with excitement! But did you know this year’s Games are unlike any other? Spread across the stunning landscapes of northern Italy, the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics promise a spectacle of sports, culture, and innovation. From the historic San Siro Stadium in Milan to the picturesque co-host city of Cortina d'Ampezzo, this event is breaking records—including the first-ever dual Olympic cauldrons. But here’s where it gets controversial: with venues scattered hundreds of miles apart, some critics argue this could dilute the traditional Olympic spirit. What do you think? Is this a bold step forward or a logistical nightmare?
Every four years, the Winter Olympics transform armchair enthusiasts into self-proclaimed experts on everything from luge to curling. This year, 232 U.S. athletes join hundreds of others from around the globe to compete in 16 sports across over two dozen venues. With 116 medal events over two and a half weeks, there’s no shortage of action. And unlike the 2022 Beijing Games, spectators are back in the stands, adding to the electric atmosphere.
But you don’t need a plane ticket to join the fun. Thanks to NBC’s extensive broadcasting rights and NPR’s on-the-ground reporting, you can experience every thrilling moment from the comfort of your home. Here’s how to stay in the loop—and get a behind-the-scenes look at the Games.
How to Watch the Opening Ceremony
The Games officially kick off on February 6 with a star-studded opening ceremony. Held primarily at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium, the event features performances by legends like Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli, alongside traditional highlights like the Parade of Nations. And this is the part most people miss: for the first time, a second Olympic cauldron will be lit in Cortina d'Ampezzo, symbolizing the unity of the two host cities. NBC’s live coverage begins at 2 p.m. ET, with a primetime replay at 8 p.m. ET on the same day. Streaming? Catch it on Peacock.
How to Follow the Action
With 16 days of competition, keeping up can feel overwhelming. Fear not! NBC will broadcast events live throughout the day, capped by a nightly primetime highlights show at 8 p.m. ET. U.S. viewers can tune in via NBC, Peacock, and other platforms, including the NBC Sports app. Pro tip: Check out Peacock’s ‘Gold Zone’ for a whirlwind tour of the day’s most exciting moments, or use ‘Multiview’ to watch multiple events simultaneously—now available on mobile!
And don’t forget the closing ceremony on February 22, broadcast live at 2:30 p.m. ET and replayed at 9 p.m. ET. Held in Verona’s historic amphitheater, it’s the perfect finale to an unforgettable Games.
The Paralympics Take Center Stage
The Olympic spirit doesn’t end there! The Paralympics begin on March 6, with 600 athletes competing in 79 medal events across six sports. From Para Alpine skiing to wheelchair curling, these Games showcase resilience and athleticism at their finest. The closing ceremony in Cortina on March 15 will be a celebration you won’t want to miss.
How to Dive Deeper with NPR
For a richer understanding of the Games, turn to NPR’s coverage. Our five-person team in Italy will bring you news, recaps, and behind-the-scenes stories, while journalists in D.C. and beyond provide global perspectives. Explore all our Winter Olympics stories on our website, tune in to your local NPR station, or stream our coverage on npr.org or the NPR app.
Subscribe to our newsletter, Rachel Goes to the Games, for daily insights from the heart of the action. And don’t miss our video podcast, Up First Winter Games, where we break down the day’s biggest stories and quirkiest moments. Find it on NPR’s YouTube page.
Final Thought: Is Bigger Always Better?
This year’s Olympics are a marvel of scale and ambition, but their sprawling nature raises questions. Does spreading the Games across multiple cities enhance the experience or detract from it? We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation as unforgettable as the Games themselves.
