2021 Olympics Opening Ceremony: Schedule, start time, live stream info

How to watch the opening ceremony for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

It is quite a tumultuous time in Japan right now, as Tokyo is gearing up to stage the 2020 Summer Olympics — filled with plenty of excitement and talent — while dealing with several challenges and roadblocks.

While there was already debate, again, over if the Olympic Games should be held — considering the state of Japan in regards to COVID-19 — a blow was dealt a couple of weeks ago when a state of emergency meant that these Olympics will be held with no fans in attendance.

Over the last several days, things have taken an even worse turn with positive cases coming in from the Olympic Village, including at least two athletes.

But in spite of the concerning and tense nature, it appears we will be venturing on with the Summer Olympics, one year after the games were postponed due to the COVID pandemic.

And while there are traditionally some events held prior to it, the spirit of the Olympics getting underway is truly felt with the opening ceremony.

Opening ceremony broadcast info for the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo

Date: Friday, July 23, 2021
Start Time: 7 a.m. ET
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Venue: Olympic Stadium
Live Stream: NBC/Peacock/NBCOlympics.com/fuboTV

The opening ceremony for the 2020 Olympics will begin at 7 a.m. ET/4 a.m. PT, which is 8 p.m. in Tokyo. The ceremony is expected to last four hours.

The actual games themselves will begin earlier than the ceremony, however. Some soccer and softball matchups will take place on July 21 and 22. Preliminary-round competitions in archery and rowing will take place earlier in the day on July 23.

It is unknown how many athletes, and what personnel, will be partaking in the “Parade of Nations” due to restrictions regarding the pandemic.

Needless to say, even with the excitement of the Games surrounding us, there’s no doubt this year’s Olympics will feel a lot different.