Milan Cortina 2026 Ceremonies

[BigVic]

The Closing Ceremony is at the Ampitheatre in Verona rather than in Cortina 

[baron-pierreIV]

Here's a preview for an Opening Ceremony for 2026 -- from the 1992 SuperBowl halftime-show . . . a salute to the Olympics with Dorothy Hamill and Brian Boitano.  (THe Olympic portion starts around 6:30.)  This whole PRODUCTION is fabulous!  It's so disciplined . . . so focused . . .  so tight!!   And then it ends with Gloria Estefan as some sort of Winter Olympic Dominatrix!  YOU GOTTA LOVE THIS SHOW!  I really wish they would do something like this for Milano 2026 or LA 2028!  

 

[BigVic]

Michael Jackson saved the day the following year

 

[Taylor Swift]

On 2/22/2024 at 12:58 AM, BigVic said:

Michael Jackson saved the day the following year

 

Pffft! I don't need to sing to own Super Bowl

Travis says Hi!

Love, Taylor xxx

[fusilli]

Can't wait to see how Milan's staff are going to respond to the controversial Paris last supper!

[BigVic]

Milan has the Opening Ceremony at the iconic San Siro which is home for AC/Inter Milan 

[Ikarus360]

Not sure if Marco Balich was already confirmed to produce the ceremonies (if someone can reconfirm it here I would appreciate it). While i've gotten kind of tired of seeing him everywhere in the past years and I feel some of his ideas got repetitive, I think they will try to innovate a bit more and make it different from Torino's.

Surpassing Pyeongchang is an easy task if you ask me.I liked that ceremony back then but the fact it was done in the open forced them to limit themselves in what they could do as well for the lenght of the show, so the final result was a mash of things we like but that we've frankly seen before in other ceremonies. As for Beijing, same feel. All they had was that glorified floor mapping and nothing more.

Paris was quaint but a lot of parts from it seem more like a failed experiment. I think Milano-Cortina will play it safe.

[BigVic]

Just now, Ikarus360 said:

Not sure if Marco Balich was already confirmed to produce the ceremonies (if someone can reconfirm it here I would appreciate it). While i've gotten kind of tired of seeing him everywhere in the past years and I feel some of his ideas got repetitive, I think they will try to innovate a bit more and make it different from Torino's.

Surpassing Pyeongchang is an easy task if you ask me.I liked that ceremony back then but the fact it was done in the open forced them to limit themselves in what they could do as well for the lenght of the show, so the final result was a mash of things we like but that we've frankly seen before in other ceremonies. As for Beijing, same feel. All they had was that glorified floor mapping and nothing more.

Paris was quaint but a lot of parts from it seem more like a failed experiment. I think Milano-Cortina will play it safe.

PyeongChang 2018 was the last Ceremony I sat through and enjoyed. Also liked Turin's OC in 2006 the last Games to be held in Italy. 

The San Siro will be used for the Opening but Verona Arena will be used for the Closing 

[Ikarus360]

1 minute ago, BigVic said:

PyeongChang 2018 was the last Ceremony I sat through and enjoyed. Also liked Turin's OC in 2006 the last Games to be held in Italy. 

The San Siro will be used for the Opening but Verona Arena will be used for the Closing 

I still like Pyeongchang's but that's also because its the best bunch of a batch of very bad ceremonies we've been having.

Back in the day many in this forum felt that parts of it were a "been there done that" and people were already showing symptoms of fatigue toward floor maping/projections. Also it was where they started abusing of prerecorded and virtual reality stuff, which set a precedent. (the Olympic Rings formation by the drones would have had a bigger impact if it was done live)

 

[Anthony]

12 hours ago, Ikarus360 said:

Not sure if Marco Balich was already confirmed to produce the ceremonies (if someone can reconfirm it here I would appreciate it). While i've gotten kind of tired of seeing him everywhere in the past years and I feel some of his ideas got repetitive, I think they will try to innovate a bit more and make it different from Torino's.

Surpassing Pyeongchang is an easy task if you ask me.I liked that ceremony back then but the fact it was done in the open forced them to limit themselves in what they could do as well for the lenght of the show, so the final result was a mash of things we like but that we've frankly seen before in other ceremonies. As for Beijing, same feel. All they had was that glorified floor mapping and nothing more.

Paris was quaint but a lot of parts from it seem more like a failed experiment. I think Milano-Cortina will play it safe.

I agree that Milano-Cortina will play it safe. I doubt we'll see anything groundbreaking at the Opening. Electric cauldron, projection mapping, AR. I think the Closing will be special in Verona. I miss the good days of stellar lighting and large puppets and props. Doesn't have to be overboard like Beijing or Sochi...

[BigVic]

Turin's cauldron was powered by gas which was the largest in an Olympic Games Ceremony 

[dreamyeyes12]

On 7/28/2024 at 5:15 AM, BigVic said:

PyeongChang 2018 was the last Ceremony I sat through and enjoyed. Also liked Turin's OC in 2006 the last Games to be held in Italy. 

The San Siro will be used for the Opening but Verona Arena will be used for the Closing 

Definitely agree with you. PyeongChang 2018 olympic ceremonies was also the last ceremonies I enjoyed until I was satisfied with Paris 2024 after being underwhelmed with Tokyo 2020/21 and Beijing 2022’s. 

[baron-pierreIV]

On 7/28/2024 at 5:12 PM, BigVic said:

Turin's cauldron was powered by gas which was the largest in an Olympic Games Ceremony 

Nah.  Beijing's burned BIGGER and BRIGHTER.  Turin's was supposedly the TALLEST situated cauldron in OG history--at 190 ft. above ground.  I think it may be up there with Helsinki 1952, and maybe Salt Lake 2002. 

[BigVic]

Haven't heard anything about the Ceremonies details despite being 18 months out. Balich is the safe choice as he did Torino but MILOCOG may go for someone else as creative director. 

[BigVic]

The Olympic Rings formation in 2006 is one of my favourite Rings Reveal segments and most spectacular at a Winter Olympic Opening  Ceremony. 

[baron-pierreIV]

7 hours ago, BigVic said:

The Olympic Rings formation in 2006 is one of my favourite Rings Reveal segments and most spectacular at a Winter Olympic Opening  Ceremony. 

That was so industrial and looked so S&M-y.  

 

[BigVic]

Well with Paris 2024 done and dusted, I am already looking forward to the next Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy in 2006. Hope the Italians put on a show to remember 

[PikyoK]

I'm back. I'll critique the rest of the Paris ceremonies in the upcoming days as I am a bit busy with work reason.

So now that the Olympic attention is being turned from Paris 638km south-west to Milano Cortina for the 2026 Winter Olympics, I thought I might share this interesting article I came across on Linkedin for all the ceremony enthusiasts here.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/assegnate-le-cerimonie-e-il-viaggio-della-fiamma-di-ohlpc/?trackingId=bm5ujhNdqLKaMzHEsL8yNw%3D%3D

 

For those who don't have a Linkedin account, here is the article in Italian:

Assegnate le Cerimonie e il Viaggio della Fiamma di Milano Cortina 2026

 

October 11, 2024

Le Cerimonie Olimpiche e Paralimpiche saranno i momenti iconici dei prossimi Giochi di Milano Cortina 2026 e rappresenteranno un elemento di grande emozione e orgoglio per l’Italia e per tutto il mondo dello sport. Sono stati scelti tre luoghi diversi che a vario titolo raccontano la storia, non solo sportiva, del Paese. Lo stadio San Siro di Milano accenderà i suoi riflettori il prossimo 6 febbraio 2026 per la Cerimonia d’Apertura Olimpica; l’Arena di Verona accoglierà la Cerimonia di Chiusura Olimpica, il 22 febbraio, e di Apertura Paralimpica, il 6 marzo; mentre lo storico Stadio del Ghiaccio di Cortina d’Ampezzo, nel cuore delle Dolomiti e inaugurato nel 1956 in occasione dei Giochi Olimpici Invernali, ospiterà la Cerimonia di Chiusura dei Giochi Paralimpici il 15 marzo.

Le Cerimonie dei Giochi

Questi quattro grandi momenti di spettacolo coinvolgeranno miliardi di persone e racconteranno, a vario titolo, tutti i meravigliosi territori di Milano Cortina 2026 e offriranno l’opportunità di presentare al mondo alcuni luoghi straordinari dello sport e del patrimonio culturale italiano.

Un format nuovo per le Cerimonie più viste al mondo, che ha portato la Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 a scegliere, per la produzione dei quattro momenti iconici, tre tra le agenzie più qualificate e di grande esperienza in questo settore.

Balich Wonder Studio sarà la società incaricata di realizzare la Cerimonia di Apertura Olimpica a Milano; Filmmaster produrrà le Cerimonie di Chiusura Olimpica e di Apertura Paralimpica a Verona e G2 Eventi – Casta Diva Group costruirà infine la Cerimonia di Chiusura Paralimpica a Cortina.

“Siamo davvero entusiasti di collaborare con partner così qualificati e che hanno compreso perfettamente la nostra visione. Siamo certi che contribuiranno con il loro talento, creatività e grande esperienza a rendere uniche le Cerimonie di Milano Cortina 2026 e a promuovere i valori dei Giochi Olimpici e Paralimpici. Ci sarà un fil rouge tra le varie Cerimonie, ma soprattutto, proprio perché siamo i primi Giochi diffusi, per la prima volta ci sarà anche una Cerimonia di Apertura diffusa, con l’obiettivo di coinvolgere il più possibile i veri protagonisti delle Olimpiadi e Paralimpiadi”, ha spiegato Maria Laura Iascone, Ceremonies Director di Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026.

Il Viaggio della Fiamma Olimpica e Paralimpica

Nei mesi precedenti l’inizio dei Giochi, la Fiamma Olimpica, uno dei simboli più potenti e significativi delle Olimpiadi, attraverserà tutta l’Italia diffondendo i valori dello sport, dell’inclusività e portando con sé un messaggio di pace universale, unità e speranza. Il Viaggio della Fiamma accenderà l’emozione Olimpica nel cuore degli italiani, celebrerà la bellezza del nostro Paese e racconterà le storie delle migliaia di tedofori che avranno l’onore di partecipare alla staffetta.

Il progetto del Viaggio della Fiamma Olimpica e Paralimpica è stato affidato alla società ALPHAOMEGA che, in partnership con la società RNK, supporterà la Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 al fine di rendere questo viaggio una celebrazione collettiva indimenticabile.

 

And now translated into English, thanks to Google Translate:

 

Ceremonies and the Journey of the Flame of Milano Cortina 2026 have been assigned

The Olympic and Paralympic Ceremonies will be the iconic moments of the next Milano Cortina 2026 Games and will represent an element of great emotion and pride for Italy and for the entire world of sport. Three different locations have been chosen that in various ways tell the story, not only sporting, of the country. The San Siro stadium in Milan will turn on its spotlights on February 6, 2026 for the Olympic Opening Ceremony; the Verona Arena will host the Olympic Closing Ceremony, on February 22, and the Paralympic Opening Ceremony, on March 6; while the historic Ice Stadium in Cortina d'Ampezzo, in the heart of the Dolomites and inaugurated in 1956 on the occasion of the Winter Olympic Games, will host the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympic Games on March 15.

The Ceremonies of the Games

These four great moments of spectacle will involve billions of people and will tell, in various ways, all the wonderful territories of Milano Cortina 2026 and will offer the opportunity to present to the world some extraordinary places of Italian sport and cultural heritage.

A new format for the most viewed Ceremonies in the world, which has led the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation to choose, for the production of the four iconic moments, three of the most qualified and experienced agencies in this sector.

Balich Wonder Studio will be the company in charge of creating the Olympic Opening Ceremony in Milan; Filmmaster will produce the Olympic Closing and Paralympic Opening Ceremonies in Verona and G2 Eventi – Casta Diva Group will finally build the Paralympic Closing Ceremony in Cortina.

“We are truly excited to collaborate with such qualified partners who have perfectly understood our vision. We are certain that they will contribute with their talent, creativity and great experience to make the Milano Cortina 2026 Ceremonies unique and to promote the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. There will be a common thread between the various Ceremonies, but above all, precisely because we are the first widespread Games, for the first time there will also be a widespread Opening Ceremony, with the aim of involving the true protagonists of the Olympics and Paralympics as much as possible”, explained Maria Laura Iascone, Ceremonies Director of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026.

The Journey of the Olympic and Paralympic Flame

In the months preceding the start of the Games, the Olympic Flame, one of the most powerful and significant symbols of the Olympics, will travel across Italy spreading the values of sport, inclusiveness and carrying with it a message of universal peace, unity and hope. The Journey of the Flame will ignite the Olympic emotion in the hearts of Italians, will celebrate the beauty of our country and will tell the stories of the thousands of torchbearers who will have the honor of participating in the relay.

The project of the Journey of the Olympic and Paralympic Flame has been entrusted to the company ALPHAOMEGA which, in partnership with the company RNK, will support the Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026 in order to make this journey an unforgettable collective celebration.

The key takeaways:

• Confirmation of venues chosen for ceremonies (San Siro Stadium to host Olympic Opening, Verona Arena to host Olympic Closing and Paralympic Opening, and the historic Ice Stadium in Cortina to host Paralympic Closing)
• Choice of venues tell the story of Italy, not just winter sports
• Three Creative agencies have been chosen for the 2026 ceremonies (Balich Wonder Studio (meh) will create the Olympic Opening, Filmmaster for the Olympic Closing and Paralympic Opening, and G2 Eventi Casta Diva Group for the Paralympic Closing)
• A 'common thread' for all the ceremonies - maybe a continuing storyline?
• first widespread Games by including the protagonists - athletes? Like Paris 2024?
• Maria Laura Iascone is the Ceremonies Director for MiCo2026
• Events agency ALPHAOMEGA will organise the Italian route of the 2026 Torch Relay 
• RNK (which according to my research) could be in charge of producing the design of the torch

 

[BigVic]

BWS doing the Ceremonies for next year's Olympics 

[Sir Rols]

Quote

BWS doing the Ceremonies for next year's Olympics

I’m not sure what they’ll bring to the table, but the catering should be good

[BigVic]

Balich Wonder Studio. Same producers as the 2006 Ceremonies

Cortina will host the 2026 Paralympic CC 

[Bear]

24 minutes ago, BigVic said:

Cortina will host the 2026 Paralympic CC 

This is probably the most questionable choice the Organizing Committee has done, besides the bobsled track. The stadium only has a capacity of ~3,100 according to the IOC. How on earth is that enough for what is meant to be the closing of the entire Milano Cortina 2026 Games experience? Not to mention, it's hosting wheelchair curling which is set to conclude a day prior. Will they be able to transform the field of play to a space that is not just open for the artistic performances, but also accessible to the athletes as well?

Should have just stuck with Verona for both Paralympic ceremonies, though I also have some thoughts regarding that venue choice as well...

[BigVic]

3 hours ago, Bear said:

This is probably the most questionable choice the Organizing Committee has done, besides the bobsled track. The stadium only has a capacity of ~3,100 according to the IOC. How on earth is that enough for what is meant to be the closing of the entire Milano Cortina 2026 Games experience? Not to mention, it's hosting wheelchair curling which is set to conclude a day prior. Will they be able to transform the field of play to a space that is not just open for the artistic performances, but also accessible to the athletes as well?

 

They want to close it at the main venue of the 1956 Winter Olympics which was held in Cortina. It's a small arena and will host curling/wheelchair curling during the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic & Paralympic Games. Should just hold the Para Ceremonies at Verona. Hope they put up live sites for people to view the Paralympic Closing Ceremony. Whistler held the 2010 Paralympics Closing Ceremony 

[baron-pierreIV]

3 hours ago, BigVic said:

They want to close it at the main venue of the 1956 Winter Olympics which was held in Cortina. It's a small arena and will host curling/wheelchair curling during the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic & Paralympic Games. Should just hold the Para Ceremonies at Verona. Hope they put up live sites for people to view the Paralympic Closing Ceremony. Whistler held the 2010 Paralympics Closing Ceremony 

Uhmmm . . . ancient Rome did not have ADA rules for their stadia, hence it would be ridiculous to hold anything Paralympic at the Verona Arena.  

[yoshi]

I know the arena is an iconic building of northern Italy (well all Italy) but I really don't get why they're holding ceremonies at Verona. There's not even any other events being held there! Is there nothing like a ski jump in Cortina they could use for the closing? Failing that, the San Siro is still there, & they're using it for the opening...I guess AC & Inter can't keep their road trip going for any longer.