As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold across Italy, millions around the world are tuning in from their homes—whether through traditional television broadcasts, streaming platforms, or digital media. The Games, co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, feature a diverse roster of athletes competing across 16 sports and over 100 medal events. Unlike the subdued COVID-era Olympics of 2022 in Beijing, this year’s Winter Games are marked by the return of in-person spectators, creating a vibrant atmosphere for competitors and fans alike. With over two dozen venues dotted across northern Italy, and a mix of historic and modern sites, the event promises to be a spectacular display of athleticism, culture, and international camaraderie. Here’s an in-depth guide on how to follow every moment, from the spectacular opening ceremony to the final medal tally, including insights into the logistics, broadcasting options, and NPR’s coverage efforts.
Opening Ceremony: Stepping into the Spotlight
The official kickoff for the 2026 Winter Olympics takes place on February 6 at Milan’s iconic San Siro Stadium. While some sports like curling and ice hockey start competitions a couple of days earlier, the grand opening is a spectacle designed to showcase Italy’s rich history and global unity.
The ceremony will feature performances by renowned artists like Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli, celebrating Italian culture and the Olympic spirit. Traditional elements such as the Parade of Nations and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron will highlight the unity and diversity of the participating countries. In addition to the main event in Milan, simultaneous ceremonies will be conducted at other venues across the country. Most notably, a second Olympic flame will be ignited in Cortina d’Ampezzo, emphasizing the decentralized nature of these Games.
NBC’s live coverage of the opening will begin at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, with a prime-time telecast scheduled for 8 p.m. The globally televised event includes not only Italy’s grand event but also smaller parades and fire-lighting ceremonies at venues spread across the Alps, reflecting the historic and scenic backdrop of the Olympics.
How to Watch the Actions Live
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The Olympic schedule remains busy over the course of 16 days, with dozens of competitions scheduled at hours that are often tight for viewers in different time zones. Italy is six hours ahead of Eastern Time, so fans in the U.S. will need to plan their viewing accordingly. NBC maintains a strong presence in the broadcasting landscape, promising comprehensive coverage both live and on demand.
The television network will broadcast the majority of events throughout the day, emphasizing the most exciting moments during prime time at 8 p.m. ET. For viewers who prefer digital platforms, NBC’s streaming services—including Peacock—offer multiple ways to access Olympic coverage. Features like “Gold Zone,” which provides a continuous, rapid switch between key competitions, and “Multiview,” now available on mobile, make the streaming experience more dynamic and customizable.
U.S. audiences can watch on NBC, Peacock, or through their mobile apps and websites of NBC and NBC Sports. The Peacock platform is especially user-friendly, offering features like personalized highlights and easy switching between live feeds, making it simpler than ever to stay connected with the Games.
For those who want a comprehensive experience, NBC’s online schedule will show live streams of every sport, with on-demand highlights available shortly afterward. Additionally, the closing ceremony is scheduled to be broadcast live on February 22 from Verona, starting at 2:30 p.m. ET, with a repeat presentation at 9 p.m.
Event Schedule and Coverage Approach
The Olympic program spans 16 days, with sporting events scattered throughout the schedule, varying by event and venue. Many competitions, especially in skiing, skating, and snowboarding, occur early in the morning or late at night in Italy but are primed for live viewing at convenient segments for U.S. audiences.
NBC plans to deliver a robust schedule of live events complemented by nightly highlight shows at 8 p.m. ET. Late-night deep dives and recaps will help audiences catch up on the less accessible competitions. For international viewers, the schedule is available in local Italian times, which are ahead by six hours from U.S. Eastern time.
In addition to traditional broadcasts, digital streaming has become integral to Olympic coverage. Platforms like Peacock provide nuanced, multi-angle viewing experiences that give fans a front-row seat to their favorite sports. These options include multi-view screens, replays, and highlight packages, enabling fans to customize their Olympic experience without leaving their couch.
NPR’s On-the-Ground and Digital Coverage
While viewers in the U.S. can rely heavily on NBC’s extensive broadcasting, NPR offers a unique, in-depth perspective through dedicated journalism teams stationed in Italy. NPR’s coverage emphasizes storytelling, human interest profiles, and expert insights that add context to the athletic competitions.
NPR’s team of five journalists is on-site, reporting live from Italy and providing real-time updates, features, and analyses via the website, radio broadcasts, and email newsletters. Their coverage aims to unpack the stories behind the athletes, the cultural significance of the venues, and the challenges faced during the Games, offering a richer experience beyond just watching the medals being awarded.
Listeners can follow NPR’s coverage through their local stations or online, enjoying segments like behind-the-scenes interviews, athlete profiles, and timely updates on key moments. The organization also runs several digital initiatives, including a dedicated Olympics webpage that aggregates NPR’s stories and a daily newsletter titled “Rachel Goes to the Games,” delivering firsthand insights directly to fans’ inboxes.
Furthermore, NPR will be broadcasting a video podcast series called “Up First Winter Games,” available on YouTube, which will analyze the day’s major stories, oddities, and breakout moments, adding depth and entertainment to the Olympic narrative.
Venue Highlights and Cultural Spins
Italy offers a diverse array of venues that reflect the country’s history, geography, and modernity. The main events are centered around Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with the opening and closing ceremonies set in these historic sites.
San Siro Stadium in Milan, a place more famously associated with football, transforms into a grand stage for the opening ceremony, combining modern spectacle with Italy’s artistic tradition. Cortina d’Ampezzo, nestled in the Dolomites, provides a dramatic alpine backdrop for many of the winter sports, including skiing and snowboarding events. Its historic amphitheater will also host the Paralympics’ closing ceremony on March 6, featuring competition from approximately 600 para-athletes across 79 medal events in six sports, including Para Alpine skiing, sled hockey, and wheelchair curling.
This decentralized approach to the Olympics allows fans to explore Italy’s vibrant culture, historic sites, and snow-covered mountains while engaging intimately with the Olympic events.
Preparing for the Closing Moments
The Games will conclude on March 15 with a grand closing ceremony in Cortina. The closing event will mirror the opening’s celebratory spirit, showcasing Italian culture and the achievements of the athletes. The ceremony also marks the transition toward the Paralympics, which will commence shortly afterward at the same venues.
As the Olympics draw to a close, attention turns to the medal standings, standout performances, and stories that will dominate the sporting headlines for weeks to come. NPR and NBC will continue their coverage, ensuring fans stay informed and connected with the evolving narrative of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
With both traditional broadcast channels and innovative digital platforms, fans around the world have multiple ways to participate in these Winter Games. Whether through watching the spectacular opening in Milan, following live feeds across multiple screens, or consuming in-depth stories from NPR’s on-the-ground reporters, the 2026 Olympics aim to celebrate sport, culture, and global unity in a truly memorable fashion.
