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Haven't heard much about tonight's opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics? You're not alone. The Vancouver Olympic Committee has kept the details of the event top secret -- like military plans, or the identity of The Bachelor's final pick. Here's what we do know about the show taking place tonight at BC Place Stadium (NBC, 9 p.m. ET).
The ceremony is being held indoors for the first time in the history of the games. "A unique feature of BC Place Stadium is that it’s the largest air-supported stadium roof in North America," writes Marian Sandberg of livedesignonline. "[Being inside] eliminates weather concerns, while opening up further surfaces for the projection, lighting and special effects planned for the Ceremonies."
So far, the most highly-anticipated performance is that of Canadian pop star Sarah McLachlan, who wrote the song "One Dream" specifically for the Olympics. (Click here to hear it.) Canadian native Bryan Adams will also sing and Canadian Aboriginal singers and drummers will reportedly perform with Adams on at least one song.
David Atkins, the executive producer for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, has hinted at a focus on historical Canadian culture.
Though audience members at Monday's dress rehearsal were instructed to keep details to themselves, some told Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reporters that "the 2½-hour show featured performers flying through the air on harnesses, fiddlers and tap dancers." (The choreographer for the ceremony is Jean Grand-Maitre, artistic director of the Alberta Ballet.) "Others have said the inside of the 60,000-seat stadium has been transformed."
"I thought it was visually stunning," said one spectator in an interview with The Globe and Mail. "It was like Avatar, but it was real," said an Olympic volunteer. "The effects were amazing."
The delegation of athletes from each country will enter alphabetically—except Greece, which always goes first, and the host country, Canada, which will enter the stadium last. And a big question still revolves around the highlight of the night: Who will get to light the Olympic cauldron? Some speculate it will be Wayne Gretzky, though the VANOC might go with an aboriginal Canadian as the final torch bearer.
Plus:
- PHOTOS: Men Who Make Us Say 'Mmm': Olympic Winter Games Edition!
- Good As Gold: Let the 2010 Olympic Games Begin!
Go to NBC.com for all the 2010 Olympic Winter Games updates and listings!
Will you be tuning in to see the Olympic Winter Games' opening ceremony? Chime in below!
