NBC Olympics presents coverage of the Opening Ceremony of the Games of the XXXI Olympiad from Maracana Stadium on Friday, August 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on NBC (in the United States, check local listings).

Watch the Opening Ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games on NBC | NBC Olympics

Tonight the Rio Olympics officially start in Rio. Athletes from around the world will gather to compete for gold, silver and bronze. It’s always an exciting time to see these games with ancient roots. May the athletes and others gathering and be safe from harm and that peace will be the theme of the events.