- Olympic Games USA vs Canada men's hockey gold medal game: 2026 Winter Olympics time, channel and live stream
- Celebrity net worth Matthew Tkachuk Net Worth: How rich is the star of Team USA ice hockey?
After 16 days of breathtaking competition across the Italian Alps, the flame is ready to be extinguished. The 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony will take place this Sunday, February 22, moving from the rinks of Milan to the historic Verona Arena. This first-century Roman amphitheater will provide a regal backdrop as the world says "Arrivederci" to Italy and looks forward to the French Alps 2030.
Closing Ceremony start time and broadcast details
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. local time in Italy) and is expected to run for approximately two and a half hours. It will feature the traditional parade of athletes, the handover of the Olympic flag, and performances by Italian stars like Achille Lauro and Gabry Ponte.
How to watch in the USA: The ceremony will be broadcast live on NBC. You can also stream the entire event live on Peacock or via the NBC Sports app.
What to expect during the 2026 finale
The ceremony in Verona will be a blend of ancient history and modern spectacle. Beyond the official protocol-which includes the official handover to the next host city, the French Alps-organizers have promised a "spectacular torch farewell."
For the first time, two cauldrons (in Milan and Cortina) will be extinguished simultaneously via a digital link to the Verona Arena, symbolizing the unified spirit of these multi-city Games.
Event Schedule at a Glance
- Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026.
- Start Time: 2:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 a.m. PT.
- Location: Verona Arena (Arena di Verona), Italy.
- Main Commentators (NBC): Terry Gannon, Tara Lipinski, and Johnny Weir.
As the curtain falls on Milano Cortina, the ceremony will offer a first look at what to expect for the 2030 Winter Games in France. If you miss the live broadcast, NBC typically airs a primetime encore of the ceremony on Sunday evening.