If you’re already experiencing Olympic levels of withdrawal, then consider this year’s Closing Ceremony to be just what you need to say goodbye to these Games with a bang. Here, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about the Olympics Closing Ceremony, including how, where and when to watch.
When is the Olympics Closing Ceremony in 2021?
The Closing Ceremonies will take place on Sunday, Aug. 8 at 7 a.m. ET/4 a.m. PT, or 8 p.m. Tokyo time.
Where will the Olympics Closing Ceremony be held?
Tokyo Olympic Stadium will host the Closing Ceremonies, the same venue where the Opening Ceremonies were held roughly two weeks ago.
What is the theme of the Olympics Closing Ceremony?
According to Olympics.com, the theme of the 2020 Olympics Closing Ceremony is “Worlds We Share.” A statement on the website reads, “The concept ‘Worlds We Share’ expresses the idea that each of us inhabits their own world…Even if we cannot be together, we can share the same moment, and that is something that we will never forget. It is this salient message which we believe will create a Closing Ceremony that will open the door to a brighter future. We hope that this ceremony may be a moment for each and every one of us to think about what the future holds.”
Who will be the U.S. flag bearer at the Olympics Closing Ceremony?
NBC’s official 2020 Olympics Twitter account revealed Friday that American javelin thrower Kara Winger will bear the flag for Team USA during the event. Winger, a four-time Olympian and co-captain of the U.S. track and field team, reacted to the news by tweeting, “Overwhelmed. Incredibly grateful to my peers. Humbled beyond belief. All of the emotions.” Winger takes over flag-bearing duties from women’s basketball superstar Sue Bird and USA Baseball standout Eddy Alvarez, who were co-flag bearers at the Opening Ceremony. Funny enough, both Bird and Alvarez will be busy right up until the Closing Ceremony attempting to bring home the gold! Team USA Baseball plays in their gold-medal match against Japan on Saturday, with Bird likewise competing with Team USA Women’s Basketball for gold on Sunday.
What happens in the Olympics Closing Ceremony?
The Olympic Charter stipulates that the event’s program will include the parade of athletes and hoisting of the flags (quite similar to the Opening Ceremony), as well as closing speeches and an official “handover” of the Olympic flag to representatives from the next Summer Games host city—in this case, Paris in 2024. The Charter also dictates that the ceremony include some kind of artistic performance.
Who will perform at the Olympics Closing Ceremony?
So far, organizers have kept mum about who might perform at the Closing Ceremony. At the Opening Ceremony, Japanese singer MISIA performed the Japanese national anthem “Kimigayo" in a cotton candy-colored gown that went viral. The Edo Firemanship Preservation Association then sang “Kiyari Uta (Work Song),” a traditional Japanese tune, and dedicated it to essential and frontline workers and their sacrifices during the COVID-19 pandemic. An orchestra also played songs from Japan’s legendary video games, including Kingdom Hearts, Chrono Trigger, Sonic the Hedgehog and Final Fantasy, and as a grand finale of sorts, the ceremony ended with a performance of John Lennon and Yoko Ono‘s “Imagine” from musicians representing each world region. John Legend repped the United States and Keith Urban sang for Oceania, with Alejandro Sanz singing for Europe and Angélique Kidjo for Africa.
How to watch the Olympics Closing Ceremony
How to watch the Olympics Opening Ceremony on live TV
NBC will broadcast live coverage of the Closing Ceremonies, just as it has served as the network hub of coverage through the Tokyo Games.
How to watch the Olympics Closing Ceremony on streaming
You can also view the Closing Ceremonies live on Peacock, NBC’s free streaming service.
How to watch the Olympics Closing Ceremony online
Check out the NBC Sports app for mobile coverage of the Closing Ceremonies.
How to watch the Olympics Closing Ceremony on primetime
NBC will rebroadcast the Closing Ceremonies on Sunday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Next, check out our picks for the top 20+ moments in Summer Olympics history!
