The Opening Ceremony is a thrilling celebration that will officially kick off the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. This hallmark event is a time for athletes to celebrate their participation in the USA Games with their delegations and families, as well as volunteers, honored guests, and fans. Held at Huntington Bank Stadium at the University of Minnesota, the Opening Ceremony programming will include the Parade of Athletes, honoring all 52 delegations, as well as the lighting of the 2026 USA Games’ unique cauldron—the culmination of the historic Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg—signifying the official start of the Games.

The two-and-a-half-hour ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. and will feature separate performances from Demi Lovato and Jon Batiste, punctuating the evening’s large-scale production with signature moments throughout the celebration, alongside large-scale entertainment and traditions at the heart of the Special Olympics movement.

Doors open at 4:30pm