FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021
SAVANNAH GUTHRIE AND MIKE TIRICO TO HOST OPENING CEREMONY FOR GAMES OF THE XXXII OLYMPIAD IN TOKYO THIS SUMMER
The Opening Ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics is Friday, July 23 on NBC
STAMFORD, Conn. – June 23, 2021 – Award-winning journalist and co-anchor of TODAY Savannah Guthrie will join NBC Olympics’ primetime host Mike Tirico to host the Opening Ceremony of the Games of the XXXII Olympiad in Tokyo, it was announced today by Molly Solomon, Executive Producer & President, NBC Olympics Production.
From the Parade of Nations to the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, Guthrie and Tirico will guide viewers through the spectacle and pageantry that only occurs when the world comes together at the Olympic Games. NBC Olympics will provide unprecedented coverage of the Opening Ceremony on Friday, July 23, creating a full day of Olympic programming on NBC that culminates in what is always one of the most-watched nights in television with the primetime presentation of the Ceremony.
“We’re only one month away, and we can’t wait for Savannah and Mike to lead our Opening Ceremony presentation – both live for those who want immediacy, and in primetime with additional athlete interviews and enhanced Team USA coverage,” said Molly Solomon, Executive Producer & President, NBC Olympics Production.
“There’s nothing that matches this spectacle,” said Guthrie, who hosts her first Opening Ceremony for NBC Olympics. “I’m thrilled to be joining my friend Mike Tirico and witnessing this magnificent moment with the world.”
“The Opening Ceremony is a memorable part of any Olympic Games, but perhaps it has never carried more meaning given the circumstances the world has been facing,” Tirico said. “I am thrilled to be co-hosting with Savannah, who is the perfect teammate to help us navigate and celebrate this event.”
Tirico handles his second Opening Ceremony this summer, after hosting the PyeongChang Winter Games Opening Ceremony in 2018. He also served as host for the Closing Ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics.
During the Tokyo Olympics, Guthrie will co-anchor TODAY, from the outdoor NBC Olympics set overlooking the iconic Rainbow Bridge. Previously, she anchored TODAY from the London, Sochi and PyeongChang Olympics.
ABOUT NBC OLYMPICS
A division of NBC Sports Group, NBC Olympics is responsible for producing, programming and promoting NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. NBC Olympics is renowned for its unsurpassed Olympic heritage, award-winning production, and ability to aggregate the largest audiences in U.S. television history. NBCUniversal owns the U.S. media rights on all platforms to all Olympic Games through 2032. NBC Olympics also produces thousands of hours of Olympic sports programming throughout the year, which is presented on NBC, NBCSN, Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA, Peacock and NBC Sports digital platforms.
–NBC OLYMPICS–
