Learn about the opening ceremony of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota

🎉 Opening Ceremony Overview

• Date & Venue: The Opening Ceremony will be held on June 20, 2026, at Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis–St. Paul Special Olympics Minnesota+152026 USA Games+152026 USA Games+152026 USA Games.

• Register to watch the opening ceremony for free from home

• Symbolic Moment: The ceremony will culminate the historic Law Enforcement Torch Run (a coast-to-coast journey carrying the Flame of Hope), with the lighting of a custom-designed cauldron signifying the official start of competition 2026 USA Games+12026 USA Games+1.

• Athlete Parade: Expect a robust Parade of Athletes, featuring delegations representing all 50 U.S. states and territories 2026 USA Games+12026 USA Games+1.

• Entertainment & Culture: A showcase of live musical performances and cultural presentations highlighting Minnesota’s heritage will follow, interwoven with inspiring speeches and community celebration Special Olympics Washington+62026 USA Games+6Special Olympics Minnesota+6.

🕰 Games at a Glance

• Full Dates: All competitions and ceremonies run from June 20–26, 2026 2026 USA Games+142026 USA Games+142026 USA Games+14.

• Scale & Participation: The Games expect approximately 3,000–4,000 athletes, along with 1,500 coaches, 10,000–15,000 volunteers, and around 75,000 spectators from across the U.S. 2026 USA Games+11Special Olympics Minnesota+11sosc.org+11.

• Sports Lineup: Competitions will include 16 team and individual sports, with a couple of exciting additions like Cornhole and Pickleball making their USA Games debut sosc.org+82026 USA Games+8assets.2026specialolympicsusagames.org+8.

🧭 Special Events Surrounding the Ceremony

• Law Enforcement Torch Run: A weeks‑long nationwide relay culminating in Minnesota, leading into the Opening Ceremony SpecialOlympics.org+72026 USA Games+72026 USA Games+7.

• Fan Zones: Three distinct fan engagement zones will activate around the Games:

  • University of Minnesota near the stadium

  • National Sports Center (Blaine)

  • Mall of America (Bloomington)
    Each zone will feature live entertainment, food, interactive sports activations, cultural programming, and partner exhibits Wikipedia+142026 USA Games+142026 USA Games+14.

✅ Summary Table

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Interested in learning more about:

• Torch Run routes and Torchbearer opportunities,

• Fan Zone activations and schedule,

• Musical performers, speakers or entertainment lineup,

• Volunteer or ticket info, or

• Athlete leadership programs and involvement?

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