:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/8029899/120724_OLYMPIC_STADIUM2_KL.jpg)
The 2012 London Olympic Games officially begin on Friday, July 27 with the Opening Ceremony in London's Olympic Stadium. The event will take place at 9 p.m. London time and will be broadcast on NBC at 6:30 p.m. local time.
The event will feature the traditional lighting of the Olympic Cauldron and the Parade of Nations. Over 10,000 athletes will fly their national colors in front of over 60,000 fans. Holding the flag for Team USA is Mariel Zagunis. The 27-year old fencer is going for her third gold medal in London, having won gold at the Athens Games in 2004 and the Beijing Games in 2008. The Ceremony, scheduled to last three hours, will also include a cricket match and a performance by Paul McCartney.
Stick with SB Nation Kansas City for results and news updates on local athletes in the 2012 London Olympics. For full coverage of the London Games, check out SB Nation's Olympics hub. And don't miss SB Nation on YouTube: