Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremony: Date, venue, time and full schedule for grand finale in Verona
Times of India
by GLOBAL SPORTS DESKFebruary 19, 2026
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The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will conclude with a grand closing ceremony on Sunday, 22 February 2026, at the Verona Arena, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historic Roman amphitheatre, known for its summer opera festivals, will host an emotional and spectacular farewell event to mark the end of two weeks of world-class winter sports. The ceremony is set to mirror the scale and grandeur of the opening night held on 6 February, with a blend of tradition, culture, and modern entertainment.
The closing proceedings will include a traditional parade of athletes from all participating nations, followed by the symbolic extinguishing of the Olympic flame. For the first time in Winter Olympics history, two cauldrons will be extinguished simultaneously—one in Milan and another in Cortina d’Ampezzo—signifying the dual-host cities' shared legacy. The event will also feature a lineup of star performers, including Italian singer Achille Lauro, actor Benedetta Porcaroli, and DJ-producer Gabry Ponte, who are expected to blend modern music with Italian cultural elements.
The ceremony will culminate in the official handover of the Olympic flag to the next host region, the French Alps, which will stage the 2030 Winter Olympics. This moment will underscore Italy’s enduring legacy and the global unity of the Olympic movement. The event will be broadcast worldwide, with coverage available on NBC Olympics and Peacock in the United States, RAI and Warner Bros. Discovery in Italy, and various broadcasters across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
The closing ceremony promises to be a memorable celebration of athletes’ achievements and the spirit of the Games. It will also highlight Verona’s historical significance as a venue for international events, further cementing Italy’s reputation as a hub for hosting major global spectacles. For fans around the world, this will be an opportunity to bid farewell to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and look forward to future editions of the Games.
This event not only marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Olympic history but also reinforces the enduring appeal of winter sports and the cultural exchange they foster. The grand finale in Verona will serve as a powerful reminder of the shared values and unity that the Olympics strive to achieve, making it a significant moment for global sports enthusiasts.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/19/2026