The World Games Birmingham kicks off tonight with an opening ceremony featuring a host of Alabama artists and performers.
Opening ceremonies will be held at Protective Stadium in Birmingham. Gates will open at 6 p.m.; the program starts at 8 p.m. and will last until 10 p.m. You can go here to buy tickets.
People are advised to arrive early for the opening ceremonies.
Go here for the latest on road closing and transportation options for the Opening Ceremonies.
Presented by Alabama Power, opening ceremonies will feature live entertainment, special effects and a parade of athletes representing the more than 100 countries taking part in the World Games. The theme is “Unlocking The Magic: Celebrating The Power of The One.”
Opening ceremony performers will include:
Nelly
Sara Evans
Sheila E.
Tony! Toni! Tone!
Yolanda Adams
Bootsy Collins
Alabama
Bo Bice
Ruben Studdard
Taylor Hicks
Worth the Wait
Funk legend and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Collins will serve as Master of Ceremonies for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies designed to “celebrating the rich musical and cultural history of Birmingham” organizers said. Also performing will be Birmingham native, artist and educator Sharrif Simmons, who will deliver a poem.
Closing ceremonies are set for July 17th at Protective Stadium. That event will feature Alabama native Lionel Richie making his first performance in his home state in more than two decades.
Featured throughout both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be the The World Games 2022 official theme song, “Hope Of Alabama.”
READ MORE:
World Games 2022: Officials urge fans to arrive early for Thursday night opening ceremony
World Games Birmingham 2022: A guide to performances, art exhibits, drinking and dining
World Games Birmingham 2022: How to buy tickets
World Games Birmingham 2022: How to watch on TV, online live streaming
World Games Birmingham 2022: Complete schedule of events, times, days, venues
World Games Birmingham 2022: Watch ‘Hope of Alabama’ official theme song video
World Games Birmingham 2022: Who are mascots Vulcan and Vesta?
