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2012 London Olympics Opening Ceremony Preview: Team USA Flag Bearer, Schedule And More

The Opening Ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games takes place Friday, July 27. Mariel Zagunis will carry the flag for Team USA.

Jul 24, 2012; London, UK; General view ArcelorMittal Orbit and the Olympic Stadium inside of Olympic Park three days prior to the 2012 London Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports via US PRESSWIRE
Jul 24, 2012; London, UK; General view ArcelorMittal Orbit and the Olympic Stadium inside of Olympic Park three days prior to the 2012 London Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports via US PRESSWIRE

Friday, July 27 brings us the Opening Ceremony and the official start of the 2012 London Olympic Games. The ceremony will take place in London's Olympic Stadium at 9 p.m. London time and be broadcast on NBC at 7:30 p.m. local time.

The Ceremony will include the traditional lighting of the Olympic Cauldron and the Parade of Nations, as well as a performance from Paul McCartney. Mariel Zagunis, a 27-year old fencer, will be the flag bearer for Team USA. Zagunis is going for her third gold medal, having won gold in the 2004 Athens Games and the 2008 Beijing Games. 10,000 athletes are expected in the parade, carrying their nation's colors in front of 60,000 fans.

Stick with SB Nation Atlanta for results and news updates from local athletes in London. For full coverage of the 2012 Olympic Games, check out SB Nation's Olympics hub. And don't miss SB Nation on YouTube:

Photographs by coka_koehler used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.