2022 World Games opening ceremony

The opening ceremony of the 2022 World Games took place in the evening on Thursday, July 7 at Protective Stadium. This event marked the ceremonial opening of the international sporting event, including welcoming speeches, the procession of athletes representing 110 nations, along with music, dance, fireworks and other entertainment.

The ceremony was presented by Alabama Power and was formally titled "Unlocking the Magic: Celebrating Birmingham’s Past, Present, and Future". It was produced by the LRY Media Group.

A 44-day "Old Glory Relay" organized by the non-profit Team RWB to promote health and wellness for military veterans carried a U.S. flag from the World War II memorial on the National Mall in Washington D.C. into Protective Stadium as part of the opening ceremony. Disabled veteran and athlete Noah Galloway ran the final leg of the relay.

The official theme song for the games, Hope Of Alabama was also featured throughout the ceremony. After the parade of nations, Randall Woodfin provided opening remarks, followed by remarks from other representatives of the World Games, and then various entertainers performed.

Performers

• Bootsy Collins - Also served as Master of the Ceremonies
• Nelly
• Sara Evans
• Shelia E.
• Tony! Toni! Tone!
• Yolanda Adams, also performed the National Anthem
• Alabama
• Bo Bice
• Ruben Studdard
• Taylor Hicks
• Worth The Wait

Pre-ceremony

A "pre-ceremony" featured music by DJ Chris Coleman and an appearance by a drone surfer.

References

• Gore, Laeda (July 7, 2022) "World Games Birmingham 2022 opening ceremony: Time, road closures, who will perform?." The Birmingham News
• Dover, Drew (July 8, 2022) "Welcome to Birmingham, y’all: The World Games are finally here." WSFA 12 News