THE OLYMPICS RETURN TO GREECE FRIDAY ON NBC WITH THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 2004 ATHENS GAMES

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 ATHENS, Greece – Aug.12, 2004 – NBC’s Athens Olympics coverage begins Friday with the Opening Ceremony of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games featuring a record 202 nations marching in the Parade of Nations and the lighting of the Olympic Cauldron.  Bob Costas and Katie Couric will co-host NBC’s primetime coverage of the Opening Ceremony at 8 p.m. ET/PT.  Costas will host NBC’s primetime coverage throughout the Games, Aug. 13-29.

Highlights for Friday, August 13, 2004, include:

NBC
8:00 p.m. – Midnight ET/PT
Opening Ceremony – Parade of Nations and Lighting of the Olympic Cauldron                 
                  
NBC HIGHLIGHTS (Primetime):
The modern Olympics, reborn in Athens in 1896, return to Greece today.  At the Opening Ceremony, a record 202 nations are expected to march in the Parade of Nations, including much anticipated entrances by Iraq and Afghanistan. The nations will march into the stadium in Greek alphabetical order. One problem: traditionally, Greece marches first and the host nation enters last. The solution: the Greek flag will lead the Parade of Nations, and the entrance of the Greek athletes will end it.  A problem closer to home: Are you looking for your favorite U.S. athlete? Team USA will march 55th in the order between the United Arab Emirates and Japan.  Hosts:  Bob Costas and Katie Couric