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Rio Olympics closing ceremony: What to expect

When does it start?

Rio’s closing ceremony starts at 6 p.m. Central time at Maracana Stadium (same site as the opening ceremony). But NBC’s coverage will run from 7-9:30 p.m., presumably with edited video and a lot of commercials.

What's the weather forecast tonight in Rio?

Rain.  In fact, it has been raining all morning in Rio. But that is not expected to delay or alter the ceremony.

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Will Kygo perform?

Yes he will. Glad you asked. The Norwegian electronic tropical musician, who lived with his family in Brazil when he was younger, is expected to perform “Carry Me” along with vocalist Julia Michaels. “The opportunity to be a part of the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games in Rio is a huge milestone in my career and it will be the biggest performance of my life,” Kygo said in a press release. “I've been a sports fan forever.”

Who is running the show?

Rosa Magalhaes, a Brazilian professor of scenography and considered one of greatest carnival designers in the nation’s history.  She was also one of the creative directors for Rio’s opening ceremony.

What can we expect?

Details have not been disclosed, but expect more performances that celebrate Brazilian culture, lots of music, and the parade of athletes at a much brisker pace than the opening.  Creative supervisor Abel Gomes says the ceremony will celebrate "all what's best in Brazil." At the end, there will be remarks by IOC President Thomas Bach and then the official handover of the Olympic flag to Yuriko Koike, governor of Tokyo, host of the 2020 Games. Finally, the Olympic flame is extinguished.

What are the U.S. athletes expected to wear?

Those who have not already gone home (Ryan Lochte, for instance), are expected to wear Ralph Lauren-designed parade uniforms that Team USA describes as "crisp, sporty and classic, and features an all-American palette of red, white and blue."

How might this closing compare to previous Olympic closing ceremonies?

Much like the opening ceremony, which was on a much smaller budget than London (10 percent of the 2012 total, by some estimations), this is also expected to be a more modest spectacle. Michael Phillips, the Tribune's clever movie critic, described the opening as "Cirque du Soleil on a budget" that was "striking" and "savvy." One hopes to see more of the same Sunday night.

Who will carry the flag for the U.S. athletes group?

Gold medalist Simone Biles will carry the U.S. flag and lead the U.S. into Maracana Stadium Sunday night for the closing ceremony, it was announced Saturday.  Biles is the second gymnast to serve as Team USA’s flag bearer, in either na opening or closing ceremony. In 1936, Alfred Jochim lead the U.S. delegation.   


Will Brazil's president be there?

Brazil’s interim President Michel Temer was booed at the opening ceremony and so he reportedly will not attend Sunday night.

And what about Pele?

He was the odds-on favorite to light the torch at the opening, but poor health reportedly kept him away. Will he be there Sunda? "If we get a chance to have him," Rio 2016 spokesman Mario Andrada said Friday, "it would be our pleasure." On Twitter, the Brazilian icon wrote: “I am continuing my physiotherapy and focused on joining you for the closing festivities on August 21. I love you!”

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