Everything you need to know about tonight's Rio 2016 opening ceremony
UK time, how many Northern Ireland athletes are involved and much more...
The Rio 2016 Olympic Games are almost upon us.
Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s opening ceremony. An estimated 900 million people worldwide are expected to tune in.
Where is it taking place?
Over 10,000 athletes from 205 countries will parade through Rio de Janeiro's Maracanã Stadium, which hosted 2014's World Cup Final and has a capacity of 78,000+.
What time does the opening ceremony start at?
Midnight UK time. It is expected to last approximately three hours.
How many Northern Ireland athletes are involved?
29 athletes representing both Team GB & NI and Team Ireland will be involved with Belfast boxer Paddy Barnes appointed flag bearer for Team Ireland.
Other quirky facts:
- Over 6,000 volunteers have been rehearsing for nearly three months - The opening ceremony has been handed a budget one-tenth the size of London's four years ago - The event has been billed 'the sexiest ever' — there'll be some samba dancing and plenty of Brazilian culture, so expect some Carnival-esque performances. - And, football legend Pele will light the cauldron.