7 reasons you don’t want to miss The World Games 2022 Opening + Closing Ceremonies, July 7 & 17

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The world is coming to Birmingham, and it all kicks off with The World Games 2022 Opening Ceremony presented by Alabama Power on July 7. And to close out the international event, Coca-Cola presents The World Games 2022 Closing Ceremony on July 17. Check out seven reasons these are can’t-miss events, then get your tickets today!

1. There’s a fantastic musical lineup ⚡

What’s a good party without great music? The World Games 2022 July 7th event has a musical lineup with acts you know and love. We’re talkin’ Nelly, Yolanda Adams, Bootsy Collins, Sara Evans and more on July 7. Then, on July 17 at the Closing Ceremony presented by Coca-Cola, you’ll see musicians with ties to Alabama: Pastor Mike Jr., Alabama, Jamey Johnson, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Martha Reeves, Yung Bleu, Bo Bice and Taylor Hicks.

“It’s humbling to be a part of such a prestigious event, connected to people that growing up you just think you’d never meet in your wildest dreams—like Yolanda Adams, Bootsy Collins and Alabama greats.”

Pastor Mike Jr.

2. You can see the athletes ahead of their events 🏆

If you’re like me and already itching to see sports like Sumo wrestling, you’ll absolutely love seeing the athletes ahead of their events. Over 3,600 athletes will be here in Birmingham, and the “Parade of Athletes” will be the perfect way to welcome them to The Magic City. The World Games 2022 is the perfect chance to cheer on athletes in sports you know and love—and a few you may be unfamiliar with.

3. Vulcan & Vesta will be there 🤩

We’re big fans of Vulcan and Vesta, the mascots for The World Games 2022 presented by O’Neal Steel and two iconic figures of our city. When you head to the opening ceremony, you’ll see these mascots throughout… you may even get to grab a pic with them if you’re lucky!

Are you ready to attend the Opening Ceremony presented by Alabama Power? Get your tickets today!

4. A UAB professor is the Artistic Director for the Opening & Closing Ceremonies 🎵

One of the most exciting parts of The World Games 2022 being right here in Birmingham is seeing how it puts local talent on the map. Local (and Grammy-award-winning) UAB professor Dr. Henry Panion III is the Artistic Director for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. That means a Birminghamian created all of the music you’ll hear during the ceremonies.

5. The World Games 2022 ceremonies will be held at the new Protective Stadium 🥳

Have you noticed our city getting some major glow-ups? It’s all just in time for The World Games 2022. The new Protective Stadium is home of the opening and closing ceremonies, and it’s the perfect spot for the occasion with plenty of seating, delish concessions and access to the hot spots of Uptown.

“Attendees can expect to have an amazing time at this year’s Opening and Closing ceremonies. It will be one of the biggest entertainment and musical events to ever take place not just in Birmingham but across the South. With performances from Bootsy Collins, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Nelly, Yolanda Adams, Ruben Studdard, Pastor Mike Jr., Taylor Hicks and so many others, there will be entertainment for pretty much everyone.”

Rashada LeRoy, Producer, Opening and Closing Ceremonies

6. The World Games 2022 Opening Ceremony presented by Alabama Power will celebrate Birmingham’s past, present + future 💫

It’s not every day that we get the chance to show off our amazing city. When athletes and attendees from around the world visit The Magic City for the first time or tune in online, they’ll get to see what we know and love about our city. In keeping with this theme, The World Games 2022 opening ceremony is celebrating the past, present and future of Birmingham.

“It’s my prayer that as The World Games 2022 places Birmingham, Alabama on the world stage, that for years those who have dissected our past now get the opportunity to take a peek at our future.”

Pastor Mike Jr.

7. There’s a song just for The World Games 2022—and you can download it now 🎉

Remember that star-studded musical lineup I mentioned earlier? They all came together for one beautiful theme song of The World Games 2022—”Hope of Alabama”. Give it a listen, and you may have chills like I did. The lyrics are empowering and the perfect theme song for The Games.

Get your tix today

The countdown is officially on for The Games and their opening and closing ceremonies. Get your tickets today, and remember to follow The World Games 2022 on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

• When: Thursday, July 7, 8-10PM & Sunday, July 17, 8-10PM
• Where: Protective Stadium | 1020 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35203

What part of The World Games 2022 opening ceremony are you looking forward to most? Tag us on social @BhamNow and let us know!

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