An unprecedented four-site, dual-cauldron Winter Olympics opening ceremony replete with references to Italian icons and culture is scheduled to officially start the Milan Cortina Games.

Marco Balich has helped design grand spectacles at more than half a dozen Olympics. On Friday, he’ll do it again, on home turf in Italy.

In today’s newsletter: What to expect at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, as the Games officially get going.

MILAN (AP) — Milan’s San Siro stadium is set for a final hurrah. The opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will likely be the last event of major global significance held at the iconic stadium before it is torn down in the next few years.

The Winter Olympics opening ceremony isn't until tomorrow, but the host city of Milan is already running out of food.

Follow NBC News live updates for the latest on the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, where hockey and snowboarding events will open ahead of the opening ceremony.

Italy has ramped up security ahead of the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Friday, with thousands of agents protecting athletes, spectators and global leaders at locations spanning from Milan to the Dolomites.

Live Coverage of the Opening Ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics is Tomorrow, Feb. 6th on NBC and Peacock; Live Coverage Begins at 2 p.m. ET, with Primetime Coverage at 8 p.m. ET/PT