Opening Ceremonies

Date
Friday July 15, 2022Location
Wendy's Field at Daylis Stadium401 Grand Ave
Billings, MT 59102
Admission:
FreeFestivities kick off with SOAKED, a crazy fun two mile water walk/run through and around Pioneer Park. Other festivities include the Soaked Run, climbing wall, family entertainment and games, food trucks, Parade of Athletes, Montana Mile, and Torch Lighting. Admission is free for all ages. It's truly a night for the whole family!
The Ceremony officially begins at 7:00pm. The program includes Parade of Athletes (walk in the parade and receive a commemorative State Games gift), fun entertainment and interactive events, and the Men's and Women's Montana Mile (fastest milers in Montana), and traditional torch lighting by an Olympic athlete.

Photo courtesy of US Ski and Snowboard
2022 Torchlighter
Brad Wilson
Wilson is a three-time Olympian in Freestyle Skiing. He placed 20th in moguls at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, 18 th in moguls at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, and 25 th in moguls at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. In addition to his Olympic skiing experience, Wilson is a five-time U.S. champion and earned silver medals at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships.
Although his status and accomplishments are recognized globally, Wilson will always be known as a small town legend in the eyes of Montanans. Wilson recently retired from his skiing career at the close of the 2022 Winter Olympics. An athlete and an artist, Wilson has undoubtedly achieved a busy and fulfilling career. We are thrilled to have him as our special guest athlete at this year’s Opening Ceremonies.
The Opening Ceremonies Memorial Field will be located at the South side of Daylis Stadium. Pick up a butterfly and write the name of a loved one you have lost to place in the Memorial Field.
Other Pre-Games Festival Activites include:
- Steep World Climbing Wall
- FREE Photo at the Photo Booth by Photolanthropy Try the Virtual PhotoBooth
- Face Painting
- Free animal balloons
- Enjoy your favorite local food trucks at the Food Truck Olympics during Opening Ceremonies. Vote for your favorite food truck! Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be awarded!
