Olympics Opening Ceremony 2012: Schedule, Flag Bearers And More

The 2012 London Olympics are finally upon us, with the opening ceremony set for Friday. The event is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. London time, but those stateside can catch everything on tape delay beginning at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

The production will be directed by Danny Boyle, the decorated filmmaker behind Slumdog Millionaire and Trainspotting.

Mariel Zagunis will be the flag bearer for the United States during the parade of athletes. Zagunis is an incredibly decorated fencer, having won the gold medal in the women's individual sabre in the 2004 Athen and 2008 Beijing games.

The ceremony commences when Queen Elizabeth II is received by IOC president Jacque Rogge at the entrance of the Olympic Stadium. The parade of athletes follows before the close of the ceremony with the lighting of the Olympic torch.

Complete details of the event can be found on the Olympic website.

For more on the 2012 London Summer Olympics and to follow local athletes, be sure to follow our Olympics stream at SB Nation Philly.