The biggest sporting event to hit Australian shores in a decade is here, with the Gold Coast set to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Join The Roar from 7pm (AEST) for all the live action, photos and updates from the Opening Ceremony.
Of course, the headline of the ceremony to any games is the parade of nations. The hosts, Australia, will be led onto the track at Carrara Stadium by men’s hockey captain Mark Knowles.
The Kookaburras legend was a surprise selection ahead of hurdler Sally Pearson and will lead the 473-competitor team when Australia enter behind every other nation.
Knowles has an impressive resume, making his debut for the Kookas in 2004, was the global player of the year in 2014 and has both Olympic and Commonwealth Games medals under his belt.
More Commonwealth Games
» About the Commonwealth Games
» Full 2018 Commonwealth Games events schedule
» How to watch the 2018 Commonwealth Games online or on TV
The first nation out in the parade of nations will be the last hosts, Scotland, who will be led onto the track by runner and hurdler Eilidh Doyle. They will then be followed by other European nations, then Africa, the Americas, Asia, the Carribean and lastly, Oceania before Australia march last.
Other confirmed flag bearers include controversial South African middle-distance runner Caster Semenya and England’s legendary triathlete Alistair Brownlee.
The athlete’s oath is another important role to be selected for and will be read by Australian veteran lawn bowls player Karen Murphy, who is going into her fifth Commonwealth Games.
On the entertainment front, the headline acts are set to be Australian singers Delta Goodrem and Dami Im, who competed on Eurovision last year.
The Opening Ceremony is also tipped to have a heavy Indigenous component to it, with performances expected to be included throughout to symbolise the area and country’s connection to its people.
Other rumours speculate the ceremony will aim to show off the Gold Coast’s beaches, with an inland beach reportedly built and up to 400 lifesavers set to be involved.
It’s unclear if, like in the Melbourne games of 2006 which used the Yarra River to show the previous hosts of the Commonwealth Games, any locations outside the main stadium will be used throughout the nearly four-hour ceremony.
The 21st Games – and fifth in which Australia has hosted – will be officially opened by Prince Charles, who is stepping in for the Queen.
Be sure to join The Roar from 7pm (AEST) for all the best live coverage from the 2018 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony and be sure to chime in below with a comment.
stephen podesta
Guest
Dami Im was NOT in the opening ceremony of the commonwealth games, where did you get the info from. I was disappointed she was not in it.
Sarah Wildy
Roar Guru
A wonderful night at Carrara!! Other than transport issues & the rain, it was an amazing opening ceremony live at the ground!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks James.
Jameswm
Guest
Cheers and thanks from here too Scott.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Cheers mate! Going to be a sensational 11 days.
mds1970
Roar Guru
Great call Scott. Let the Games begin!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me this evening on The Roar for live coverage of the 2018 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony. Hopefully you enjoyed it. I'll be back first thing in the morning with the women's triathlon from 9:30am (AEST). I'll also have coverage of the men's triathlon, hockey and swimming tomorrow, so be sure to tune in. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Day 1 live coverage on The Roar It's going to be one hell of an 11 days. Here are the events being covered live on The Roar tomorrow, starting from 9:30am (AEST) and running all the way through to 10:30pm (AEST). 9:30am - Women's triathlon 10:30am - Swimming Day 1 heats 1pm - Men's triathlon 4:30pm - Women's hockey - Australia vs Canada 7pm - Swimming Night 1 finals 7pm - Track Cycling Night 1 finals 8:30pm - Netball - Australia vs Northern Ireland
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, that's the end of the Opening Ceremony. Roarers, plenty of mixed reactions on twitter, but what did you make of it?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Plenty of fireworks during this final performance of the evening. Great way to finish off what has been a pretty good Opening Ceremony. The Gold Coast skyline looks stunning from the air. Tomorrow? Sport, sport and more sport.
Scott Pryde
Expert
One more performance to finish it off. Sydney singer/songwriter, singing "Rule."
Scott Pryde
Expert
Yep. Going to be fantastic. I'll be looking forward to a few days off by the end of it though, I must admit!
Scott Pryde
Expert
Stuart Thomas
Expert
A great eleven days ahead. Delta's going nuts.
Scott Pryde
Expert
More performances now, although it's certainly not Delta Goodrem. Migaloo the whale made an appearance at any rate.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Tears. Beautiful from the Prince and such a sense of connection to all the peoples of the world.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Delta Goodrem to perform "Welcome to Earth" now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Prince Charles declares the 21st Commonwealth Games OPEN! We are go. Fireworks, explosions. The Games are underway.
Stuart Thomas
Expert
Geez didn't that kill the moment.
Scott Pryde
Expert
"On Commonwealth day last year, I placed this message into the baton. Over the last 388 days, on its journey from Buckingham Palace to the Gold Coast, it's been carried through every country and territory of the Commonwealth. "The ancient stories told by the people of Australia remind us that even though we may be half a world away, we are all connected. "In the spirit of cooperation and togetherness, common ground has been established and enduring friendships forged. As you come together at the start of these games, I continue to be inspired by the courage, enthusiasm and dedication of all those taking part. "I send my warm wishes to every competing individual and team and to all those who have brought about the first Commonwealth Games in this special part of Australia, the Gold Coast."