I truly believe that this segment was better than anything Beijing put on. I felt the entire '08 ceremony was about glorifying China rather than welcoming people to the games.
@thompsonrobuk more like the South of the United states saying welcome, with some down home taste and there is nothing wrong with that, i say it was the most meaningful welcome ive seen ever in my years watching the ceremonies
beijing had the most amazing OC, but you have to remember, that was recent. of course future OC will get better and better as the years goes on. This was the first couple of olympic opening ceremonies. For a small city like atlanta, you have to admit this was pretty cool!! 8)
I am from Atlanta and I was little when Atlanta hosted the games. I even went to some of them with my family and I was 5 when it was in Atlanta. I REALLY love the Atlanta opening and I wish Atlanta can host it again so that I can go to it.
Oh and that marching band-Southwest Dekalb, is VERY amazing (not to mention they now have their own TV show o.o). They're one of the best in America, the marching band I'm in had the privilage of performing in the same half time show as them. We quite frankly had our butts kicked :P
I remember watching this when i was 13, and i thought it was the coolest thing because it was so American! I never saw cheerleaders/marchingband/or those steppers ever until i saw it on tv. In my opinion this OC was really American.....(and im australian by the way)
It's amazing how bad something looks when we look back on it lol.... i was impressed as a kid when I first saw this. But we truly do progress as a society.... haha
I looked up this video after wondering what ppl thought about the 96 games all over the world and finding some very bad reviews. Apparently cheerleaders and pick up trucks were just the beginning but they are distinctively American. Nevertheless another paragraph has to be given to the transportation, telecommunication and security issues.
You can't compare any olympic ceremony. Every four years the technology and investment grows bigger and bigger.
Beijing was an amazing ceremony, but something that nobody can compare to Atlanta'96 is "Welcome to The World". This is the most fun, joyful and overwhelming song any games ever had.
Any amazing ceremony get lost in time, but a great song always lives, and that is the case with this song and "Friends Forever" from Barcelona'92
@zozer2 and who can forget hand in hand Seoul '88 sung by koreana, that was pretty amazing, and who can also forget the closing of the '68 games when all the athletes came down from the stadium seats to join the dancing in the center arena
Still watching - what is interesting to see is, even here, the diversity. The Steppers are of African influence, the Cloggers are of Irish influence, the cheerleaders and football theme is purely American. It is a perfect demonstration of the melting pot in action, and makes me damned PROUD.
Seeing some comments that are confusing...you do realize this wasn't the only act in the opening ceremonies, right? What about the tribute to the history of the south, or even better, the "shadow history" of the games? The Hollywood budget? It was the most expensive ceremony to date, and definitely nothing to sneeze at.
Wow this ceremony was sooooooo fun you can see it on the peoples faces. However it did have as many wow moments as Beijing. But there were some like the Zeus Temple, Gladys Knight, And call to the nations other than that it was pure fun!!!
I is Malaysian. I no know what cherleader thing are. We is lives in trees and make electric with bicycle generators. That how we is seeing this wonderful show now. So advanced, so sophisticated is it. So USA!!
I had the opportunity to attend the Opening Ceremonies in Bejing. They were good but they were VERY militaristic. The communist military, not security forces were EVERYWHERE!. Every move you made was watched. We went to a McDonalds, police there, went to the rest room inside and police were there. Chinese people were watch more and any foreignors.
While this WAS a fun opening ceremony, it was kind of tacky for something as prestigious as the Olympics. Especially with the pickup trucks. Im glad we got to redeem the US with Salt Lake City in terms of the opening ceremony.
i'd say China is China... while America is America... I actually like this part for this is very American. I look forward to the day when America will host an SOG again... It is certainly going to rip off whatever OC any Games since Atlanta came up with...
We love cheerleaders, marching bands, steppers, and pickup trucks. Yes, those things are a huge part of our culture, especially in the south, a very diverse place.
OMG! This brings back so many memories. I was actually a cheerleading in this (wearing yellow). I was in high school at the time. The cheerleaders in the middle at the beginning were college students. My family originally taped this, but somehow the tape messed up. Thank you youtube and julius923 for giving me back lost memories!!!!!!!!!!!
the arent about who has the most coordinated opening ceremonies it is about bringing everybody together peacefully and showing the world your culture through a friendly hello not about the best opening
Who cares about some lame ceremony, the Beijing games are distant memory! Atlanta is one of the few cities that has thrived since hosting the Olympics, Atlanta is an amazing city in 2009!
No matter who had the best Opening Ceremony, this one was one of the most genuine and is my favorite because of that. Those guys were having a really good time. Beijing was phenominal, but they didn't seem too enthusiastic about it. Straight faces and perfect coordination. Guess it just depends on what you like.
@val3340 apart from what we like, I think olympic games ..(sports) are about perfect coordination, exactness, accuracy, competition , without mistakes... not exactly about enthusiastic ... I've never seen any laughing face in a olympic game (except when someone wins)... That's my opinion
this might not be expensive as athens and beijing but this is really amusing and so much LIFE you will see!!!! so I believed Chicago will do the same!!!! GO CHICAGO 2016
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umm.. this was so cheesy.. even for america.. but i'm sure that WHEN chicago wins the olympic bid, the ceremony will be tremendous. Chicago is fantastic
Oh this one looks like an opening of a collegiate football season!One truly American-style welcome.The Atlanta Summer Olympics, save for the extreme commercialism and the terrorism,is one Olympiad worth remembering. I only got to watch this over TV, and I must say this one's the most energetic olympics ever.CUZGLC is right. London should draw on the idea of fun and joy more than trying to impress. Cool games!
i begging to like america and americans because of atlanta.atlanta 1996 was a nice combination of natural,simple and true.the time can t erase this moment.
Atlanta.Sydney.Athens.Beijing-Opening ceremonies of each of these olympic cities were fantastic displays of talent and technology. Each one dazzles, and has its own great moments. Kudos to Atlanta for coming up with an extra-interactive show. People jammed and party, and that's pretty cool! Sydney was great too! Athens is so solemn and amazing. Beijing was tops in terms of technology and fireworks...
I was hugely impressed by Beijing's opening ceremony. But it didn't come close to moving me like this segment of Atlanta's OC. There is an energy, enthusiasm and sheer joy that stands out. It doesn't need split-second mass choreography, its appeal is partially in seeming more spontaneous and heart-felt. It represents a lot of the very positive things about America - Welcome to the world! I just hope London draws on the ideas of fun and joy more than trying to impress.
It's supposed to be a celebration of the South of the USA and above all a celebration of the Centennial of the Olympics, it was a poorly put together ceremonies, with several good parts, but mostly poorly strung segments. The design of the stadium didn't help, but overall it could have been better.
Look at minute 6:15 and check those circles. I thought they would join to form olympic rings. You should be proud of being part of the opening, may I ask what was your part? I recorded this ceremony on VHS and I watched it for like 3 years, it was very fun and the music was cool, kinda sad the marching band went a bit faster than the tempo, and it did look a bit unorganized but at the time it looked good, and most people loved the show anyway! Let's see if we get Chicago!
you guys are bickering idiots. these games more than a decade ago. beijing's opening ceremonies shouldn't be compared directly to atlanta's -
ps: i enjoy reading all these sudden supporters of the chinese and their communist regime. does anyone care to comment on the fact that taiwan couldn't even march in the parade of nations with their own flag?
don't be blinded by china's flashy technological advances. they're still lagging the US in many other respects, including political freedoms -
...They still put on a cool show. And the Bird's Nest and Watercube are off the chain. Period.
But I do agree with one thing you said ----we should not compare the opening ceremonies. 12 years is a long time between shows, and I would fully expect that by now, the shows would be even flashier than the last. Just enjoy each one for what it is and leave it at that. What ATL did was still great (for those of you who have only seen this video, check out the rest of the '96 ceremony).
Oh, and I'm not an American! Finally, there's something very few people mention, there was NO TAX DOLLARS used for these olympics, everything was done on budget, and Atlanta didn't have to declare bankruptcy in order to organize it. Montreal just finished paying the 1976 olympics in 2006! So... well done, Atlanta. Now GO CHICAGO 2016 Let's show the chinese how we do it here!
I just HAD to put my two-cents here. I was 16 y/o when I watched this, and I remembered the Barcelona openings at that time and I thought it was a very good opening. Granted there was VERY LITTLE practice and things could have been done better, but you can't compare an opening ceremony 12 years later, when everyone knows each olympics tries to outdo the past one. I thought the Beijing opening was awe inspiring but with very little fun and public participation. This was badly rehearsed but fun!
I watched the Beijing Opening Ceremonies and they were amazing. It is incredible to see what can be done when the cast and performers have a full year to rehearse! I was in the Atlanta Ceremonies in 1996 and we only had 2 weeks to rehearse! It will be interesting to see what the London ceremonies will be like - I live in London now and can't wait to see how they'll try to live up to expectations set by the Chinese performance. Perhaps use the Queen? :-)
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They only rehearsed for two weeks? What a fucking embarrassment! If this is how the US honors the Olympics (particularly the South), then the US shouldn't be allowed to host another one for decades! This is also the lamest Olympics ceremony I've ever seen. They had a stupid marching band (other video) to be shown to millions across the planet? It's bad enough it's a marching band of so few in a stadium of tens of thousands, but at the OLYMPICS? Atlanta SUCKS!
TWO WEEKS? ONLY PRACTICE FOR TWO WEEKS?!? Totally incorrect. Well, maybe not for you, kyledan2007.. I don't know what role you had in the show, but I know that I spent pretty much April up to July with long 3-4 hour practices at least twice a week, then around June they kicked them up to around 3-4 times a week, 4-5 x's in July, then noon-1 AM dress rehearsals every other day like 3-4 x's in the final week before the actual show. I was in the opening and final segment, though.
dude shut that shit up... u guys saw china and act as if they are top shit... atl showcased it southern style with youth and and up beat approach u try gathering hundreds of people to put on something like this and tell me how it come out.... i thought it was well received on all parts and for two weeks dammit it was fairly well go ATL s
This was so awesome. As a native Atlantan (I live about 5 mins south of the stadium) it was a unique show. I know many had problems with this disply, but the games were done in the American South. The energy, exuberance, and excitement in the city was an amazing thing to be a part of and I'll never forget it. And my house was on the torch relay route! SO much fun!!!
The Beijing opening ceremonies should be better - they had more money! And they were all military people too. Of course they can make a straight line and if they didn't it would probably lead to serious trouble and/or jail time.
I'm from Atlanta & I still think these opening ceremonies are amazing. Sure they weren't perfect but they were a great representation of the city & the culture. Watching these ceremonies filled every Atlantan with immense pride no matter how crooked the circles were.
We also have to undertand, that Atlanta Games was in 1996 12 years ago. Much technology has change then. I'm sure Atl wasn't thinking about putting a big ass fold up tv screen on the ground of the staduim like in Beijing.
While technology has stepped ahead, there was much in China's ceremony that could have been done years before. LEDs, projectors, etc. And there is no excuse to have had so little time for rehearsals, considering they had YEARS to plan. It was shit.
The Ceremony was FUN....... full of excitement. if they had little or more time to rehearsals. Some people say 2 weeks some say they practice way longer so who's to say how long they rehearse if you was not apart of the O.C. And i'm sure that big jumbo tron they had was LED or Projectors but i'm sure they didn't think about making it flat during that time. Now don't get me wrong Beijing had a awesome O.C. just not fair to compare it to Atlanta who have way lest history than Beijing.
Cheerleaders, marching bands, the trucks...I didn't have a problem with it. Atlanta knows it doesn't have the tradition of a Barcelona, Athens or Beijing...but what it does have, I think this ceremony did a fine job of showing. And it was fun. What's so wrong with having some fun with what your city is all about? Now...that being said...the Beijing ceremony was SPECTACULAR. The Atlanta ceremony was pretty grade school compared to what happened in Beijing.
Those of you ripping this ceremony are totally missing the point. Atlanta isn't Barcelona. It isn't Beijing. It isn't Athens. Atlanta is probably the youngest city to ever host an Olympic games. And...last I checked, the opening ceremonies are supposed to be, among other things, about the host city. They're supposed to reflect the spirit of the city, its people, and what makes that city special.
...ATL was a long time ago. We did a very good job in '96---this clip is a just a piece of the puzzle--- but we all know each olympics aims to outdo the last. China was incredible, but don't think that any other country won't try to be that much better next time around. That said, China should very much put Atlanta to shame. 12 years is a long time not to come up with ideas, otherwise.
im from alabama and, wow all of you shut the fuck up. this was a good opening that shared southern culture with the rest of the world. its based on simple pleasures and welcoming everybody in. yeah china's ceremony was amazing but if you look past the fireworks, they have a hell of a story to tell. 5000 years of history compared to our 300. think logically before you talk stupid you dumbfucks.
There is plenty that Atlanta could have done better, no matter how young the city is. This country is known for its spectacular entertainment and Atlanta could have reflected that. But because of morons like you who think shit like this is worthy enough to be shown to the WORLD, this is what we got. I've seen better football halftime shows than this shit!!!
After viewing this...are there any questions why China is overtaking the US as superpower? Did you SEE the circles and straight lines that the Chinese formed? In '96, what did we show them? Fucking cheerleaders falling out of lifts and pickup trucks...Jesus.
Uhh look at those ocuntry-ass bumpkins from the south? Fuckin up the olympics, chrome pickup trucks what kinda geto asss shit is that, who planned this? TI? wtf? You put a bad face out for America
I remember this... not meaning to insult anyone, but it was quite a pathetic opening ceremony and the GMC product placement was simply scandalous.
The whole idea is that the opening ceremony is creative and inspiring, instead of some cookie-cutter cheerleading nonsense and shameless product placement. I definitely expected more from a country that is known for its excellent entertainment.
Has anyone film footage of the Jon-Secada-Incident at the opening ceremony of olympics 96 Atlanta? He got stuck in a stage elevator or something like this and only his head was shown. Anyone remember? Can´t find anything on web, please help!
interesting YouTube commentary. I guess if this was on TV today, I too would be a snob and make comparisons to other opening ceremonies... except I never watched as much of the others.
All I felt as an 11 year-old was excitement at what was happening in my city... & jealousy at seeing a classmate on TV... & a charley horse... & then I was pissed that NBC went to commercial when my whole family & much of Atlanta was waiting for Nigeria to parade into the stadium. :P
YES God Bless America saving the Olympic Games with it's EVIL commercialism. Thank you 1984,1996,and 2002. If it was not for corporate sponsors, the Olympics would have died in Moscow -how appropriate.
Don't hate because this ceremony is different than all the other 'grand' olympics. It reflects the country, city, and state in which the olympics were held. The 1996 Atlanta Olympics is one of the very few moments that make me proud of being from the U.S. South.
Well I liked it because it had a mix of modern and the normal theatric ceremony. It represents the area well. I really loved the "spirit of the South/Summertime" segment.
we were in the Philippines watching this via satellite in 1996 together with hundreds of college students in our dorm. we were astonished by this part of the ceremony. Very american and youth oriented. We loved this part because it reflects the vibrancy of the youth of America. Great Job. The trucks were cool. we don't see anything wrong with the use of the trucks. Americans should be proud because this part of the OC best reflects the american college culture. Kudos to the american youths.
The cheerleading segment here pales in comparison with the acrobatics of the Trudoviye Reservy Sports Society during the opening ceremony of Moscow 1980.
The Moscow Olympics and the number of nations participated in it only showed that the USSR is crumbling to a point of no return. The LA Games in 1984 saved the Olympics from certain extinction.
For some people this might seem tacky, but to me this was the most fun part of the whole ceremony. I remember watching this back in 1996 (if only the commentators would shut up though). What can be more American than cheerleading? And like someone else mentioned, almost every race is represented in this number. Every ceremony is special in its own way.
Somebody have the sound of this video WITHOUT the voice of the tv spoken man? Or somebody knows if this music is avaiable to download somewhere on internet?
Someone posted a video with Bob Kostas on mute!!! I felt like I was actually at the stadium. Sadly after seeing it I found even more mistakes LOL but still it was a fun segment.
Thank you so much for posting this! I was one of the kids performing that night when YouTube wasn't even a dream yet! I am so thrilled to find it. Thank you!
It's great to hear from you as a performer who was there. I was wish I was there to see you perfom in person. It was definitely a high spirited energetic number.
arcanoscl is an idiot. The Athens opening ceremonies were such a let down. Sydney was awesome, Barcelona, so-so. Atlanta was nothing short of spectacular. I hope Beijing and London knock our socks of, cause no one puts on a show like the yanks. especially the oes from the south
for me the best opening ceremony ever made was that of the LA 84, Seoul 88, Barcelona 92 and Atlanta 96. Sidney was quite boring. Athens was a huge let down. Many of us who watched it actually fell asleep. It was not an opening ceremony but a greek tragedy. My opinion only. Peace!
That's what Zhang Yimou said about the Athens 2004 opening ceremony: "In my opinion those Olympic Games were the best ever. I was there... Beijing has to learn a lot from Athens. The Opening Ceremony of Athens was a landmark. It changed the aesthetics, the style, the substance of the Ceremonies. It continually surprised the audience. I hope we will achieve the same. But the difference will be the soundtrack, the style of music..."
we're can I download this music?
magoogam2 1 month ago
Recuerdo perfectamente esa ceremonia como si hubiera sido ayer, me encanto. gracias por subir esta parte, era mi favorita
marmota1425 1 month ago
PROUD TO BE SOUTHERN!!!!
kamwrites 3 months ago
I truly believe that this segment was better than anything Beijing put on. I felt the entire '08 ceremony was about glorifying China rather than welcoming people to the games.
cra0422 4 months ago
c vraiment dommage car on ne comprend rien a cause des commentateurs ni les paroles de la chansons ni le spectacle en lui meme décevant
piritiana 4 months ago
It's looks like a under rehearsed stadium Coca Cola advert!!
thompsonrobuk 6 months ago
@thompsonrobuk more like the South of the United states saying welcome, with some down home taste and there is nothing wrong with that, i say it was the most meaningful welcome ive seen ever in my years watching the ceremonies
allthingsOlympic 1 month ago
The 90s! Best Decade EVER!!
cgsilverscreen2020 7 months ago
cheerleaders? hahaha.. so america.. so shitty!!! then and now!!!
bum254 7 months ago
@bum254 we'll kick the shit outta ur country
GTNPLZ 6 months ago
to all the haters of the atlanta oc:
beijing had the most amazing OC, but you have to remember, that was recent. of course future OC will get better and better as the years goes on. This was the first couple of olympic opening ceremonies. For a small city like atlanta, you have to admit this was pretty cool!! 8)
NYCeddie15 8 months ago 4
God bless America!
nigeldowney77 11 months ago
I hope one day the Summer Olympics take place in Texas. What a show that would be
HTownCountryFan 11 months ago 4
@HTownCountryFan I'm with you.
cra0422 4 months ago
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Wow pickup trucks and commercialism possibly the most embarrassing olympics ever what a shame
Mast3rSkillz 1 year ago
I am from Atlanta and I was little when Atlanta hosted the games. I even went to some of them with my family and I was 5 when it was in Atlanta. I REALLY love the Atlanta opening and I wish Atlanta can host it again so that I can go to it.
lilrolo65 1 year ago
The difference between this Atlanta opening is that people here are free while in Beijing, what do you think?
zfecomat 1 year ago
I fucking love Atlanta.
chancayano 1 year ago 3
The president did the wave! :DD how cool is that?
Oh and that marching band-Southwest Dekalb, is VERY amazing (not to mention they now have their own TV show o.o). They're one of the best in America, the marching band I'm in had the privilage of performing in the same half time show as them. We quite frankly had our butts kicked :P
xXxRennxXx 1 year ago
does anyone know the name of the guy who did the silent comedy act? similar to charles chaplin?
zarrow50 1 year ago
WOW 10 HATERS ON ATL WELL ITS OK THESE WERE STILL THE BEST OLYMPICS EVER!!!! GEORGIA FOREVER BABY!! :D
CHANNEL10BWK 1 year ago
5:40 - 6:22 the announcer sums up having the games in the South very nicely.
lordofwrath88 1 year ago 2
I remember watching this when i was 13, and i thought it was the coolest thing because it was so American! I never saw cheerleaders/marchingband/or those steppers ever until i saw it on tv. In my opinion this OC was really American.....(and im australian by the way)
987jvrod 1 year ago 2
Why don't this stupid guy stop speaking so I can hear the song?
Bolzan29 1 year ago 2
I WAS APART OF THIS IN 1996 WHAT AN AMAZING EXPERIENCE :):):)
Flippngymboi 1 year ago
It's amazing how bad something looks when we look back on it lol.... i was impressed as a kid when I first saw this. But we truly do progress as a society.... haha
sp4eva1 1 year ago
I looked up this video after wondering what ppl thought about the 96 games all over the world and finding some very bad reviews. Apparently cheerleaders and pick up trucks were just the beginning but they are distinctively American. Nevertheless another paragraph has to be given to the transportation, telecommunication and security issues.
soccerbest10 1 year ago
You can't compare any olympic ceremony. Every four years the technology and investment grows bigger and bigger.
Beijing was an amazing ceremony, but something that nobody can compare to Atlanta'96 is "Welcome to The World". This is the most fun, joyful and overwhelming song any games ever had.
Any amazing ceremony get lost in time, but a great song always lives, and that is the case with this song and "Friends Forever" from Barcelona'92
zozer2 1 year ago 5
@zozer2 and who can forget hand in hand Seoul '88 sung by koreana, that was pretty amazing, and who can also forget the closing of the '68 games when all the athletes came down from the stadium seats to join the dancing in the center arena
allthingsOlympic 4 weeks ago
Still watching - what is interesting to see is, even here, the diversity. The Steppers are of African influence, the Cloggers are of Irish influence, the cheerleaders and football theme is purely American. It is a perfect demonstration of the melting pot in action, and makes me damned PROUD.
kamwrites 1 year ago 5
Seeing some comments that are confusing...you do realize this wasn't the only act in the opening ceremonies, right? What about the tribute to the history of the south, or even better, the "shadow history" of the games? The Hollywood budget? It was the most expensive ceremony to date, and definitely nothing to sneeze at.
kamwrites 1 year ago
Wow this ceremony was sooooooo fun you can see it on the peoples faces. However it did have as many wow moments as Beijing. But there were some like the Zeus Temple, Gladys Knight, And call to the nations other than that it was pure fun!!!
Jeremiahk2012 1 year ago 2
14 years on and I still remember this tune. Awesome.
freakyjasonpowerslam 1 year ago
I is Malaysian. I no know what cherleader thing are. We is lives in trees and make electric with bicycle generators. That how we is seeing this wonderful show now. So advanced, so sophisticated is it. So USA!!
BuenoSuertes 1 year ago
I had the opportunity to attend the Opening Ceremonies in Bejing. They were good but they were VERY militaristic. The communist military, not security forces were EVERYWHERE!. Every move you made was watched. We went to a McDonalds, police there, went to the rest room inside and police were there. Chinese people were watch more and any foreignors.
schs1977 1 year ago
of you people don't like this then are you even on here posting...I for one love this opening not to mention I love the Wave..
countryfan2524 1 year ago
pick up trucks?! stupid
Doug131313 1 year ago
Thank you for placing this video, the best inauguration that I have seen .. a greeting from venezuela..
ArisRuiz 1 year ago 2
Great video. I remember this like it was yesterday...
gsmeek80 1 year ago
While this WAS a fun opening ceremony, it was kind of tacky for something as prestigious as the Olympics. Especially with the pickup trucks. Im glad we got to redeem the US with Salt Lake City in terms of the opening ceremony.
dchen7 1 year ago
@dchen7 What's wrong with pick-up trucks? They're an American icon, and not just in the south.
kamwrites 1 year ago
I lived in Atlanta @ the time of the Games. Unfortunately I was out of town during this. My sister was one of the Steppers !!!
absolutLIBRA1982 1 year ago
Chevy - like a rock
Stevensc33 1 year ago
pick up trucks...LLMMAOOOO
THATS THE SPIRIT
supra16 2 years ago 10
The choir is political statement!
HateFenians 2 years ago
Atlanta will be in heart forever.
michaelbme 2 years ago
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Gaudy!
diegogvieira 2 years ago
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hahahhahah while Beijing shook the world by it's superb acts, we (USA) put a bunch of cheerleaders. Is that the culture and history of America?
MrDetwaa 2 years ago
i'd say China is China... while America is America... I actually like this part for this is very American. I look forward to the day when America will host an SOG again... It is certainly going to rip off whatever OC any Games since Atlanta came up with...
nac2k9 2 years ago 2
@MrDetwaa
We love cheerleaders, marching bands, steppers, and pickup trucks. Yes, those things are a huge part of our culture, especially in the south, a very diverse place.
michaelbme 2 years ago 3
When i first saw this, i thought it was amazing! but then beijing happened and blew practically everything out of the water!!
85renie 2 years ago
Well of course Beijing was so great because of technology advancing. Atlanta did the best they could at the time.
lion9008 1 year ago 3
OMG! This brings back so many memories. I was actually a cheerleading in this (wearing yellow). I was in high school at the time. The cheerleaders in the middle at the beginning were college students. My family originally taped this, but somehow the tape messed up. Thank you youtube and julius923 for giving me back lost memories!!!!!!!!!!!
shannonboo79 2 years ago
Everybody happy.Not this sad future that we are now.I like Atlanta.I don't remember china.Forget Beijing.
from15way 2 years ago 6
the arent about who has the most coordinated opening ceremonies it is about bringing everybody together peacefully and showing the world your culture through a friendly hello not about the best opening
2112JDC 2 years ago
It is time for the Olympics to be held in South America (Rio) or Africa (Cape Town).
schs1977 2 years ago
No... the ceremony was KITSCH...
rwmiosyn 2 years ago
Who cares about some lame ceremony, the Beijing games are distant memory! Atlanta is one of the few cities that has thrived since hosting the Olympics, Atlanta is an amazing city in 2009!
Ebonypride09 2 years ago 20
No matter who had the best Opening Ceremony, this one was one of the most genuine and is my favorite because of that. Those guys were having a really good time. Beijing was phenominal, but they didn't seem too enthusiastic about it. Straight faces and perfect coordination. Guess it just depends on what you like.
val3340 2 years ago 2
I agree with you!! this ceremony was great!! and don't forget L.A 84! That was fantastic too!!
silfo2008 2 years ago
@val3340 apart from what we like, I think olympic games ..(sports) are about perfect coordination, exactness, accuracy, competition , without mistakes... not exactly about enthusiastic ... I've never seen any laughing face in a olympic game (except when someone wins)... That's my opinion
alucinada182 1 year ago
this might not be expensive as athens and beijing but this is really amusing and so much LIFE you will see!!!! so I believed Chicago will do the same!!!! GO CHICAGO 2016
nonameslob24 2 years ago
Chicago 2016??? Why not?? AND GO BOGOTA FOR THE PANAMERICANS 2015!!!!!!!
silfo2008 2 years ago
AHAHAHAHAAHAHAAHAHAHAAHAHAH
supra16 3 years ago
Though not as synced as the Beijing olympics, it is very entertaining! And I like how they keep using the olympic colors!
PokeCenter 3 years ago
too childish
thetruekinetics 3 years ago
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umm.. this was so cheesy.. even for america.. but i'm sure that WHEN chicago wins the olympic bid, the ceremony will be tremendous. Chicago is fantastic
chrissus83 3 years ago
this was the best opening i had seen!
soggyfroggy 3 years ago 4
Was it also the only opening you have seen?
CapitolWrestlingCorp 3 years ago
hahahahaha
85renie 2 years ago
does anyone know the name of this song i would really like to download it?
nolimit4ros 3 years ago
it's called welcome to the world
lobogirl 3 years ago
I was a stepper in this scene. Lots of memories. Thanks for posting.
pristine35 3 years ago 5
st. louis 2056
cardinalfreak2722 3 years ago
Bangkok Olympic Games please
yokowich 3 years ago
They wont be able to get the athletes in, airport will probs fuck up again. And Thailand is dirty, and too poor.
CapitolWrestlingCorp 3 years ago
The '96 Atlanta Games will always be the best ever and just for the simple fact that it took place in the U.S..
derick501 3 years ago
don't be so culturally ignorant
SwimmmingFishy 3 years ago 2
Oh this one looks like an opening of a collegiate football season!One truly American-style welcome.The Atlanta Summer Olympics, save for the extreme commercialism and the terrorism,is one Olympiad worth remembering. I only got to watch this over TV, and I must say this one's the most energetic olympics ever.CUZGLC is right. London should draw on the idea of fun and joy more than trying to impress. Cool games!
louiechico 3 years ago 6
i begging to like america and americans because of atlanta.atlanta 1996 was a nice combination of natural,simple and true.the time can t erase this moment.
from15way 3 years ago
what is the song title?
gard4989 3 years ago
Welcome to the World
julius923 3 years ago
Thanks!!
gard4989 3 years ago
Atlanta.Sydney.Athens.Beijing-Opening ceremonies of each of these olympic cities were fantastic displays of talent and technology. Each one dazzles, and has its own great moments. Kudos to Atlanta for coming up with an extra-interactive show. People jammed and party, and that's pretty cool! Sydney was great too! Athens is so solemn and amazing. Beijing was tops in terms of technology and fireworks...
louiechico 3 years ago
Yeah... this only makes me love my country more ; )
Lizabeth48 3 years ago 4
I was hugely impressed by Beijing's opening ceremony. But it didn't come close to moving me like this segment of Atlanta's OC. There is an energy, enthusiasm and sheer joy that stands out. It doesn't need split-second mass choreography, its appeal is partially in seeming more spontaneous and heart-felt. It represents a lot of the very positive things about America - Welcome to the world! I just hope London draws on the ideas of fun and joy more than trying to impress.
cuzglc 3 years ago 22
YES! 1996 ATL by far the best olympics ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BoyOneDuh 3 years ago 2
this ceremony was before its time.. alomst like beijing
Ichinisan 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
This ceromony is GARBAGE!!
"How yall doin" WTF!!!
IloveSEANTAYLOR 3 years ago
it's work's that time lol
fordrmani 3 years ago
Este tonto del animador seria que no podia tener la boca cerrada, no deja ver espectaculo y oir con tranquilidad!
fanouchi 3 years ago
Compared to the Bejing O.C. I saw the other day, this really does look shitty, and I'm from Atlanta (now and then).
bootsiebanty 3 years ago
Compared to Lenovo, a Radio Shack TRS-80 SUCKS!
julius923 3 years ago 4
@bootsiebanty
It's supposed to be a celebration of the South of the USA and above all a celebration of the Centennial of the Olympics, it was a poorly put together ceremonies, with several good parts, but mostly poorly strung segments. The design of the stadium didn't help, but overall it could have been better.
LordDavid04 1 year ago
very good! very simple but lively!
nonameslob24 3 years ago
Look at minute 6:15 and check those circles. I thought they would join to form olympic rings. You should be proud of being part of the opening, may I ask what was your part? I recorded this ceremony on VHS and I watched it for like 3 years, it was very fun and the music was cool, kinda sad the marching band went a bit faster than the tempo, and it did look a bit unorganized but at the time it looked good, and most people loved the show anyway! Let's see if we get Chicago!
insaniak80 3 years ago
you guys are bickering idiots. these games more than a decade ago. beijing's opening ceremonies shouldn't be compared directly to atlanta's -
ps: i enjoy reading all these sudden supporters of the chinese and their communist regime. does anyone care to comment on the fact that taiwan couldn't even march in the parade of nations with their own flag?
don't be blinded by china's flashy technological advances. they're still lagging the US in many other respects, including political freedoms -
dav242 3 years ago 4
...They still put on a cool show. And the Bird's Nest and Watercube are off the chain. Period.
But I do agree with one thing you said ----we should not compare the opening ceremonies. 12 years is a long time between shows, and I would fully expect that by now, the shows would be even flashier than the last. Just enjoy each one for what it is and leave it at that. What ATL did was still great (for those of you who have only seen this video, check out the rest of the '96 ceremony).
simple1for1 3 years ago
BTW can someone who worked on this piece tell me if the crooked circles were failed olympic rings??? I've been asking that question for 12 years.
insaniak80 3 years ago
What do you mean by "failed olympic rings?" I'd like to try to answer your question for you, but exactly what is it you're referring to? :)
atlwareagle 3 years ago
Oh, and I'm not an American! Finally, there's something very few people mention, there was NO TAX DOLLARS used for these olympics, everything was done on budget, and Atlanta didn't have to declare bankruptcy in order to organize it. Montreal just finished paying the 1976 olympics in 2006! So... well done, Atlanta. Now GO CHICAGO 2016 Let's show the chinese how we do it here!
insaniak80 3 years ago 4
I just HAD to put my two-cents here. I was 16 y/o when I watched this, and I remembered the Barcelona openings at that time and I thought it was a very good opening. Granted there was VERY LITTLE practice and things could have been done better, but you can't compare an opening ceremony 12 years later, when everyone knows each olympics tries to outdo the past one. I thought the Beijing opening was awe inspiring but with very little fun and public participation. This was badly rehearsed but fun!
insaniak80 3 years ago
I watched the Beijing Opening Ceremonies and they were amazing. It is incredible to see what can be done when the cast and performers have a full year to rehearse! I was in the Atlanta Ceremonies in 1996 and we only had 2 weeks to rehearse! It will be interesting to see what the London ceremonies will be like - I live in London now and can't wait to see how they'll try to live up to expectations set by the Chinese performance. Perhaps use the Queen? :-)
kyledan2007 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
They only rehearsed for two weeks? What a fucking embarrassment! If this is how the US honors the Olympics (particularly the South), then the US shouldn't be allowed to host another one for decades! This is also the lamest Olympics ceremony I've ever seen. They had a stupid marching band (other video) to be shown to millions across the planet? It's bad enough it's a marching band of so few in a stadium of tens of thousands, but at the OLYMPICS? Atlanta SUCKS!
CyborgNinja7 3 years ago
TWO WEEKS? ONLY PRACTICE FOR TWO WEEKS?!? Totally incorrect. Well, maybe not for you, kyledan2007.. I don't know what role you had in the show, but I know that I spent pretty much April up to July with long 3-4 hour practices at least twice a week, then around June they kicked them up to around 3-4 times a week, 4-5 x's in July, then noon-1 AM dress rehearsals every other day like 3-4 x's in the final week before the actual show. I was in the opening and final segment, though.
atlwareagle 3 years ago
dude shut that shit up... u guys saw china and act as if they are top shit... atl showcased it southern style with youth and and up beat approach u try gathering hundreds of people to put on something like this and tell me how it come out.... i thought it was well received on all parts and for two weeks dammit it was fairly well go ATL s
yuwonder80 3 years ago 3
The music is a real step back in time.
7boon 3 years ago
This was so awesome. As a native Atlantan (I live about 5 mins south of the stadium) it was a unique show. I know many had problems with this disply, but the games were done in the American South. The energy, exuberance, and excitement in the city was an amazing thing to be a part of and I'll never forget it. And my house was on the torch relay route! SO much fun!!!
radudeATL 3 years ago 3
The Beijing opening ceremonies should be better - they had more money! And they were all military people too. Of course they can make a straight line and if they didn't it would probably lead to serious trouble and/or jail time.
I'm from Atlanta & I still think these opening ceremonies are amazing. Sure they weren't perfect but they were a great representation of the city & the culture. Watching these ceremonies filled every Atlantan with immense pride no matter how crooked the circles were.
meldawg5 3 years ago 4
We also have to undertand, that Atlanta Games was in 1996 12 years ago. Much technology has change then. I'm sure Atl wasn't thinking about putting a big ass fold up tv screen on the ground of the staduim like in Beijing.
maskpoet 3 years ago
While technology has stepped ahead, there was much in China's ceremony that could have been done years before. LEDs, projectors, etc. And there is no excuse to have had so little time for rehearsals, considering they had YEARS to plan. It was shit.
CyborgNinja7 3 years ago
The Ceremony was FUN....... full of excitement. if they had little or more time to rehearsals. Some people say 2 weeks some say they practice way longer so who's to say how long they rehearse if you was not apart of the O.C. And i'm sure that big jumbo tron they had was LED or Projectors but i'm sure they didn't think about making it flat during that time. Now don't get me wrong Beijing had a awesome O.C. just not fair to compare it to Atlanta who have way lest history than Beijing.
maskpoet 2 years ago
a great representation of southern culture!! especially that marching band :)
akil13 3 years ago
Cheerleaders, marching bands, the trucks...I didn't have a problem with it. Atlanta knows it doesn't have the tradition of a Barcelona, Athens or Beijing...but what it does have, I think this ceremony did a fine job of showing. And it was fun. What's so wrong with having some fun with what your city is all about? Now...that being said...the Beijing ceremony was SPECTACULAR. The Atlanta ceremony was pretty grade school compared to what happened in Beijing.
gerrythrash 3 years ago 3
Those of you ripping this ceremony are totally missing the point. Atlanta isn't Barcelona. It isn't Beijing. It isn't Athens. Atlanta is probably the youngest city to ever host an Olympic games. And...last I checked, the opening ceremonies are supposed to be, among other things, about the host city. They're supposed to reflect the spirit of the city, its people, and what makes that city special.
gerrythrash 3 years ago 2
What the hell! A high school band. China put Atlanta to shame.
Ryanbrown79 3 years ago
...ATL was a long time ago. We did a very good job in '96---this clip is a just a piece of the puzzle--- but we all know each olympics aims to outdo the last. China was incredible, but don't think that any other country won't try to be that much better next time around. That said, China should very much put Atlanta to shame. 12 years is a long time not to come up with ideas, otherwise.
simple1for1 3 years ago
im from alabama and, wow all of you shut the fuck up. this was a good opening that shared southern culture with the rest of the world. its based on simple pleasures and welcoming everybody in. yeah china's ceremony was amazing but if you look past the fireworks, they have a hell of a story to tell. 5000 years of history compared to our 300. think logically before you talk stupid you dumbfucks.
deer75 3 years ago
There is plenty that Atlanta could have done better, no matter how young the city is. This country is known for its spectacular entertainment and Atlanta could have reflected that. But because of morons like you who think shit like this is worthy enough to be shown to the WORLD, this is what we got. I've seen better football halftime shows than this shit!!!
CyborgNinja7 3 years ago
After viewing this...are there any questions why China is overtaking the US as superpower? Did you SEE the circles and straight lines that the Chinese formed? In '96, what did we show them? Fucking cheerleaders falling out of lifts and pickup trucks...Jesus.
treatsAS 3 years ago
LMAO you guy's are fuckin hilarious!!
Also very true, that opening ceremony tonight from CHINA was PHENOMINAL!! BEST EVER!!
Vancouver has the 2010 Winter Games, shit they have big shoes to fill, OMG!
Zelinna12 3 years ago
fucking cheerleaders? this is and was a joke back then. China makes this shit look tame. and i'm from SC
swampfoxx81 3 years ago
Honestly thisis some ghetto shit bring the olympics to New York,Philly or Beantown, citys with culture, fuck the south
jlj426 3 years ago
Uhh look at those ocuntry-ass bumpkins from the south? Fuckin up the olympics, chrome pickup trucks what kinda geto asss shit is that, who planned this? TI? wtf? You put a bad face out for America
jlj426 3 years ago
I remember this... not meaning to insult anyone, but it was quite a pathetic opening ceremony and the GMC product placement was simply scandalous.
The whole idea is that the opening ceremony is creative and inspiring, instead of some cookie-cutter cheerleading nonsense and shameless product placement. I definitely expected more from a country that is known for its excellent entertainment.
Tifosi2003 3 years ago
No not insulting at all. We're used to it. Sounds like your from a country who knows how to do a better job.
julius923 3 years ago
Has anyone film footage of the Jon-Secada-Incident at the opening ceremony of olympics 96 Atlanta? He got stuck in a stage elevator or something like this and only his head was shown. Anyone remember? Can´t find anything on web, please help!
rababa3000 3 years ago
I remember that too.
nikky98 3 years ago
this brought a smile to my face
treasurebd 3 years ago
I think austria has a high level of cultur so I say that
aaaustria 3 years ago
cérémonie d'ouverture la plus kitch au monde!!! i love it wonderful lol
gillou64 3 years ago
the most terrible olympics of all!!!!!!
aaaustria 3 years ago
if you're from austria, then that is understandable
simple1for1 3 years ago
interesting YouTube commentary. I guess if this was on TV today, I too would be a snob and make comparisons to other opening ceremonies... except I never watched as much of the others.
All I felt as an 11 year-old was excitement at what was happening in my city... & jealousy at seeing a classmate on TV... & a charley horse... & then I was pissed that NBC went to commercial when my whole family & much of Atlanta was waiting for Nigeria to parade into the stadium. :P
thnx 4th mmrs julius!
crnkmnky 3 years ago
biggest GMC commercial ever, god bless america making everything commercial
ciclegacy 3 years ago
YES God Bless America saving the Olympic Games with it's EVIL commercialism. Thank you 1984,1996,and 2002. If it was not for corporate sponsors, the Olympics would have died in Moscow -how appropriate.
YampoGA 3 years ago
eu amei a abertura das olimpiadas de 96... eu acho q naum vai haver outra igual a essa!!!!
feketrefiko 3 years ago
Atlanta rocks!!!
pablovaldela 3 years ago 4
Don't hate because this ceremony is different than all the other 'grand' olympics. It reflects the country, city, and state in which the olympics were held. The 1996 Atlanta Olympics is one of the very few moments that make me proud of being from the U.S. South.
canesfan471 3 years ago 4
I don't hate it as it is different. I hate it as it was simply ghastly. Chrome pick-up trucks? Had a bucket nearby as I watched in horror.
pologolfpolo 3 years ago
Well I liked it because it had a mix of modern and the normal theatric ceremony. It represents the area well. I really loved the "spirit of the South/Summertime" segment.
Rambl3On 3 years ago 3
Yes, it was extremely different. But original.
canesfan471 3 years ago 2
What is wrong with pick-ups? Whats wrong with chrome? unless you drive those crappy 4-cylinder plastic tree hugging hybrids..
YampoGA 3 years ago
Athens and Sydney was nice, but nothing can beat GEORGIA!!!!
lordofwrath88 3 years ago 3
Great moment!
nicholsanthony 3 years ago
Makes me proud to be from the south!!!!
kamwrites 3 years ago 2
This is one of my favorite scenes
M71994 3 years ago
i dont know why, this makes me love america
silverbullet902 3 years ago 2
Athens 2004 was the bets, most sophicated and culturally relevant ceremony. no need for theatrics. Atlanta was ok.
lexlib 3 years ago
we were in the Philippines watching this via satellite in 1996 together with hundreds of college students in our dorm. we were astonished by this part of the ceremony. Very american and youth oriented. We loved this part because it reflects the vibrancy of the youth of America. Great Job. The trucks were cool. we don't see anything wrong with the use of the trucks. Americans should be proud because this part of the OC best reflects the american college culture. Kudos to the american youths.
OTWOMD 4 years ago
Bob Costas needs a mute button.
ganymede36 4 years ago
I couldn't agree with you more! I watched the 2004 ceremonies on here and they butchered it by talking to damn much!!!
Scott6945 3 years ago
SHUT UP COMMENTATORS!!!!
jesse5350 4 years ago
HA HA! He said "Bubba Games" LMAO!
MichaelTheTerrible 4 years ago
The cheerleading segment here pales in comparison with the acrobatics of the Trudoviye Reservy Sports Society during the opening ceremony of Moscow 1980.
supersporkspank 4 years ago
The Moscow Olympics and the number of nations participated in it only showed that the USSR is crumbling to a point of no return. The LA Games in 1984 saved the Olympics from certain extinction.
BoeingRules 3 years ago 2
For some people this might seem tacky, but to me this was the most fun part of the whole ceremony. I remember watching this back in 1996 (if only the commentators would shut up though). What can be more American than cheerleading? And like someone else mentioned, almost every race is represented in this number. Every ceremony is special in its own way.
alyrios 4 years ago 2
Somebody have the sound of this video WITHOUT the voice of the tv spoken man? Or somebody knows if this music is avaiable to download somewhere on internet?
Good music. Good rhythm. Good melody.
Pulgabrasil 4 years ago
Someone posted a video with Bob Kostas on mute!!! I felt like I was actually at the stadium. Sadly after seeing it I found even more mistakes LOL but still it was a fun segment.
insaniak80 3 years ago
Can you send me the URL of the this video with Bob Kostas on mute!?
I can't take it anymore this voice! Only the music will be very very better, you know!
Pulgabrasil 3 years ago
Thank you so much for posting this! I was one of the kids performing that night when YouTube wasn't even a dream yet! I am so thrilled to find it. Thank you!
elijilljunk 4 years ago
It's great to hear from you as a performer who was there. I was wish I was there to see you perfom in person. It was definitely a high spirited energetic number.
julius923 4 years ago
whooo! bill clinton!
Maku808 4 years ago
HOLY SMOKES! The banner just dissappeared!!!
biathechia 4 years ago
You mean "those Cheesy Olympics"?
julius923 4 years ago
The chessy moment of the olimpics but doesn't evey olimpics have a chessy moment
2002 Opening Ceremonies Call of the Champions was a chessy moment mostly fireworks set to the song.
2006 Opening Ceremonies Olimpics Spirit where they made the rings with thoes metals things.
I wonder what chessy moment the 2008 Olimpics Have in store?
jesse5350 4 years ago
The part when the people in the boxes popped out and waved to the crowd for God knows how long.
BoeingRules 3 years ago
1984 LA Summer Olympics > 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics.
Only you hicks would use pickup trucks in the opening ceremonies.
1MeanBean 4 years ago
Why not use trucks....pure artistic expression...you must be what we call in the south, a "damn yankee!!"
weslsbdp 4 years ago
Because it's fucking tacky you inbred hillbilly!
1MeanBean 4 years ago
Trucks are engineering genious and a staple of southern life!
lordofwrath88 4 years ago
I am from ATL. Although I don't live there anymore, ATL will always be my home. This makes me so proud of hometown! Watching this makes me homesick.
liuter 4 years ago
arcanoscl is an idiot. The Athens opening ceremonies were such a let down. Sydney was awesome, Barcelona, so-so. Atlanta was nothing short of spectacular. I hope Beijing and London knock our socks of, cause no one puts on a show like the yanks. especially the oes from the south
Nightwalkboy 4 years ago
for me the best opening ceremony ever made was that of the LA 84, Seoul 88, Barcelona 92 and Atlanta 96. Sidney was quite boring. Athens was a huge let down. Many of us who watched it actually fell asleep. It was not an opening ceremony but a greek tragedy. My opinion only. Peace!
OTWOMD 4 years ago
That's what Zhang Yimou said about the Athens 2004 opening ceremony: "In my opinion those Olympic Games were the best ever. I was there... Beijing has to learn a lot from Athens. The Opening Ceremony of Athens was a landmark. It changed the aesthetics, the style, the substance of the Ceremonies. It continually surprised the audience. I hope we will achieve the same. But the difference will be the soundtrack, the style of music..."
rwmiosyn 4 years ago
the best Games ever!
nonameslob24 4 years ago