GENERAL INFORMATION
Date: Friday, July 18, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm
Location:
Mizzou Arena
1 Champions Dr #200,
Columbia, MO 65201
Entry: Free and Open to the Public
Olympic Traditions
The annual torch lighting of the cauldron is a tradition as old as the Show-Me State Games and is the official beginning of the GAMES. Opening Ceremony kicks off the GAMES celebration and welcomes all of our participants and their families to the Show-Me State Games!
Athlete Parade
Athletes have the opportunity to represent their team and the sport they’re participating in as they march onto the court at Mizzou Arena to kick off the Opening Ceremony in front of a crowd full of families, volunteers, and supporters of the Show-Me State Games. We encourage creative signs and uniforms showing off your team and/or sport pride!
How to participate
Open to every athlete that wishes to participate! The Opening Ceremony will feature the Parade of Athletes, where each athlete participating in the Show-Me STATE GAMES will have the opportunity to represent their sport. Athletes will report with their (coaches only) to the Press Entrance of Mizzou Arena by 6:30 p.m. Look for volunteers in Show-Me State Games red volunteer shirts as they will help you find the correct place to line up. Parents will drop their children with their coaches and find a seat in the arena close to the stage where they can see their athletes.
Parking
Parking surrounding Mizzou Arena will be free and open for athletes and their families. Please park in the lots north of the Arena.
Special Guests
Every Opening Ceremony we have several special guests that help us kick off the GAMES in special ways! From singing the National Anthem, helping with our Oath of Athletes, or speaking to our athletes and their families. Special guests make Opening Ceremony the event you don’t want to miss! There will be a chance to interact with these special guests at the conclusion of Opening Ceremonies where athletes will get a chance to get autographs! So be sure to bring something special to have signed!
Lighting of the Cauldron
The Summer Games will officially kick off as the torch enters the stadium and the cauldron is lit.
The Opening Ceremony is an event you don’t want to miss!
