Thank you for posting this. I volunteered at the Atlanta games and this intro is one that I have always remembered through the years. This song is so moving and paired with the athletes, it is perfect.
I was thinking about doing the same six years from now when my city hosts the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, perhaps you can tell me about your experience about you volunteered at the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta 1996.
I thought the 1996 opening ceremonies were the best yet. It was a wonderful presentation of the southern states history and culture. Great city and wonderful people. The critisism only confirms that this was the best yet. Well done Atlanta!!
I'm from Atlanta and it was awesome! Obviously, we wish the bombing hadn't happened which was unfortunate and what was most remembered by the press. But, for all that lived here, it was an awesome time and the most organized event with regard to transportation and communication that this city's ever seen.
Totally agree! I heard this song last night and immediately remembered this video intro. So very memorable!! I still get goosebumps when they announce Atlanta as the Olympic city, and Neil Diamond starts singing...
I remember where I was when I saw this- and on what tv I saw this- THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting this- I remember this as the only thing opening for the Olympics there- THANK YOU THANK YOU!!
It Will be 18 years ago on Saturday I'll Never forget Watching these Olympic Games Going in to My Senior Year of High School it's Weird to To Think about it it's been that Long... WOW So Many Moments My Sports Where Womans Gymnastics Basketball Track and Field and I Loved all the Swimming Events and Watching Amanda Beard at the Time as Well As Gary Hall Jr and Jenny Thompson Who Idolized since i Was 8 years old :)
Thanks for posting. This was the first olyimpics I watch that I was old enough to understand what was going on. The music of Atlanta 1996 has stuck with me.
Great video I watched alot of those Olympics from Atlanta. The Olympic stadium is now Turner Field home of the Braves. I have enjoyed many games there live since they opened it for baseball in 1997.
Thank God the music is back. Please, I know this is possibly because the Olympics are approaching, but in the spirit of those games and what they symbolize, I beg that the music remain. It is a part of not just US history and culture, but the world around as well.
For the sake of commemeration and history, I agree with you, the '96 Olympics should have come home to Greece. But think about it this way, they BARELY finished all of the venues in time for 2004. In the eyes of the IOC, Atlanta had the right plan at the right time, which is how pretty much ALL host cities are selected. lol. :)
That Olympic Fanfare at the end, after Neil Diamond's song, is what I want to hear at Sochi, Russia during the 2014 Winter Olympics in a couple of months!
I was only saying that as a figure of speach. They did take the hedges down, but they cloned them in advance so the replacements would be the same hedges. I was at the Georgia-Auburn game in 1995, and since everyone knew that the hedges were going to be removed, we all rushed the field after the game to tear off souvenirs. I tried to get the trimmings I took to grow, but it ended up dying. It was also the coldest football game I've ever been to, with temperatures dropping to the mid 30s.
It will 20 years this summer it's hard to believe it's been that long since the games where last in the United States so many memories from track and field to gymnastics go swimming the Atlanta Olympics give me so many memories and chills because it was 5 years ago when I competed at the 2011 world summer games for special Olympics in Athens Greece I can't wait for the Olympics in rio it's gonna be fun.
They should have put 1996 in Athens. Atlanta could have gotten 2000 and Syndey in 2004. But 96 had no business being in any other city than Athens, Greece.
I believe that all of the music after "America" is called Bugler's Dream. It is also called "The Olympic Fanfare". I believe that the second part was played during the intro each night of the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid. This changed in 1984 after John Williams wrote the Olympic Theme. Now you rarely hear the second part of the Bugler's Dream except during the Opening Ceremonies.
Yes, "Bugler's Dream" was adopted as the Olympic Theme for the 1960 games in Rome (by adopted I mean the piece wasn't originally written for the Olympics) the 1984 Olympic Fanfare was written for the 1984 games in Los Angeles. The are usually combined because NBC sports owns the rights to both. The combining is a produce of TV more than anything else.
I still can't believe they used America instead of Georgia On My Mind even if it is a slower tempo song. It's a song that actually means something to people in Georgia. I chalk this up to NBC being out of tune with the sentiments of the host city. We weren't going "The Olympics are coming to America," we were saying "The Olympics are coming to our city." NBC wanted to just go with the "Olympics are coming to America" storyline which is why hardly any of this is Atlanta related. NBC hauled out America to promote the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City as well. They'll probably haul it out again for the summer games in LA. Go watch the BBC opening for the Atlanta games. It's much more Atlanta-centric than NBC's was
This was the best on-air intro I have seen. I watched Sydney and Athens here on youtube, and saw beijing on tv a couple weeks ago, but NBC did far better work here introducing the games then for any other I've seen. It wasn't just someone talking. and by the way, the tiny pacific country with the 3 weightlifters- what is it?
streight up, people can say what they wish about chi town,but It has a rich history in architecture, industry, music, food, and contraversy of course. but, you havent had pizza till you had a Pizzaria Uno pizza pie, and seen the Sears tower.
I'm from Atlanta, and I experienced the games first hand. buster14 is being overly critical. The terrorist attack comment is unfair, as if it could have been prevented. You forget that one of the major reasons we won the games over Athens was that we had an ability to develope an infrastructure that they didn't have. Athens was barely able to prepare for the 2004 games, and only then after many shortcuts and sacrifices.
No. Atlanta doesn't have the facilities to host the Winter Olympic games. Not only that, Georgia doesn't get much snow, and you have to have snow for the Winter games. Georgia's climate is too hot for it. Peaches are grown there that should tell you enough right there.
I agree. The centennial Olympiad deserved much better than Atlanta gave. And what the hell was Izzy, anyway? Misha from Moscow '80 and Sam from L.A. '84 were much better mascots IMHO.
Absolutely with you. The overall presentation and looks of Los Angeles 1984 gave the whole Olympic movement a well-needed vitamine injection, including Sam The Eagle by Disney and spectacular features like that flying man during the Opening ceremony. Atlanta 1996 just failed on all counts.
ABC intros were boring. That’s why NBC has had the exclusive license for 25 years; they simply do a better job with coverage. (It also helps NBC shows the games across 5 different channels.) .
Tastes obviously differ. Neither the graphics, the musical presentation or the opening or closing ceremonies were particularly touching or rememberable in Atlanta'96, in my opinion. It just lacked that great Olympic feeling of it!
And the guy even bombed the ONE place our city decided to keep open for the city folk. It was such a stupid, and irritating moment. Just makes you realize how desperate people are for attention, ne? Bomb the one place that everyone can visit during the Olympics in '96.
I was there just after the games and used to go to Atlanta regularly on business. It's a nice city and has it's charm, don't get me wrong, but for something international that has worldly appeal, the USOC could have picked a much better host city.
Dear God, that's was way beyond cheesey. Neil, people are free in a lot of other countries. Even the Pentagon is embarrassed at this over the top propaganda piece.
Thank you for posting this. I volunteered at the Atlanta games and this intro is one that I have always remembered through the years. This song is so moving and paired with the athletes, it is perfect.
I was thinking about doing the same six years from now when my city hosts the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, perhaps you can tell me about your experience about you volunteered at the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta 1996.
I'm posting MY recording soon. Will be much better than this poor copy.
I thought the 1996 opening ceremonies were the best yet. It was a wonderful presentation of the southern states history and culture. Great city and wonderful people. The critisism only confirms that this was the best yet. Well done Atlanta!!
I'm from Atlanta and it was awesome! Obviously, we wish the bombing hadn't happened which was unfortunate and what was most remembered by the press. But, for all that lived here, it was an awesome time and the most organized event with regard to transportation and communication that this city's ever seen.
No one but Bob Costas could give me goosebumps during the Olympics! I miss his coverage
These comments need to be preserved
Facts
Totally agree! I heard this song last night and immediately remembered this video intro. So very memorable!! I still get goosebumps when they announce Atlanta as the Olympic city, and Neil Diamond starts singing...
Glad this is on TH-cam . I always loved this opening . It was beautifully edited .
This was on my 15th birthday. Was so hyped
Excellent intro for the 1996 Olympics.
That’s Minneapolis at 1:33!!
Atlanta was fantastic in 1996.
Thank you TH-cam & Neil Diamond for restoring the Audio to this video.
Atlanta hosted the best olympics that there has ever been period!
Are you on crack?
I remember where I was when I saw this- and on what tv I saw this- THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting this- I remember this as the only thing opening for the Olympics there- THANK YOU THANK YOU!!
this seems like so long ago!
Chicago 2016!
fantastic video. just love it! gives me goosebumps everytime.
I always loved this open ending
Can't believe the Olympics took out Golf in 1996... when of all things nearby Augusta National offered their course to be host of the golfing venue!
Those 5 rings on the 5 intonations of the word "today."? Breathtaking!
The opening video of the 1996 summer games really encapsulates the spirit of America.
It Will be 18 years ago on Saturday I'll Never forget Watching these Olympic Games Going in to My Senior Year of High School it's Weird to To Think about it it's been that Long... WOW So Many Moments My Sports Where Womans Gymnastics Basketball Track and Field and I Loved all the Swimming Events and Watching Amanda Beard at the Time as Well As Gary Hall Jr and Jenny Thompson Who Idolized since i Was 8 years old :)
By the way, some of the 1996 games actually did occur in Athens. Athens, GA that is! Between the Hedges!
Thanks for posting.
This was the first olyimpics I watch that I was old enough to understand what was going on.
The music of Atlanta 1996 has stuck with me.
goosebumps, for real 😭✨
I hope Chicago gets the Games in 2016....would love to go to an Olympics, just for the feeling!
so do I but I think I taped over it, I cant find it anywhere. This montage used to give me such a surge of adrenalin and still does 11 years latter
Great video I watched alot of those Olympics from Atlanta. The Olympic stadium is now Turner Field home of the Braves. I have enjoyed many games there live since they opened it for baseball in 1997.
Thank God the music is back. Please, I know this is possibly because the Olympics are approaching, but in the spirit of those games and what they symbolize, I beg that the music remain. It is a part of not just US history and culture, but the world around as well.
Yep it's 21 years ago this summer they where held in Atlanta.
wonderful intro. very beautiful.
RIO 2016
For the sake of commemeration and history, I agree with you, the '96 Olympics should have come home to Greece. But think about it this way, they BARELY finished all of the venues in time for 2004. In the eyes of the IOC, Atlanta had the right plan at the right time, which is how pretty much ALL host cities are selected. lol. :)
I love America! L.A. 2028!
Amazing introduction to the 1996 summer games in Atlanta
That Olympic Fanfare at the end, after Neil Diamond's song, is what I want to hear at Sochi, Russia during the 2014 Winter Olympics in a couple of months!
I'm going from homeless to Olympian for 2026 Olympics!
I really don't care what anyone else says. Atlanta hosted the best olympics there has ever been in 1996
I was only saying that as a figure of speach. They did take the hedges down, but they cloned them in advance so the replacements would be the same hedges. I was at the Georgia-Auburn game in 1995, and since everyone knew that the hedges were going to be removed, we all rushed the field after the game to tear off souvenirs. I tried to get the trimmings I took to grow, but it ended up dying. It was also the coldest football game I've ever been to, with temperatures dropping to the mid 30s.
great piece
It will 20 years this summer it's hard to believe it's been that long since the games where last in the United States so many memories from track and field to gymnastics go swimming the Atlanta Olympics give me so many memories and chills because it was 5 years ago when I competed at the 2011 world summer games for special Olympics in Athens Greece I can't wait for the Olympics in rio it's gonna be fun.
Salt Lake City was in 2002
+WickedlyMe328 this is Atlanta 1996
+Katie Williams you said it's hard to believe it's been 20 years since the Olympics were held here and it was here in 2002 for the Winter games.
WickedlyMe328 actually it was held in Atlanta 1996
WickedlyMe328 lol but you tried
solid point.
They should have put 1996 in Athens. Atlanta could have gotten 2000 and Syndey in 2004. But 96 had no business being in any other city than Athens, Greece.
I believe that all of the music after "America" is called Bugler's Dream. It is also called "The Olympic Fanfare". I believe that the second part was played during the intro each night of the 1980 Olympics in Lake Placid. This changed in 1984 after John Williams wrote the Olympic Theme. Now you rarely hear the second part of the Bugler's Dream except during the Opening Ceremonies.
Yes, "Bugler's Dream" was adopted as the Olympic Theme for the 1960 games in Rome (by adopted I mean the piece wasn't originally written for the Olympics) the 1984 Olympic Fanfare was written for the 1984 games in Los Angeles. The are usually combined because NBC sports owns the rights to both. The combining is a produce of TV more than anything else.
I have the NBC Olympic CD which includes all of John Williams tracks (3 if I recall correctly). Amazing music
.
I still can't believe they used America instead of Georgia On My Mind even if it is a slower tempo song. It's a song that actually means something to people in Georgia. I chalk this up to NBC being out of tune with the sentiments of the host city. We weren't going "The Olympics are coming to America," we were saying "The Olympics are coming to our city." NBC wanted to just go with the "Olympics are coming to America" storyline which is why hardly any of this is Atlanta related. NBC hauled out America to promote the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City as well. They'll probably haul it out again for the summer games in LA. Go watch the BBC opening for the Atlanta games. It's much more Atlanta-centric than NBC's was
Atlanta was built by slaves & human misery (100 years of racial segregation). Frak southern culture
.
American culture is worth remembering. Slave culture pre-1970 needs to be sent to hell
.
This was the best on-air intro I have seen. I watched Sydney and Athens here on youtube, and saw beijing on tv a couple weeks ago, but NBC did far better work here introducing the games then for any other I've seen. It wasn't just someone talking. and by the way, the tiny pacific country with the 3 weightlifters- what is it?
Only 2 hours and 23 minutes until I can watch the Opening Ceremonies that happened 9 hours ago
Man, we sure no how to through an Olympiad.
Happy Independence day
Chicago 2016!!!!!!!!
Round of applause everyone for thedab101!!!
streight up, people can say what they wish about chi town,but It has a rich history in architecture, industry, music, food, and contraversy of course. but, you havent had pizza till you had a Pizzaria Uno pizza pie, and seen the Sears tower.
2028 is less than 6 years from now
I know but that Athens fault. No way should Athens make the 100th anniversary of it's olympics held in another city. EVER.
I'm from Atlanta, and I experienced the games first hand. buster14 is being overly critical. The terrorist attack comment is unfair, as if it could have been prevented. You forget that one of the major reasons we won the games over Athens was that we had an ability to develope an infrastructure that they didn't have. Athens was barely able to prepare for the 2004 games, and only then after many shortcuts and sacrifices.
No. Atlanta doesn't have the facilities to host the Winter Olympic games. Not only that, Georgia doesn't get much snow, and you have to have snow for the Winter games. Georgia's climate is too hot for it. Peaches are grown there that should tell you enough right there.
Athens couldn't host in 96 or 2000, hence 2004
If Athens had hosted these Olympics, it wouldn't be allowed to host the first Olympics of the 21st century. =/
Boston 2024!!!!!
I agree. The centennial Olympiad deserved much better than Atlanta gave. And what the hell was Izzy, anyway? Misha from Moscow '80 and Sam from L.A. '84 were much better mascots IMHO.
Hey julius...looks like TH-cam disabled the audio again...
what's the tiny pacific island alluded to in the end of this video?
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nauru_at_the_1996_Summer_Olympics
Can you elaborate more on the hedges? Where were they?
POLAND POOR URSS!!!!!!!!! Rio is not just slums! dont be ignorant! Rio is a wonderful city! :D:D:D:D
Absolutely with you. The overall presentation and looks of Los Angeles 1984 gave the whole Olympic movement a well-needed vitamine injection, including Sam The Eagle by Disney and spectacular features like that flying man during the Opening ceremony. Atlanta 1996 just failed on all counts.
Audio disabled again...pity
wmg has muted and runied this video
shame on them
BUT Rio is candidate city to host the olympic games and yours??? buehehehe :DDDD
What where ABC's intros like? anything like NBC?
ABC intros were boring. That’s why NBC has had the exclusive license for 25 years; they simply do a better job with coverage. (It also helps NBC shows the games across 5 different channels.)
.
Correction: 30 years for NBC.... from 1992 to present
.
Tastes obviously differ. Neither the graphics, the musical presentation or the opening or closing ceremonies were particularly touching or rememberable in Atlanta'96, in my opinion. It just lacked that great Olympic feeling of it!
And the guy even bombed the ONE place our city decided to keep open for the city folk. It was such a stupid, and irritating moment. Just makes you realize how desperate people are for attention, ne? Bomb the one place that everyone can visit during the Olympics in '96.
L.A. 2028!
Mr 43% was president then yes.
Un-Mute this video!!!!!!!!!!!!
POLAND!!!! POOR EX-USRR
I was there just after the games and used to go to Atlanta regularly on business. It's a nice city and has it's charm, don't get me wrong, but for something international that has worldly appeal, the USOC could have picked a much better host city.
Worst host city in history. So generic that in the intro video, not a word is mentioned of the city or it's background.
No.
no no. You understand wrong, Poland poor ex union soviet!!!!
Booooo! Tokyo or Rio 2016
whats with the song?
Dear God, that's was way beyond cheesey. Neil, people are free in a lot of other countries. Even the Pentagon is embarrassed at this over the top propaganda piece.