San Diego's USS Midway will host a free viewing party to kick off the 2016 Olympic Summer Games -- and cheer on our local Olympians competing in Rio de Janeiro.
On Aug. 5 starting at 6:30 p.m., visitors will be able to watch the Rio Games opening ceremony on the flight deck of the Midway.
San Diego has served as home base for more than 50 members of Team USA at some point in their training on their road to Rio.
Among those who were born and raised in San Diego County: Olympic marathoner Desiree Davila, Olympic volleyball player David Lee, Olympic cyclist Jennifer Valente and Olympic trampoline gymnast Nicole Ahsinger.
Then there are those who completed in prep athletics while attending high school here in San Diego County like soccer's Carli Lloyd and marathoner Meb Keflezighi.
The Chula Vista Olympic Training Center (OTC) was the training ground for many athletes as they honed their skills for Rio. Among them: University of San Diego alum Alise Post who will compete in BMX, Fallbrook High School alum Richelle Stephens of Team USA Rugby and Olympic Silver Medalist Will Claye who will compete in the triple jump in Rio.
So, as the 2016 Rio Games kick off, San Diegans will have a lot of locals to root for when competition begins.
Never seen such a picturesque Olympic Team announcement!@USAWP on the #RoadToRio from @USSMidwayMuseum #nbc7 pic.twitter.com/PqrroMkrlO
— Steven Luke (@stevenlukenbc) July 7, 2016
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Be there as locals gather to get into the spirit. The event on the Midway will feature two giant television screens, raffle prizes, Samba dancers and a real Olympic torch.
Tickets to this event are free and can be ordered on the Midway as long as guests read through the new bag policy.
Local
Bags will only be admitted on the USS Midway if they are clear plastic bags or totes, 28-quart cooler containing small snack items, small clutch or wallet, neither to exceed 7" in length, strollers and wheelchairs or small blankets.
Items that are prohibited on the ship are alcohol, glass containers, weapons, backpacks, purses, briefcases, luggage, wagons, unoccupied strollers or wheelchairs and coolers larger than 28-quarts.
Space is limited for the event so make sure to grab your tickets now.
NBC 7's Steven Luke will report from Rio during the Olympics, bringing you all of the sporting action. To keep up with the latest from Rio 2016, follow Luke on Twitter at @StevenLukeNBC.
