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Reading Time: 6 minutesRejoice, Olympics fans! After an unprecedented delay, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games are finally upon us in 2021, and the excitement is mounting.
Proceedings kick off with the opening ceremony on 7/23, which is just around the corner–so now’s the time to get organized.
This handy guide showcases how to watch the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, how to gear up for some athletic training of your own once the post-Olympics motivation sets in, and where to get all the official swag you need for your viewing parties.
How to Watch the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
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When:
The Olympics start with the opening ceremony on Friday, 7/23, and conclude with a closing ceremony on Sunday, 8/8.
When preparing to watch events, it’s important to bear in mind the significant time difference. Tokyo is 13 hours ahead of East Coast residents and a massive 16 hours ahead of the West Coast.
While you can get a full schedule of events on the official Olympics website, converting the published Japan Standard Time to your local time zone is a pain. Far more user-friendly to US residents is NBC’s own broadcast schedule, which utilizes Central Time.
mattlee via Unsplash
Where:
NBC will handle broadcasting duties for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games with televised coverage aired via local NBC stations across the country. You can also tune in to comprehensive TV broadcasts on NBC Sports and select events on CNBC via cable TV.
For Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games live streams, you have multiple options, but the best ones will require a subscription of some form. The NBC Sports Network (NBCSN) channel is included in live-streaming packages available via Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling, AT&T TV Now, and fuboTV.
If you just want to subscribe temporarily for the Olympics, the cheapest of those is Sling at $35 a month for the Sling Blue package (NBCSN is not included in Sling Orange).
Apps for all of these services can be downloaded directly on most modern smart TVs as well as media devices like Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Fire TV, and both Xbox and PlayStation consoles.
While the NBCOlympics.com website serves as the primary hub for NBC’s live Olympics coverage via the web, the CNBC website will also stream some events. But tuning in to live streams (beyond the 45-minute trial window) requires that you log into a subscription with a cable TV provider.
Peacock can be accessed for free with no credit card required, but according to NBCs broadcasting channel list, coverage will be extremely limited. It will provide streams for some of the more popular Games like Basketball, Gymnastics, and Track and Field, but not much more.
If you subscribe to an applicable TV provider and need mobile coverage to watch while on the move, the NBC Sports app is available on your smartphone or tablet. As a bonus, this app can provide handy custom notifications for your favorite events to help you keep on top of the competition.
Where to Gear Up for Training Like an Olympic Athlete
Credit: Nike
Has the Olympics hype got you feeling motivated to hit the gym or hone your track and field skills? Here’s where you can find the gear you need to train like an athlete–and get a great deal or two while you’re at it.
Nike
Credit: Nike
Nike will offer up to 50% off top products during its Best In Class Sale in July. Nike Members will get early access to the deals starting 7/22, with the sale running until 7/24. That’s not only just in time for the start of the Olympics but also a good time to score a great deal on sports supplies for the new school year! Check out some of the discounted products on offer.
The following are a few more medal-worthy picks for the whole family.
Nike React Vision Men’s Shoe
Credit: Nike
Incorporating Nike’s React foam, the Nike React Vision shoe is designed to offer extreme comfort while making a statement with its exaggerated, multi-layered design language.
Nike Air Max 2090 Women’s Shoe
Credit: Nike
The iconic transparent window underfoot and partially obscured Swoosh on the Air Max 2090 channel nostalgia for the classic Air Max 90 shoe while incorporating a new, more modern design.
Nike Air Max 270 React Women’s Shoe
Credit: Nike
The Air Max line broadens its scope with this lifestyle entry by featuring a sleek, clean aesthetic and bright, summer colors. The incorporation of React foam and that oversized air bubble on the heel puts a spring in your step.
Shop the Nike Air Max 270 React
Nike Presto Extreme Big Kids’ Shoe
Credit: Nike
With an all-cloth upper structure and lightweight sole, the Nike Presto Extreme is designed to offer comfort and flexibility along with its distinctive, eye-catching style.
adidas
Credit: adidas
You can also head over to adidas for a large selection of sports shoes, clothes, and other apparel adorned with the iconic three stripes. adidas has launched its Men’s and Women’s Tokyo Collections, which are perfect for gearing up on new training gear for a new training year.
Highlights:
DICK’S Sporting Goods
Credit: DICK’S Sporting Goods
For sportswear from a broader range of top brands, have a look at the latest from DICK’S Sporting Goods. And if you’re keen to stay on theme with the Olympics, there’s plenty of Team USA gear to be found.
Highlights:
Where to Buy Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Merchandise
Credit: Team USA Shop
Are you on the hunt for some official Olympics swag to show support for your national team or favorite athlete? Here’s where you can go to spoil yourself with all the sweet Olympic merch.
Team USA Shop
Credit: Team USA Shop
This is the official shop for Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. Official merchandise for all the USA teams across the entire range of disciplines can be found here.
Fanatics
Credit: Fanatics
As an official partner of a number of prime sports (NFL, NBA, etc.), it’s no surprise that retailer Fanatics.com is also a major outlet for Summer Olympics–themed merch. The site’s Olympics page has handy filters for specific USA Teams.
Tokyo 2020 Shop
Credit: Tokyo 2020 Shop
If you’re a fan of the more novelty-style merchandise or some of the Japan-themed products, check out the official Tokyo 2020 Shop. Prices are in Japanese Yen, and shipping may take a while, but if you’re a fan of quirky knickknacks or foreign design sense, this is the place to look.
NBC Sports Store
Credit: NBC Sports Store
Of course, the official broadcast partner of this year’s Olympics is also offering a collection of Tokyo 2020 gear. It’s only a small selection, but it’s well worth a quick look if you fancy a Tokyo 2020 beach ball or Maneki-neko pin.
Mike Jackson
Mike Jackson has been writing for high-profile publications for 16 years, primarily in the video game industry, but also covering tech. Mike is an obsessed video game hoarder with hundreds of games spanning a 30-year collection. An entire room in his house is dedicated to Super Mario, and he thinks the Nintendo Switch is “the best invention in human history.” Counseling may be necessary.