See Photos of the Opening Ceremony Before You Can See Them on TV

Irina Rodnina and Vladislav Tretyak light the Olympic cauldron while fireworks explode during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Feb. 7, 2014.
Irina Rodnina and Vladislav Tretyak light the Olympic cauldron while fireworks explode during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, Feb. 7, 2014.Robert Cianflone—Getty Images
Liza Temnikova as Lyubov performs Voices of Russia during the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.
Liza Temnikova as Lyubov performs Voices of Russia during the Opening Ceremony of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.Quinn Rooney—Getty Images
Snowflakes hover above performers of Voices of Russia.
Snowflakes hover above performers of Voices of Russia.Quinn Rooney—Getty Images
Performers take part in the opening ceremony for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
Performers take part in the opening ceremony for the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.David Gray—Reuters
One of the Olympic rings fails to open during the opening ceremony.
One of the Olympic rings fails to open during the opening ceremony.David J. Phillip—AP
Athlete marshals light up to form a Russian flag.
Athlete marshals light up to form a Russian flag.Richard Heathcote—Getty Images
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, left, applaud during the playing of the Russian national anthem.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, left, applaud during the playing of the Russian national anthem.David Goldman—AP
Nordic combined skier Mario Stecher of the Austria Olympic team carries his country's flag during.
Nordic combined skier Mario Stecher of the Austria Olympic team carries his country's flag during.Richard Heathcote—Getty Images
Todd Lodwick of the United States waves his national flag and enters the arena with teammates.Charlie Riedel—AP
Russia's flag-bearer Alexander Zubkov leads his country's contingent.
Russia's flag-bearer Alexander Zubkov leads his country's contingent.Issei Kato—Reuters
Sochi 2014 mascots prepare to come on stage during the opening ceremony.
Sochi 2014 mascots prepare to come on stage during the opening ceremony. Stanislav Krasilnikov—ITAR-TASS/ZUMA Press
Characters perform during the opening ceremony.
Characters perform during the opening ceremony.David J. Phillip—AP
Performers with balloons representing St. Basil's cathedral.
Performers with balloons representing St. Basil's cathedral.Clive Mason—Getty Images
A scene showing the heritage of Russia is portrayed during the Opening Ceremony.
A scene showing the heritage of Russia is portrayed during the Opening Ceremony.Damien Meyer—AFP/Getty Images
Performers are seen during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.
Performers are seen during the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics.Mark Blinch—Reuters
Dancers perform during the Opening Ceremony.
Dancers perform during the Opening Ceremony.Pascal Le Segretain—Getty Images
A general view of atmosphere during the Opening Ceremony.
A general view of atmosphere during the Opening Ceremony.Clive Mason—Getty Images
Sochi Olympics Opening Ceremony
Artists perform during the opening ceremony.Petr David Josek—AP
Actors perform "Swan Lake" during the opening ceremony.
Actors perform "Swan Lake" during the opening ceremony.David J. Phillip—AP
A performer dances during the opening ceremony.
A performer dances during the opening ceremony.Issei Kato—Reuters
The Olympic flag is paraded past the Russian flag.
The Olympic flag is paraded past the Russian flag.Issei Kato—Reuters
Suspended figures representing different winter sports illuminate.
Suspended figures representing different winter sports illuminate.Pawel Kopczynski—Reuters
Performers take part in the opening ceremony.
Performers take part in the opening ceremony.Mark Blinch—Reuters
Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova holds the Olympic Torch.
Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova holds the Olympic Torch.Brian Snyder—Reuters
The Olympic Cauldron is lit during the opening ceremony.
The Olympic Cauldron is lit during the opening ceremony.Darron Cummings—AP

More Must-Reads From TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com