Opening Ceremony Quick Facts

Here are a few facts to stick away before the opening ceremony tonight. I feel like there hasn't been as much media interest in the opening ceremony, as far as trying to figure out the secrets, like previous games.

Once again, a city is not going to try and top what Beijing did in 2008. The only city that will try that will be Beijing, again, when the city hosts the 2022 winter games. I think Rio will host an opening ceremony that truly celebrates its culture and gives you a feel for Brazil.

Here's what we know:

• 206 nations (including Kosovo and South Sudan for the first time)
• 11,000+ athletes participating
• These Olympics will feature 28 sports with Rugby Sevens being contested for the first time and golf for the first time since 1904
• 306 sets of medals will be handed out
• There's a total of 33 venues in Rio and five in Sao Paulo
• 554 members of the U.S. delegation (292 women and 262 men) competing in 31 sports
• This is the second straight summer Olympics that the U.S. has had more women delegates than men
• There are 10 athletes competing under the Olympic flag as the ROT (Refugee Olympic Team)
• The Parade of Nations is always long and the best time to take a bathroom break
• Greece always enters first and the host nation last
• Michael Phelps is the Team USA flag bearer
• Another noteworthy flag bearer is Andy Murray for Team GBR

I've not really seen any hints as to who will be the final torch bearer and light the cauldron. From my little knowledge of Brazil sport history, if I had to guess one person, I guess I'd go with Pele. He's still alive, right?