Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, Savannah Guthrie to host opening ceremony of Rio Olympics

Guthrie makes NBC Olympics debut in Rio

Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira and Savannah Guthrie will host NBC's coverage of the opening ceremony of the Games of the XXXI Olympiad, on Friday, Aug. 5, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

From the Parade of Nations to the lighting of the Olympic cauldron, Lauer, Vieira and Guthrie will guide viewers through the spectacle and pageantry that only occurs when the world comes together at the Olympic Games.

Rio 2016 will be Lauer's 11th Olympics for "Today," and his fifth in a role on the primetime opening ceremony broadcast. Vieira will work her third opening ceremony for NBC. Guthrie, in her third Olympics for "Today," makes her NBC Olympics debut in Rio.

"The Olympic opening ceremony is always a singular can't-miss event, and this year, because it's in Rio, you know it's going to be a party like no other," said Jim Bell, executive producer, NBC Olympics, and former executive producer of "Today" (2005-12). "With Matt, Meredith and Savannah, we've got the perfect team on hand to capture what will be a once-in-a-lifetime atmosphere for our viewers."

Tomorrow, Lauer and Guthrie will take part in "Today's" special "100 Days to the Rio Olympics"-themed beach party on the plaza, featuring an exclusive interview with 22-time Olympic medalist Michael Phelps, and a live report from Bob Costas, host of NBC's primetime Olympics coverage, who will be in Rio de Janeiro. The celebration will also feature a parade of 40-plus Olympians, including gold medal gymnast Gabby Douglas, world champion gymnast Simone Biles, Olympic gold medalist and track and field star Allyson Felix, and Olympic gold medal swimmer Ryan Lochte.

The Olympics begin Friday, Aug. 5.