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The opening ceremony of the 2011 Pan American Games took place on October 14, 2011, beginning at 20:00 CDT (1:00 UTC, October 15) at Omnilife Stadium in Zapopan, a suburb of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. The opening ceremony was directed and produced by Five Currents, which also produced the ceremonies at the 2002 Winter Olympics and the 2007 Pan American Games.
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Production
The opening ceremony was originally scheduled to be held at Jalisco Stadium. However, the organizing committee for the Games (COPAG) changed the venue to Omnilife Stadium, because of its superior infrastructure and technological capability to host the event. Also, its proximity to the athletes village helped expedite the transportation of athletes and helped ensure their safety.
Program
Colombia singer Juanes is scheduled to perform as is Mexican singer Alejandro Fernández who is scheduled to perform the song "El Mismo Sol" the official theme of the Games at the ceremony. His father Vicente Fernández is also scheduled to perform the Mexican anthem at the games.
Parade of the Nations
The participating countries marched in, beginning with Argentina and ending with the host nation, Mexico. Excluding Argentina and Mexico, the delegations entered by Spanish alphabetical order as per Pan American Sports Organization protocols, which also happened to be the official languages of the host nation.
Dignitaries and other officials in attendance
Reception
An estimated 130 million people across the Americas and the world were expected to watch the opening ceremony.