NBC Olympics Unveils Copacabana Beach Set Design for Rio 2016

NBC Olympics unveiled the set design for NBC’s daytime and late-night studio, which will be located on Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Copacabana Beach.

The state-of-the-art studio will feature two sets, one indoor and one outdoor; a main anchor desk; an interview area; and a news-update desk — all positioned to capture the panoramic views of the beach, Sugarloaf Mountain, and the Rio coastline. In addition, HD video monitors will help showcase highlights from the Games.

“Copacabana Beach is one of the most breathtaking sights in the world. It is the ideal backdrop for our daytime and late-night studio,” says Michael Sheehan, coordinating director, NBC Olympics. “With the Beach Volleyball venue just steps away and thousands of athletes and fans visiting Copacabana and Ipanema every day, we will be able to perfectly capture the excitement and celebration taking place in Rio during the Olympics.”  

Ryan Seacrest will serve as host for NBC’s late-night coverage of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Hosts for the daytime coverage will be announced soon. Bob Costas will serve as primetime host for a U.S. television-record 11th time. Primetime coverage will originate from the NBC Olympics studio located inside the International Broadcast Center (IBC) in Rio.

This is the first time in 24 years, since the 1992 Barcelona Games, that NBC Olympics has had a major studio outside of the IBC. Its morning show for the 1992 Barcelona Olympics originated from the Athletes Village. In addition, NBC Olympics’ presentation of the 1988 Seoul Games featured daytime and late-night coverage from pagodas located outside the IBC.

NBC Olympics’ daytime and late-night studio in Rio is designed by award-winning set designer Bryan Higgason, of New York-based HD Studio.

The Opening Ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics will be Friday Aug, 5 on NBC.