Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Opening & Closing Ceremonies Part 1

Only four days remaining until the opening ceremonies (three until the first day of competition) at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: opening/closing ceremonies, part 1.

The Fisht Olympic Stadium (pictured) is the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies at Sochi.

The building is just simply Century Link Field in Seattle on the outside with a retractable roof (similar to AT&T Stadium in Arlington) in the middle. Does that sound familiar?

When it's over, no doubt it will convert into a football (soccer) stadium. It is another reason why the Olympics give back to a community so it provides something like another stadium to be put into use after the games (see Montreal 1976, Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000 and London 2012 as examples).

A record 88 nations will march in the parade of nations at both the opening and closing ceremonies in that stadium. In part 2, see who will fly their countries' respective flags at the opening ceremonies.