Owen Field Norman, Oklahoma

Oklahoma City was the focus of national attention as 4,000 athletes, 500,000 spectators and 1,500 newsmen gathered for U.S. Olympic Festival ’89. The 16-scene entertainment extravaganza opening ceremonies included the U.S. Army Herald Trumpets, skydivers, the parade of coaches and athletes, the 360-member U.S. Olympic Festival Marching Band, top drill teams and cheerleaders from across the state, sports celebrities, a flyover by Air Force jets and the largest fireworks display in Oklahoma history.

The musical variety show is developed around the festival’s theme, “Winning a Place in the World,” and will feature special celebrity presentations of the national anthem and the festival theme song “Goin’ For It” which was written by Oklahoman Jimmy Webb. The formal lighting of the U.S. Olympic Festival caldron and the international pledge of the athletes to fairness in competition the Athletes Oath was the emotional highlight of a truly inspiring evening.