Opening Ceremony Kicks Off Olympics : Beijing 2008

OLYPlusSelectPlusSportsOpening Ceremony Kicks Off OlympicsOpening Ceremony Kicks Off OlympicsThe Associated PressOnce-reclusive China commandeered the world stage Friday, celebrating its first-time role as Olympic host with a stunning display of pageantry and pyrotechnics to open the Summer Games. (Aug. 8)[Notes:ANCHOR VOICE] [Notes:man with novelty 08-08-2008 glasses]This man's novelty glasses say it all - at 8:08 on 8-8-08 the opening ceremony kicked off for the Beijing Olympics. [Notes:Olympic scenes] The number is considered lucky by the Chinese - and the Asian nation is proudly set to show off to the world. [Notes:couple with Chinese and US flag and tickets in hand]It's typical for tickets to the ceremony to go quickly, lucky ticket holders proudly show off their passes before heading inside for the festivities. [Notes:performers head in - FROM GVW] The ceremony has been a well-guarded secret, but some of the performers headed into the Olympic Stadium offer a sneak peak. [Notes:Stadium wide shot - other scenes]The stadium is called the Bird's Nest because of its shape. It's one of the many sights around Beijing put in place for the games.And then there are the tourists - from all over the world. Kirk Patrick traveled from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to see the sights.SOT: Kirk Patrick, Tourist from Harrisburg, PA: "We've been planning to be here for several years, and it's just exciting to be in Beijing, and to meet the people and see the games. And we're very excited." [Notes:night shots] As night fell, fireworks lit up the sky outside the stadium where the ceremony will be held, where colored lights shone brightly over Beijing.The pomp and circumstances kick off the Games of the 29th Olympiad - which last until the 24th. ___ ___, The Associated Press