Pre-event activities, which include area minor-league team mascot appearances, interactive games and community expo booths, start at 6 p.m. The main program runs from 7:30 to 9. It will consist of sports demonstrations, musical acts, dance teams, an athlete parade and the lighting of the official Georgia Games cauldron.

Recording artist Edwin McCain will be the headline musical act.

The first 1,000 registered athletes to arrive at the civic center will be admitted for free, and all athletes who show up are welcomed to walk in the parade.

Athletes will hold demonstrations of several Georgia Games sports, including lacrosse, disc golf, rowing, fencing and Ultimate Frisbee.

"Many people aren't familiar with the sport of rowing," said Melanie Borger, who is training for the World Rowing Championships. "The demonstration will be educational to the non-rowing athletes at the Georgia Games."

The lighting of the cauldron marks the end of the Georgia Games Torch Run's five-day tour of the state and the beginning of the championships.

"It's what symbolizes the Georgia Games, and it's very similar to your Olympic flame," said Opening Ceremonies Committee Executive Producer Peggy Seigler. "The teams will meet here for the first time, run toward our cauldron and officially start the games by lighting it."

Tickets for the ceremonies cost $8 for adults and $6 for children 12 and younger and seniors 60 and older.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Georgia Games opening ceremonies, featuring Edwin McCain

WHEN: 6 p.m. today, broadcast on television station WRDW (Channel 12)

WHERE: Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center, 605 Seventh St.

ADMISSION: $6 adults (13 and older), $4 children (12 and younger) and seniors (60 and older); no charge ages 5 and younger

Reach Lane Kramer at (706) 724-0851.