Finally it is celebration time! The moment we have been looking for four years have finally arrived – the 2010 FIFA World Cup begins tonight with the inaugural celebration that will be broadcast on ABC on DISH Network at 8 PM Tonight!!!

Though the first FIFA World Cup on the African continent is scheduled to kick off tonight but the event has already began in earnest yesterday, a night before the inaugural FIFA World Cup Kick-off Celebration Concert.

Considered as the best entertainment event till date in Africa, the concert was staged at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg. The concert featured musical performances by international superstars along with major African artists, as well as soccer legends and other celebrities.

This three-hour celebration extravaganza brought together soccer and music in front of 30,000 audience in the stadium and millions more worldwide through satellite TV.

On June 10 it was a celebration time in Soweto, Johannesburg. And what a star studded evening it was! Colombian popstar Shakira, Somali-born rapper K’naan and U.S. soul singer Alicia Keys entertained millions of spectators just hours before kick-off ceremony that is to be broadcast on ABC on DISH Network tonight at 8 PM.

Thousands of spectators attended the star-studded inaugural World Cup in Orlando Stadium, where K’naan sang his football anthem ‘Wavin’ Flag’. Long after he left the stage, the crowd was estatic and was chanting “oh, oh, oh.” Many spectators came clad in the colors of the South African jersey or flag. The spirit of the game has elevated to the next level!

Soul singer Lira, kick started the evening with ‘Pata Pata’ which is the trademark song of the late singer Miriam Makeba, South Africa’s “Mama Africa.” She was accompanied by jazz trumpeter Hugh Masekela, Makeba’s ex-husband.

The Black Eyed Peas followed up with a high spirited performance of their hit ‘I Gotta Feeling’ (Tonight’s Gonna Be a Good Night). Alicia Keys performed an acoustic version of ‘Empire State of Mind’. K’naan, South African black rock group BLK JKS and Shakira really set the crowd in the party spirit – the game has just begun.

Shakira and South African Afro-pop group Freshly Ground closed the concert with their official World Cup song ‘Waka Waka’ (This Time for Africa).

The celebration tonight includes an inaugural ceremony just before the match. Colombian heart-throb rocker Juanes, well known African musicians like Amadou and Mariam, The Parlotones and Angelique Kidjo set the right mood for the event. The event as well as the inaugural match is being shown on ESPN on DISH Network tonight. The match is also available on DISH HD mode. You can now enjoy HD free for life offer with DISH Network with which you can enjoy free HD package for the life of your current account (* requires agreement, AutoPay and paperless billing).

But there is a program that should never miss! It’s the official 2010 FIFA World Cup Anthem, “Sign of a Victory” , which is performed by R Kelly at the concert tonight. Former South African leader ‘Madiba’ or Nelson Mandela was to attend the inaugural ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2010. Unfortunately, he was not able to make it to the ceremony due to the death of his great grand daughter. The official Mascot, Zakumi the Leopard, gave a special appearance at the concert as well. This is the most memorable event ever!!!

In case you do not have much time in hand, you can schedule your satellite TV DVR to record the show. It’s that easy!

After this electrifying opening ceremony, the inaugural match of 2010 FIFA World Cup is on the way. The match is taking place between host nation South Africa and Mexico (Group A) at Soccer City stadium, Johannesburg. South Africa, with all their home advantage can just win the match. As per the latest news South Africa and Mexico had a draw in the inaugural match with 1:1 goals. Tshabalala scored the FIRST goal in 2010 FIFA World Cup for South Africa in 55th min of the game. The goal for Mexico was scored by R Marquez in the 79th min (that was a close call). Tshabalala is the Man of the Match.

We also have a Group B game at 2.30 PM ET. The game will take place between Uruguay and France. The game will be broadcast on both ESPN and Univision. Unfortunately, we made a mistake – DISH Network will not be carrying ESPN3D at this time, so, you won’t get to see 2010 FIFA World Cup in 3D. But, they still are offering the best comprehensive coverage of 2010 FIFA World Cup in both English and Spanish.

Want to know about the U.S matches? The first game for US will be tomorrow at 8.30 PM. US will be facing England in the Group C game. The game will be shown on ESPN and Univision channel on DISH Network. Do not miss this!

Do not have DISH Network at home? Give Us a Call 1-888-209-8226 (Promo: FB1010) and give your sports entertainment the DISH edge today!!!

Photo © Jamie Squire – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images