Warrior Games opening ceremonies Saturday at Amalie Arena

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Hundreds of athletes and their families are in the Tampa Bay area for the Department of Defense Warrior Games.

Comedian and activist Jon Stewart is also in town to host the events. 

Athletes spent most of the week practicing for the paralympics events, with the opening ceremony to be held this Saturday night at Amalie Arena.

Most events will be held off MacDill Air Force base, but it still plays ai big part in hosting the games.

Col. Cary Harbaugh, of U.S. Special Operations Command, says Saturday night's opening ceremonies and concert is one of the only ticketed events, which can be purchased from Amalie Arena's ticket office.

The event will be hosted by Jon Stewart and be followed by a concert from country artist Hunter Hayes.

The public is invited and encouraged to attend.

BONUS: Jon Stewart celebrates a win in the FOX 13 News studio.

"Tampa's part is to get out there for the games," Harbaugh said. "It will be pomp and circumstance. March of the athletes and lighting of the torch. It's like the opening of the Olympics, but this is for our wounded warriors." 

The first event will be adaptive golf this Friday at Golf At The Eagles in Odessa. Other venues include the Tampa Convention Center, the Yuengling Center at USF, and the Long Center in Clearwater.

For more information, visit http://dodwarriorgames.com or buy tickets to the opening ceremonies at https://www.amaliearena.com/events/detail/warrior-games-opening-ceremony.