Hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg has quickly become one of the most talked-about celebrity personalities at the 2026 Winter Olympics. While he’s widely seen as an unofficial ambassador for Team USA, the global superstar is also winning over fans in Italy — both on and off the screen.
A Memorable Moment in Livigno
During his time in Italy as a special correspondent for NBC, Snoop stopped by Cronox, a popular restaurant in Livigno, for a takeout order. According to Sofia Valmadre, the daughter of the restaurant’s owner, the Grammy-nominated artist ordered a classic comfort-food spread: a cheeseburger, chicken wings, chicken nuggets, and French fries.
However, when it came time to pay, his credit card transaction didn’t process successfully. Rather than make it an issue, the restaurant owners told him not to worry about it and allowed him to take the food.
Their kindness didn’t go unnoticed.
As a heartfelt thank-you, Snoop later sent the family five tickets to attend the men’s snowboard halfpipe final — turning a small act of goodwill into an unforgettable Olympic experience.
“He sent his staff to try and pay, but the payment wouldn’t go through,” Valmadre explained. “So my mother told him it was fine. The next day, he sent us five tickets to the final.”
A Celebrity Highlight of the Winter Games
Throughout the Milan Cortina Games, Snoop Dogg has been a constant presence across NBC’s Olympic coverage. In December, Team USA officially named him its first-ever honorary coach — a unique celebrity role blending sports entertainment and global branding.
He has connected with several elite athletes, including figure skater Ilia Malinin and speed skater Jordan Stolz. He was also in attendance during alpine skier Lindsey Vonn’s downhill event on Feb. 8.
Olympic legend Shaun White even gave Snoop a snowboarding lesson. The rapper compared the experience to surfing — before joking that he doesn’t surf either. Despite a few tumbles, he eventually found his balance and embraced the challenge.
Snoop also gave bobsledding and curling a try, and even slid downhill on a plastic trash can for fun. While he admitted bobsledding wasn’t his favorite, he praised the thrill of trying new winter sports.
“That was my first time ever doing something like that on ice,” he said during an appearance on NBC’s morning show. “I’d definitely do it again. I had fun. But bobsledding? I look good in it, but I’m not going down that hill again.”
Bringing Star Power to the Olympics
Beyond sports, Snoop has been blending entertainment and culture during the Games. He was spotted enjoying downtime with actor Stanley Tucci at a local bar, where Tucci sipped a martini while Snoop ordered his signature gin and juice.
Describing himself as a “love vessel” and “peace messenger,” Snoop emphasized the deeper meaning of the Olympic Games: global unity, sportsmanship, and shared celebration.
“That’s what the Olympics are about — bringing the world together,” he said. “I love being part of something that puts smiles on people’s faces.”
How to Watch the 2026 Winter Olympics
The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics began on Feb. 6, with comprehensive coverage available on NBC and streaming on Peacock. Fans can follow exclusive interviews, athlete stories, and behind-the-scenes moments throughout the Games.
From celebrity appearances to inspiring athletic performances, the 2026 Winter Olympics continue to deliver unforgettable moments — and Snoop Dogg is right at the center of it all.