Milan Ice Hockey Arena, against the clock for the Winter Olympics
The construction of the main ice hockey arena for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics faces a race against time. Uncertainty grows over the possibility that the facilities will not be ready in time, putting the celebration of the events at risk. The situation is particularly delicate, as this sports venue is intended to be the stage for the return of NHL players to the Olympic Games, an event that has generated great expectation. The test event scheduled for the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a modern venue with a capacity of 16,000 spectators located on the outskirts of Milan, had to be postponed. The new tests will take place from January 9th to 11th.The first Olympic match in the main hockey arena is scheduled for February 5, with the women’s preliminary round, one day before the opening ceremony. Traditionally, new Olympic venues undergo extensive testing at least one year before the main events. In the case of a large hockey arena, testing focuses not only on the ice rink but also on service areas, restrooms, and other critical aspects to ensure an optimal experience. Francisi admitted that there is no precise date for the delivery of the sand to the local organizers, but he was optimistic about the possibility that it will be ready for the Olympic Games. The men’s Olympic hockey tournament is scheduled from February 11 to 22, while the women’s tournament will take place from February 5 to 19.There is no plan B. We have to be able to organize the competition impeccably in Santagiulia.
Andrea Francisi, Director of Operations of the Milan Cortina Games
