Milan Prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympics
MILAN – As the countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics intensifies, the pressure is mounting for Italy to finalize everything for its pivotal events. On June 24, 2019, Italy was officially designated as the host for the upcoming games, a decision made by the International Olympic Committee. Fast forward to nearly 2,500 days later, and the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan is still bustling with activity as workers race against the clock before its debut.
Upcoming Events at Santagiulia Arena
The highly-anticipated venue is set to welcome spectators for its first event, a women’s hockey match pitting France against Italy, in just a day. On Wednesday, while the French men’s hockey team took to the ice for practice, crews in orange vests were seen hurriedly assembling merchandise stalls, cleaning surfaces, and addressing various tasks to ensure the arena meets Olympic standards. From the beeping of forklifts to the smell of fresh paint, the arena pulsed with frenetic energy.
Confidence in Venue Readiness
Despite some areas remaining under construction, Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi expressed confidence that the Santagiulia arena will not disappoint. He assured media earlier this week that the seating and ice surface are ready to provide a remarkable experience for athletes and spectators alike.
“You’ll find many impressive areas to appreciate when you arrive, particularly the dramatic seating bowl,”
he remarked. However, he also acknowledged that not all aspects would be fully completed prior to the games, stating that any unfinished details won’t affect the main Olympic events.
Athletes’ Perspective
Players set to compete seem largely unconcerned about the venue’s readiness, shifting their focus back to the imminent opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage. American forward Brady Tkachuk emphasized the overall excitement of participating in the Olympics, downplaying any worries over the construction delays.
“What matters is the opportunity to be playing in the Olympics and competing for the gold medal,”
he stated, reinforcing a collective mindset among athletes who feel lucky to compete after the NHL had previously opted not to halt its season for the Olympics in past years.
Challenges in Construction
The road to completing Santagiulia has not been without its hurdles. Initial construction, slated for 2022, faced delays due to a legal dispute involving Catholic nuns who contested the project, citing concerns over property encroachment and noise pollution. Even after work commenced, the progress lagged, and the ice surface dimensions deviated from NHL standards, creating potential challenges for players.
While issues persisted, including unfinished locker rooms and areas still inaccessible to the public, the recent test matches have offered a ray of hope. Feedback from players indicated that, surprisingly, the ice quality met expectations despite noticeable construction remnants. Florian Wieser, a participant from Italy’s second division, noted that while the ice showed some imperfections, it functioned well enough to not impede gameplay.
Looking Ahead
As hockey’s official start nears, Dubi commended the rapid advancements made in recent weeks, emphasizing that the significant work accomplished within a tight timeline is commendable, considering the challenges faced just months ago. With the clock ticking down to the start of the Olympics, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a memorable series of events, despite the scattered construction dust and the visible signs of ongoing work.
In just two days, the Opening Ceremony will kick off, followed by the competitive spirit of the games, as this historic venue prepares to take center stage on an international scale.
