The primary ice hockey arena for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Games does not have a backup venue in case it is not completed on time. Construction of the arena, which is expected to host NHL players returning to the Olympics after over a decade, is lagging behind schedule, with completion nearing the deadline.
Due to delays, a test event at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a new 16,000-seat facility on the outskirts of Milan, had to be relocated, and new test events are now set for January 9-11. Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer for Milan Cortina, emphasized that there is no alternative plan available, underscoring the need for flawless organization at Santagiulia.
The first Olympic hockey game scheduled at the arena is a women’s preliminary round match between Italy and France on February 5, one day before the opening ceremonies. In case of any further delays, the defending champion Canada will face Finland on the same day at the secondary Rho Ice Hockey Arena, housed in a repurposed pavilion at the Fiera Milano Rho exhibition center.
Typically, Olympic venues undergo testing at least a year before hosting competitive events to ensure readiness. For a substantial hockey arena, preparations extend beyond the playing surface to include facilities like concession stands and restrooms. Francisi indicated uncertainty regarding the venue handover date but expressed confidence that it will be ready for the Olympics, citing accelerated work progress by involved companies.
With the men’s Olympic hockey tournament scheduled from February 11-22 and the women’s tournament from February 5-19, efforts are ongoing to ensure timely completion and readiness of the arenas for the prestigious sporting events.