Chris Jones provides an update from Italy in anticipation of the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympics. Echoes of celebration filled San Siro long after Inter Milan’s victory over Bologna, with fans reveling in the triumph. As preparations ramp up for the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 6 at the same venue, there is a hope for a similar outpouring of enthusiasm.
However, concerns linger regarding the city’s interest in winter sports such as hockey and figure skating, traditionally overshadowed by the fervor for soccer embodied by Inter and AC Milan. With just a month to go until Milano Cortina 2026 kicks off, the anticipation seems subdued. The scattered event locations across northern Italy, coupled with sluggish ticket sales, contribute to a sense of thinness surrounding the upcoming Olympics.
In Milan, signs of the impending Games are scarce, save for the ongoing construction at Milano Santagiulia hockey arena. A temporary store in Piazza del Duomo offers a glimpse of what’s to come, albeit overshadowed by the towering Christmas tree still captivating visitors. Other venues like Assago and Fiera Milano, hosting events like figure skating and speed skating, remain distant from the city center and mostly deserted.
The athletes’ village in Milan stands out as a dedicated site, amid criticism and praise for its stark architecture. Dubbed “Milanograd” in a Google review, the housing complex is nearing completion, set to accommodate athletes during the Games before being repurposed as student housing post-Olympics. In contrast, smaller host cities like Cortina and Livigno promise a more intimate and picturesque setting against the backdrop of majestic mountains.
Milan’s focus, however, seems divided, with the city engrossed in the Serie A title battle between Inter and AC Milan, overshadowing the upcoming Olympics. Milano Cortina’s approach, emphasizing sustainability and utilizing existing infrastructure, marks a departure from previous costly mega-events marred by abandoned facilities. The cautious planning aims to ensure a lasting legacy for the venues, including the transformation of the hockey arena into a prominent sports and entertainment venue for Milan.
Despite initial reservations, the long-term vision of Milano Cortina appears promising, with an emphasis on sustainability and prudent resource allocation. The blend of tradition and modernity in hosting the Olympics reflects a shift towards more economically viable and environmentally conscious approaches to mega-events. As Milan prepares to welcome the world, the city’s spirit and resilience are poised to shine through, echoing the sentiment captured by the mural-clad streets outside the Olympic village: “PROVE THEM WRONG.”