Construction delays at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, the main venue for ice hockey at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Games, have raised concerns as the facility is not yet completed. The arena, intended to host NHL players returning to the Olympics after a long hiatus, is facing tight deadlines with a test event recently being rescheduled to Jan. 9-11 due to the ongoing construction.
Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer for Milan Cortina, emphasized that there is no alternative plan if the arena is not ready on time, underscoring the importance of flawless organization at Santagiulia for the competitions. The first Olympic hockey game planned at the venue is a women’s preliminary match between Italy and France on Feb. 5, just before the opening ceremonies.
In case of any further delays, a backup plan involves hosting games at the secondary Rho Ice Hockey Arena, situated in a repurposed pavilion at the Fiera Milano Rho exhibition center. Typically, Olympic venues undergo testing well before the events, ensuring not only the readiness of the ice surface but also the functionality of amenities like concession stands and restrooms.
While the exact handover date of the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena remains uncertain, Francisi expressed optimism that the venue will be ready for the Olympics, citing accelerated efforts by construction teams. Daily progress updates and close collaboration between organizers and builders aim to ensure timely completion of the facility before the men’s and women’s hockey tournaments kick off in February.