The primary ice hockey arena for the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Games lacks a backup option if it is not completed on time. Construction of the venue, where NHL players will return to the Olympics after more than ten years, is running behind schedule and nearing the deadline. A trial event at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a new 16,000-seat facility on the outskirts of Milan, had to be relocated, with new trial events now scheduled for Jan. 9-11.
Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer for Milan Cortina, emphasized that there is no alternative plan in place. Therefore, the focus is on ensuring flawless organization of the competitions at the Santagiulia venue. The first Olympic hockey game scheduled at the arena is a women’s preliminary match between Italy and France on Feb. 5, just before the opening ceremonies.
In the event of any delays, the defending champion Canada will play against Finland on Feb. 5 at the secondary Rho Ice Hockey Arena, which is housed in a repurposed pavilion at the Fiera Milano Rho exhibition center. Typically, Olympic venues are tested at least a year before hosting medal events, especially with a significant venue like a hockey arena, where various aspects such as ice quality, amenities, and overall readiness need to be assessed.
While there is no definitive handover date for the arena to local organizers, Francisi expressed confidence that the venue will be ready for the Winter Games. Daily progress updates are being closely monitored, with construction efforts accelerated to meet the deadline. The men’s Olympic hockey tournament is scheduled from Feb. 11-22, and the women’s tournament will take place from Feb. 5-19.