With the NHL stars returning to the 2026 Olympic Games, the ice hockey tournament in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo is under special scrutiny – but the construction of the new main arena “Santagiulia” is causing increasing concerns.
As the organizers told the “Associated Press“ confirmed, the test event originally planned for December had to be moved to the smaller Rho Fiera Arena. This means that the first game in the 16,000-seater Santagiulia Arena could not take place until February 5th, one day before the opening ceremony – with the start of the women’s tournament.
Andrea Varnier, CEO of the organizing committee, admitted: “The schedule is extremely tight – but that was clear to us from the start.”
NHL officials expect “first-class competition venue”
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman was also concerned about the construction progress. However, responsibility lies with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the IIHF. You are an “invited guest”, but you expect a first-class competition venue. Bettman also emphasized that they are in close contact with the players’ union should further problems arise.
The originally planned test tournament – the U20 World Cup (December 8th – 14th) – will now take place in the Rho Fiera Hall, which will serve as a sideshow during the games anyway.
Normally, new Olympic arenas are tested at least a year before the Games to check ice quality, safety and infrastructure such as catering and sanitary facilities. The Santagiulia Arena, which will be Italy’s largest indoor hall after the Games, will also be used in the long term for other major events such as the ATP Finals in tennis.
Tickets are sought after
Despite all the construction delays, the tickets are already in high demand: up to 1,400 euros are being charged for the men’s final on February 22nd – more than for any other sporting event in the Winter Games. Only the opening and closing ceremonies are more expensive.
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