Construction delays at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, the planned venue for NHL players’ return to the Olympics in Milan-Cortina, have raised concerns as completion nears the deadline. With no backup stadium available, organizers are under pressure to ensure the arena is ready for the upcoming Winter Games.
Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer, emphasized that there is no alternative plan if the arena is not prepared in time. Despite the challenges, efforts are being made to organize the competitions seamlessly at Santagiulia, located on the outskirts of Milan.
The first Olympic hockey game at the arena is scheduled for February 5, featuring a women’s preliminary round match between Italy and France. In case of any delays, a backup plan involves hosting games at the secondary Rho Ice Hockey Arena, a repurposed pavilion at the Fiera Milano Rho exhibition center.
Typically, Olympic venues undergo testing a year before the events to ensure all facilities, including concession stands and bathrooms, are fully operational. While the exact handover date for the Santagiulia Arena remains uncertain, constant monitoring and collaborative efforts are in place to meet the Olympic deadline.
The men’s hockey tournament is set to take place from February 11-22, followed by the women’s tournament from February 5-19. Despite the construction challenges, organizers are optimistic about completing the arena on time for the prestigious sporting event.
