Olympic Hockey Arena in Milan Faces Last-Minute Completion Challenges
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, the saga surrounding the main hockey arena in Milan continues to unfold. Women's hockey competition is scheduled to begin on Thursday, yet organizers have confirmed that the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena will not be fully complete for the start of the Games.
Construction Delays and Reduced Capacity
Weeks after a reasonably successful test event featuring professional Italian men's teams, significant work remains at the venue. Originally planned for 14,000 spectators, reports indicate the actual capacity will be just under 12,000. Christophe Dubi, the International Olympic Committee's executive director for the Olympic Games, acknowledged the ongoing construction efforts while expressing confidence in the arena's readiness for competition.
"Do we have every single space in that venue finished? No," Dubi stated. "Is it absolutely needed for the Games? No. Anything that is public-facing, anything that is media or athletes, will be absolutely top. Do we still have work? Yes."
Safety Concerns and Operational Readiness
Leading up to the Olympics, there was considerable discussion about the arena's preparedness, with the National Hockey League expressing safety concerns. While the venue has improved ahead of Friday's Opening Ceremony, questions remain about certain facilities. Reporters at the test event noted uncertainties regarding:
- Completion of food and beverage areas
- Closure of two large openings in the building structure
- State of the adjacent practice rink
Although team dressing rooms in the main arena are finished, the practice facility's dozen dressing rooms were described as nowhere near complete, despite having ice installed.
Competition Schedule and NHL Participation
Organizers remain absolutely certain that the full schedule of men's and women's hockey will proceed as planned. The NHL's participation appears unaffected by the construction delays, with all players scheduled to meet in New York on February 7 before boarding charters to Milan.
The situation highlights the challenges of preparing Olympic venues on tight timelines, particularly for sports requiring specialized facilities like ice hockey. While the essential elements for competition are in place, the incomplete aspects of the Santagiulia arena serve as a reminder of the complex logistics involved in hosting the world's premier winter sports event.
