IOC Expresses Confidence in Milano-Cortina 2026 Venue Completion Despite Construction Challenges
With just over two weeks remaining until the opening of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, the International Olympic Committee has provided a crucial update on venue preparations. While acknowledging that significant work remains at key facilities, Olympic officials have expressed strong confidence that all necessary construction will be completed in time for the Games.
Sliding Centre Faces Last-Minute Finishing Work
The sliding centre in Cortina d'Ampezzo has been under particular scrutiny since Italy made the controversial decision less than three years ago to construct a new venue rather than utilizing existing facilities in neighboring countries. This choice, initially opposed by the IOC before being reluctantly accepted, placed Italian organizers under immense pressure from the project's inception.
Christophe Dubi, the IOC's Olympic Games Executive Director, addressed the current status during a press conference from Milan. "The sliding centre. Is there still some work to be done? Yes, a lot," Dubi acknowledged frankly. "But what I have been told is, it's not complex work. Everything that has to do with systems, track refrigeration, scoring, cameras, all is in place."
Dubi described the remaining tasks as primarily involving finishing touches, including concrete pavements for temporary structures and ground preparation to accommodate spectators. "They have a lot of people working. It will be ready, no doubt. I am very confident for the sliding centre," he emphasized.
Ice Hockey Venue Racing Against Time
The Santagiulia ice hockey arena in southeast Milan has presented its own set of challenges, with slow progress and construction delays becoming significant concerns during the Olympic preparations. However, Dubi reported that work is now proceeding at full capacity to complete the venue that will host crucial ice hockey competitions.
"Hats off to all who could pull off a venue in such a short time," Dubi commended. "It started late. That means all hands are on deck. 1600 workers a day are in the venue. I am super confident."
The construction schedule for both venues has been exceptionally tight, with the sliding centre project facing particular pressure due to the late decision to build new rather than adapt existing facilities. This approach was intended to control costs and accelerate preparations, though it created significant logistical challenges.
Organizational Resilience Under Pressure
The current situation highlights the extraordinary organizational demands of hosting a major international sporting event like the Winter Olympics. With just sixteen days remaining until the Games begin, the intensive construction efforts demonstrate the commitment of Italian organizers to deliver world-class facilities despite compressed timelines.
Dubi's confident assessment suggests that while the final stages of construction are demanding, the essential technical systems are already operational at the sliding centre, and sufficient workforce has been mobilized to complete both venues. The IOC's public expression of confidence serves as both reassurance to participating athletes and acknowledgment of the substantial efforts underway.
As the countdown to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continues, all eyes will remain on these critical venues to ensure they meet the exacting standards required for Olympic competition while providing safe and comfortable experiences for athletes and spectators alike.
