Construction Delays at Milano Santagiulia Arena Threaten Olympic Ice Hockey

As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan approach, the readiness of the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena has become a pressing concern. Construction delays have led to the cancellation of a crucial test event, raising questions about the venue's preparedness for hosting Olympic ice hockey competitions.

The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a 16,000-seat facility, is slated to be the primary venue for ice hockey events during the 2026 Winter Games. However, construction setbacks have resulted in the cancellation of a key test event originally scheduled for December 2025. This event, part of the under-20 world championship from December 8-14, was intended to assess the arena's readiness but has been relocated to the Rho Fiera hockey venue, a smaller facility on Milan's outskirts. As of now, no new test event has been scheduled for the Santagiulia arena.

The absence of a test event raises concerns that the first game in the main arena might not occur until the women's preliminary round on February 5, 2026, just one day before the Olympic opening ceremony. Milan-Cortina local organizing committee CEO Andrea Varnier acknowledged the tight timeline, stating, "It's going to be very close to the start of the games, the timeline is very tight. But we knew that."

The 2026 Winter Olympics mark the return of NHL players to the Games for the first time since 2014. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman has expressed concerns regarding the readiness of the Santagiulia arena. He emphasized that while the NHL is committed to participating, the responsibility for the venue's preparedness lies with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Bettman stated, "We've had a concern for the last two years on the progress of the rink... but it's the IOC's responsibility."

The construction delays and potential lack of testing for the Santagiulia arena have several implications:

• Athlete Safety and Performance: Competing on untested ice surfaces may pose risks to player safety and could affect performance levels.

• Operational Readiness: Testing events are crucial for assessing not only the playing surface but also the functionality of facilities such as concession stands, restrooms, and emergency protocols.

• Fan Experience: High-priced tickets are already being sold for events at the Santagiulia arena, with seats for the men's gold medal game on February 22 priced up to 1,400 euros (over $1,600). Delays and potential issues could impact the overall spectator experience.

While construction delays are not uncommon in Olympic preparations, the situation with the Santagiulia arena is particularly pressing due to the tight timeline and the high-profile nature of ice hockey events. The return of NHL players adds further scrutiny, as their participation is a significant draw for audiences and broadcasters alike.

As the 2026 Winter Olympics draw near, the readiness of the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena remains a significant concern. The NHL's return to the Olympic stage is highly anticipated, but construction delays threaten to overshadow this milestone. Ensuring the arena's completion and functionality is paramount to delivering a successful hockey tournament and upholding the integrity of the Games.