Is the Ice Hockey Venue Ready for the Winter Olympics?

The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena is currently facing significant construction delays just days before it is set to host its first match during the 2026 Winter Olympics. The venue, with a capacity of 11,800, is essential for the Games, scheduled to take place from 6 to 22 February 2026. Despite core utilities being operational, many areas of the arena remain unfinished, raising concerns about its readiness for the inaugural match on 5 February.

Last updated: 03 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of now, the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena is in a race against time to complete construction ahead of the Winter Olympics. Organisers are under pressure to ensure the facility meets international standards, especially since it will host critical matches, including the men's and women's gold medal games. The arena's construction site is chaotic, with visible signs of disarray, such as unresolved interior work and closed-off access roads.

Key takeaways

The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena has a seating capacity of 11,800.
The first match is scheduled for 5 February 2026, featuring Italy against France.
Construction is notably behind schedule, with many areas incomplete.
The NHL has expressed concerns about the safety of the ice and the rink's dimensions.
Another venue, the Milano Rho Arena, will also host ice hockey events during the Olympics.

Timeline: how we got here

The construction of the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena has faced numerous hurdles since it was announced as one of the venues for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Key dates include:

November 2021: Construction officially begins.
November 2023: NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly raises concerns about the rink's safety and dimensions.
January 2024: A test event at the arena reveals issues, including a delay due to a hole in the ice.
5 February 2026: The arena is scheduled to host its first match.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent visits to the construction site have highlighted the urgent need for completion, as many essential areas remain unfinished. Concerns from the NHL regarding the safety of the ice have intensified, with ongoing discussions about the rink's dimensions and ice quality.

What was already established

It has long been known that the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena would serve as a primary venue for ice hockey during the Olympics. However, the persistent delays and the lack of progress on critical aspects of the venue have raised alarms among organisers and stakeholders.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For UK consumers, the ongoing construction delays may not seem directly impactful; however, they reflect broader considerations about the organisation and execution of international events. The successful completion of the arena is crucial for the overall perception of the Olympics.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses in Milan stand to benefit from increased tourism during the Olympics, provided that the venues, including Santagiulia, are ready. Delays might hinder potential revenues from visitors attending the games, affecting hospitality and service sectors.

Policy and regulation

The Italian government has a vested interest in ensuring the timely completion of the arena. Any further delays could lead to regulatory scrutiny and impact future international events hosted in Italy.

Numbers that matter

11,800: Seating capacity of the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
5 February 2026: Date of the first match at the arena.
5,800 - 6,000: Capacity of the Milano Rho Arena, the second ice hockey venue.
2021: Year construction commenced on the Santagiulia Arena.
22: Total number of days the Olympics will run from 6 to 22 February 2026.

Definitions and jargon buster

NHL: National Hockey League, the professional ice hockey league in North America.
IOC: International Olympic Committee, the governing body that oversees the Olympic Games.
Fiera Milano: An exhibition and conference centre in Milan, serving as a venue for some Olympic events.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate weeks leading up to the Olympics, construction needs to be expedited. Key focus areas will include completing seating installations, hospitality areas, and ensuring that the ice quality meets international standards.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-Olympics, the arena's success will be assessed, influencing future sporting events in Milan and Italy. The infrastructure improvements could enhance the city's overall sporting reputation.

Signals to watch

Completion of construction milestones, particularly seating and hospitality areas.
Feedback from test events regarding ice quality and player safety.
Official statements from the NHL regarding their stance on the venue's safety.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on the arena's construction progress through official channels.
Monitor announcements regarding ticket sales for matches.
Engage with local businesses to support the economy as the event approaches.

Don’t

Don’t overlook the importance of safety and quality in the arena.
Don’t assume that all venues will be ready without ongoing updates.
Don’t underestimate the potential impact on local businesses if delays continue.

Checklist

Check local news for updates on the arena's status.
Review safety protocols and guidelines for attending events.
Explore accommodation options early, as demand will increase.
Plan travel routes considering potential road closures around the venue.
Stay informed about ticketing information as it is released.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The ongoing construction delays create uncertainties regarding the arena's readiness and the overall success of the Winter Olympics in Milan. Concerns about player safety, particularly regarding the ice quality and rink dimensions, could lead to further complications. Additionally, any last-minute issues could impact attendance and local business opportunities during the Games.

Bottom line

The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena must overcome significant hurdles in the coming days to be ready for the Winter Olympics. Its successful completion is critical not only for the athletes competing but also for the overall perception of the Games. Stakeholders will need to remain vigilant in addressing construction challenges to ensure a smooth rollout.

FAQs

What is the capacity of the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena?

The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena has a seating capacity of 11,800, making it one of the largest venues for ice hockey during the 2026 Winter Olympics.

When is the first match scheduled at the arena?

The first match at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena is scheduled for 5 February 2026, featuring Italy against France in the women's competition.

What concerns have been raised about the venue?

Concerns have been raised about the safety of the ice and the arena's dimensions, particularly from the NHL, which could impact player safety during the Olympics.