Concerns linger over the Santagiulia Arena, the ice hockey venue for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. A recent test event highlighted ongoing construction issues less than a month before the women’s hockey tournament begins on February 5, 2026.
Test Event Reveals Issues
The Santagiulia Arena was opened to the public on January 9, 2026, for an Italian Cup game. During this event, challenges were noted, raising concerns about readiness for the Olympics. International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) President Luc Tardif acknowledged the venue might not be fully completed. However, he assured that crucial areas, including the playing surface, practice facilities, and dressing rooms, would be operational by the time the men’s hockey tournament starts on February 11, 2026.
Arena Capacity Concerns
- The arena’s final capacity will be 11,800, reduced from the initially planned 14,000 seats.
- This Olympics marks the return of NHL players since 2014.
Safety and Quality of the Ice Surface
As the league evaluates conditions, NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly stated that the NHL might decide against sending players if safety concerns arise with the ice. The rink is expected to meet IIHF standards but will be smaller than NHL dimensions.
During the test event, Chris Johnston from The Athletic reported that the surface of the ice appeared uneven, with a notable delay due to a hole forming in front of one of the goals. He also noted the presence of multiple large holes in the arena’s exterior, complicating the ice-making efforts.
Reassurances from Players
Despite initial shortcomings, players expressed optimism. Florian Wieser downplayed the hole in the ice, stating it was promptly fixed. He mentioned that the ice quality was surprisingly good and expected it to improve further. A new layer of ice is planned to be installed shortly after the test event.
Local commentator Matteo Floccari remarked on the historical significance of these Olympics for Italian ice hockey and expressed confidence that the preparations would meet the deadline. He highlighted the potential impact of hosting iconic players like Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid on the sport’s growth in Italy.
Conclusion
The push to finish the 2026 Milan Olympic Hockey Arena continues amid tight deadlines and challenges. While significant progress remains to be made, stakeholders remain hopeful that the venue will be ready for one of the biggest events in winter sports.
