Chris Jones provides an update from Italy in anticipation of the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympics. The vibrant atmosphere at San Siro continued long after Inter Milan’s victory over Bologna, with fans expressing their joy.
As preparations for the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 6 at the same stadium are underway, there is uncertainty about the city’s interest in sports beyond soccer, considering Inter and AC Milan’s dominance in the area. The upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics seem to be quieter than expected, with venues scattered across four clusters in northern Italy and slow local ticket sales.
In Milan, awareness of the Olympics is minimal, except for the ongoing construction at the Milano Santagiulia hockey arena. A temporary Olympic store at Piazza del Duomo and the bustling Christmas tree attract more attention from visitors than the upcoming Games.
The city’s venues for figure skating and long track speed skating are located in Assago to the south, while a second hockey rink and short track speed skating will be hosted at Fiera Milano in Rho to the west. Despite the grand scale, the complex appears quiet and inactive.
Apart from the Milano Santagiulia arena, the only purpose-built facility is the athletes’ village in Milan, one of six spread across northern Italy. The housing in Milan has garnered mixed opinions from locals, with some appreciating the modern design and others finding it uninviting.
In smaller co-host cities like Cortina and Livigno, the Olympics are expected to feel more intimate and festive due to their picturesque settings and smaller scale. However, in Milan, where winter sports are not prevalent, the focus remains on the intense Serie A title race between Inter and AC Milan.
The Milano Cortina Games represent a shift towards more sustainable mega-events by utilizing existing facilities and planning for post-Olympic use. The cautious approach aims to avoid the financial burdens faced by previous host countries. The hockey arena, despite challenges, is privately funded and will serve as a prominent sports and entertainment venue in Milan.
Optimism abounds as Milan prepares to host the Olympics, with a message of perseverance and determination displayed on city streets. The blend of long-term planning and temporary excitement may pave the way for a successful and sustainable event.
