In Italy, reporter Chris Jones provides an update on the Milano Santagiulia arena ahead of the upcoming Olympics in Milano Cortina. The arena, which has faced challenges and criticisms, hosted its first game action recently, signaling progress in its readiness for the upcoming events.
The arena’s much-anticipated “test event,” aimed at assuring the NHL of its preparedness to host the men’s Olympic tournament, commenced with a Coppa Italia semifinal. Despite ongoing work and last-minute preparations, such as dust removal and construction activities, the arena showcased the ice rink as the only completed feature.
During the event, only the lower seating section was accessible, with upper levels still under construction, draped in tarps, and covered in plastic. Despite the visible work-in-progress status, officials expressed confidence in the venue’s readiness for the NHL and its players.
While concerns arose during the game, such as a hole in the ice that required attention, officials remained optimistic about the arena’s overall readiness. The upcoming practice sessions and additional games scheduled for the next day will provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the ice quality and facility conditions.
Notably, representatives from the NHL and NHLPA refrained from commenting during the event, with expectations for statements from key figures post-tournament. The timeline for completing the arena remains tight, especially with the impending start of the women’s competition on February 5 and the men’s competition on February 11.
Although visible progress has been made, with improvements in certain areas like debris removal and facility enhancements, significant work is still pending. Despite the ongoing construction challenges, the atmosphere within the arena during the test event exuded a sense of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming games.
As the hockey action unfolded in the partially completed arena, with fans and players embracing the spirit of the sport, the focus shifted towards the game itself, setting the stage for the upcoming Olympic events in Milano Cortina.
