There is a lack of alternative venue in place in case the primary ice hockey stadium for the Milan-Cortina Winter Games is not completed on time. Construction progress on the arena, which is expected to host NHL players at the Olympics after more than a decade, is lagging behind schedule and nearing the deadline. A trial event at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, a new 16,000-seat facility on the outskirts of Milan, had to be relocated, and new trial events are not planned until Jan. 9-11.
Andrea Francisi, the chief games operations officer for Milan Cortina, emphasized that there is no contingency plan. Therefore, the competition must be flawlessly organized at Santagiulia. The first Olympic hockey game scheduled at the arena is a women’s preliminary match between Italy and France on Feb. 5, a day before the opening ceremonies.
In the event of any delays, defending champion Canada will face Finland on Feb. 5 at the alternate Rho Ice Hockey Arena, situated in a revamped pavilion at the Fiera Milano Rho exhibition center. Typically, new Olympic venues undergo testing at least a year before hosting medal events. For a substantial hockey arena, preparation includes not only the ice surface but also testing facilities such as concession stands and restrooms.
Francisi acknowledged the absence of a specific handover date for the venue to the local organizers but expressed confidence that it will be ready for the Olympics. He mentioned ongoing daily work and increased pace by the construction companies involved in the project. The men’s Olympic hockey tournament is slated to take place from Feb. 11-22, while the women’s tournament will run from Feb. 5-19.