Test event shows 2026 Milan Olympic hockey arena still unfinished

With less than four weeks to go until the first game of the Olympic women’s hockey championship, concerns continue over the ice hockey rink being built for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, after a testing event confirmed the venue is still under construction.

For the Coppa Italia match on Friday 9 January, the Santagioulla Stadium opened its doors to the public for the first time. A number of problems have arisen at the stadium in recent months as organizers scramble to get it ready for the Games.

advertise

IIHF President Luke Tardif said at a press conference earlier this week that while parts of the rink and arena may not be completed in time, the playing surface, practice facilities and locker rooms will be ready when the men’s championship begins on February 11. The women’s ice hockey championship begins on February 5.

Tardif also revealed that the venue’s capacity will be 11,800, down from the originally planned 14,000.

This is the first time since 2014 that NHL players have participated in the Winter Olympics. NHL vice president Bill Daly said last month that the league would refuse to send players if there were any safety concerns on the ice. The league is sending its own experts to Italy. The rink is expected to be smaller than NHL standards but meet IIHF standards.

The Athletic’s Chris Johnston was in attendance at the testing event and shared the video.

He said the ice and seats were in place. He also reported:

advertise

• “The ice appeared soft and snowy on its debut, and there was a delay in the first period due to a hole in front of one of the goals.”

• “As of Friday evening, multiple large holes remained on the exterior of the building, posing a significant challenge to ice manufacturers as they were unable to properly regulate conditions within the arena.”

• “The permanent changing room area is also still under construction, with only three of the planned 14 rooms nearing completion.”

Johnston added, however, that “there is no reason to think the Olympics are in jeopardy.”

Florian Wieser, who was at the game, said the hole in the ice was small and was repaired within five minutes.

“The ice is really cool,” Wiesel posted on social media. “I’m amazed at how good it is and it’s only going to get better.”

This article originally appeared in USA Today: Winter Olympics hockey rink opens for test games in Milan, concerns remain