What's happened
With less than a month before the Winter Olympics in Milan, the Santa Giulia Arena remains under construction. Test events reveal ongoing work, with the venue not fully ready, but organizers remain confident the arena will be prepared for the Games starting early next month.
What's behind the headline?
The Milan arena's ongoing construction highlights logistical challenges in hosting the Winter Olympics. Despite assurances from IOC officials that there is 'no chance' the venue won't be ready, visible signs of incomplete work—such as exposed wiring and uninstalled scoreboards—suggest a tight timeline. This situation underscores the risks of last-minute preparations, which could impact event quality and athlete safety. The delay may also influence international participation, especially if the venue's readiness affects the overall perception of the Games' organization. The fact that NHL players are still being encouraged to participate indicates confidence, but the proximity of the event raises questions about operational margins. Overall, Milan's experience reflects broader issues faced by host cities balancing ambitious infrastructure projects with tight deadlines, which could set a precedent for future Olympic planning.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that the Santa Giulia Arena remains an active construction site less than a month before the Olympics, with test events revealing incomplete work. Meanwhile, The Japan Times quotes IOC officials confidently stating there is 'no chance' the venue will not be ready, despite recent issues like a briefly stopped Italian Cup match due to a hole. Luc Tardif, president of the International Ice Hockey Federation, expressed optimism about NHL participation, emphasizing the importance of top players for the competition. The contrasting tone between the two sources reflects a common narrative: official assurances versus visible signs of delay, highlighting the logistical tension in Milan's Olympic preparations.
How we got here
The Santa Giulia Arena in Milan is set to host key Winter Olympics events, including ice hockey. Unlike previous Olympics, Milan's venue faced delays, with first test matches occurring only 28 days before the opening. Construction issues and tight schedules have raised concerns about readiness, but organizers insist the venue will be prepared.
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The 2026 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XXV Olympic Winter Games, and commonly known as Milano Cortina 2026, is a forthcoming international multi-sport event that is scheduled to take place from 6 to 22 February 2026 in the Italian cities of Mil