Milan, Italy – As preparations for the Milano Cortina Olympics are in full swing, the atmosphere at San Siro Stadium was electric on Sunday, with Inter Milan delivering a stellar performance against Bologna. The anticipation is high for the upcoming Opening Ceremony on Feb. 6, hoping for a vibrant display of enthusiasm from the crowd.
Despite Milan’s strong soccer culture with Inter and AC Milan reigning supreme, there are concerns about the city’s reception towards ice hockey and figure skating events. With the Games just a month away, the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics appear to be quieter compared to previous editions. Spread across four clusters in northern Italy, the venues are facing slow ticket sales among locals, creating a sense of understated anticipation.
In Milan, the Olympic buzz is minimal, except for the ongoing construction at the Milano Santagiulia hockey arena. A temporary store in Piazza del Duomo offers a glimpse of the upcoming festivities, but the attention of weekend visitors seems to be captivated by the towering Christmas tree in the square.
The city’s venues for figure skating and long track speed skating are located in Assago, while a second hockey rink and short track speed skating will be situated in Fiera Milano, to the west. Despite the preparations, the venues appeared deserted on Sunday, giving a sense of quiet before the storm.
Apart from the Milano Santagiulia, the athletes’ village in Milan stands as the only purpose-built facility in the city, reflecting a unique blend of modern architecture that divides opinions among locals. Referred to as “Milanograd” by some, the village is nearing completion, offering a glimpse of the accommodations that will host athletes from around the world.
In smaller host cities like Cortina and Livigno, the picturesque mountain backdrops promise a more intimate and festive experience for attendees. However, in bustling Milan, where snow is absent, the focus remains split between the upcoming Olympics and the intense Serie A title battle between Inter and AC Milan.
The Milano Cortina Games represent a shift towards more sustainable mega-events, relying on existing infrastructure to minimize costs and environmental impact. By repurposing venues post-Olympics, such as converting the Olympic village into student housing, the organizers aim to ensure a lasting legacy for the Games.
Despite challenges and uncertainties, the cautious approach taken by Milano Cortina reflects a strategic long-term vision, emphasizing sustainability and practicality over grandeur. As the countdown to the Games continues, optimism and excitement fill the air, symbolized by the vibrant murals adorning the streets, urging athletes and the city of Milan to “PROVE THEM WRONG.”