Chris Jones provides insights from Italy in anticipation of the Milano Cortina Olympics. The atmosphere at San Siro was vibrant on Sunday night, even after Inter Milan’s victory over Bologna. The anticipation is high for a similar level of enthusiasm during the Opening Ceremony on Feb. 6 at the same venue.
There are concerns about whether Milan, known for its soccer culture with Inter and AC Milan, will embrace sports like hockey and figure skating at the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. With venues spread across four clusters in northern Italy and sluggish ticket sales among locals, the event seems to be lacking in buzz.
In Milan, the presence of the Olympics is minimal, aside from the ongoing construction at the Milano Santagiulia hockey arena. A temporary store at Piazza del Duomo and the athletes’ village are the few reminders of the upcoming games in the city.
Various sports events will take place in different locations around Milan, such as figure skating and long track speed skating in Assago, and hockey and short track speed skating in Fiera Milano in Rho. While the city’s hosting facilities may not be as grand as in past Olympics, efforts are being made to ensure their completion and future use post the games.
Unlike Milan, smaller co-host cities like Cortina and Livigno offer a more intimate and festive setting due to their picturesque mountainous backdrops. However, in Milan, where snow is absent, the focus remains more on the intense Serie A title battle between Inter and AC Milan.
In a shift towards more sustainable mega-events, Milano Cortina is opting for lower-impact strategies by utilizing existing facilities and planning for their post-Olympic use. The cautious approach aims to avoid the pitfalls of previous global competitions that left behind costly, unused infrastructure.
Despite challenges, there is optimism for the future of the Milano Cortina Olympics, with a focus on long-term benefits and sustainability. The event aims to showcase a balance between hosting a successful competition and leaving a positive legacy for the host cities and their communities.