Milan arena tests boost Olympic confidence

Test games at Milan’s new Santagiulia arena produced positive assessments, easing concerns about whether the venue will be ready to host Olympic ice hockey and the anticipated return of NHL players to the Winter Games after a 12‑year absence. The 15,300‑seat arena staged weekend matches—drawing about 4,000 spectators per game during the Final Four of Italy’s Championship and the national cup—during which officials and an NHL delegation that had earlier flagged ice‑quality and facility worries reported encouraging feedback. Organizers said a minor interruption on the opening night, caused by a small hole near one goal that was promptly repaired, did not affect confidence in the venue’s readiness.

Santagiulia’s construction has been dogged by delays linked to permitting, design changes and rising costs, and interior work remains in progress: hospitality zones, locker rooms and permanent media facilities are not yet fully fitted out, with some media areas still operating on a temporary basis. Local organizing chief Andrea Varnier acknowledged that behind‑the‑scenes areas and surrounding works might not be entirely finished before the Games, but stressed accelerated work and contingency arrangements are in place to secure operational needs for competition and broadcasting. IOC inspectors and federation officials reported visible improvements during recent visits and said remaining timelines are tight but achievable.

The arena was designed to serve both the immediate demands of Olympic competition and a long‑term legacy role for elite hockey and major events in Milan. Organizers emphasized that structural elements are largely complete and that finishing installations are being prioritized to meet the technical standards required by the International Ice Hockey Federation and stakeholders from the NHL and NHL Players’ Association. Those stakeholders have stressed that logistics, ice quality, player facilities and broadcast infrastructure are decisive factors for confirming NHL participation; organizers reported close coordination to satisfy those requirements.

The prospect of NHL stars returning to the Olympics has added urgency: their presence would significantly raise the tournament’s profile and fan interest, making Santagiulia a focal point of Games preparations. Officials said test events would continue to validate arena systems and operations, while contingency plans remain ready should further adjustments be needed.