At a Glance
- The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics will blanket nearly 10,000 square miles across 14 venues.
- The Verona Olympic Arena-Italy’s third-largest Roman amphitheater-will host opening and closing ceremonies featuring Mariah Carey and Andrea Bocelli.
- The Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena remains unfinished as of January 15, risking NHL player participation.
- The century-old Cortina Sliding Center is being rebuilt to host bobsled, luge, and skeleton events.
Why it matters: Delays at key venues could sideline star athletes and disrupt competition schedules for millions of viewers worldwide.
The countdown is on for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, and organizers are juggling a sprawling geographic footprint, star-studded ceremonies, and last-minute construction hurdles that could reshape the Games before the first puck drops on February 6.
A Tale of Two Cities
Milan, already drawing 8.5 million visitors a year with its cathedrals and couture, will serve as the urban heartbeat of the Games. Its signature venue, the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, is slated to host figure skating, short-track speed skating, and the marquee ice hockey tournaments-including the U.S. Women’s Hockey team’s bid to upgrade their Beijing 2022 silver medal.
Yet the arena’s construction lag has triggered alarms beyond Italy’s borders. The NHL has issued a blunt ultimatum: unless the building passes rigorous safety inspections, its players will not participate. The International Olympic Committee has repeatedly promised the facility will be ready, but the clock is ticking louder each day.
Mountain High, Stakes Higher
A five-hour drive northeast of Milan, the alpine town of Cortina d’Ampezzo-host of the 1956 Winter Olympics-will once again welcome the world. The region’s jagged peaks form the backdrop for alpine skiing events, while the reborn Cortina Sliding Center prepares to welcome bobsled, luge, and skeleton athletes.
Originally feared to miss the completion deadline, the sliding track now appears on track after extensive rebuilding of its century-old structure. The turnaround offers a rare piece of reassuring news amid venue concerns.
Star Power in Stone
The Verona Olympic Arena-an ancient Roman amphitheater ranking third in size across Italy-will stage both the opening and closing spectacles. News Of Fort Worth confirms that Grammy-winning pop icon Mariah Carey and celebrated Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli are locked in as headline performers, promising a blend of global pop and classical grandeur.
Venue Breakdown
| Venue | Location | Status | Events |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verona Olympic Arena | Verona | Complete | Opening & Closing Ceremonies |
| Milano Santagiulia | Milan | Incomplete as of Jan. 15 | Ice Hockey, Figure Skating, Short Track |
| Cortina Sliding Center | Cortina | On schedule | Bobsled, Luge, Skeleton |
| Alpine Skiing Courses | Cortina mountains | Ready | Alpine Skiing |
Key Takeaways
- 14 venues stretch across nearly 10,000 square miles, creating logistical complexity.
- NHL participation hinges on final safety approval of Milano Santagiulia.
- U.S. Women’s Hockey eyes gold after silver in 2022.
- Ceremonies promise A-list entertainment with Carey and Bocelli.
Viewers can catch the opening ceremony live on February 6 on News Of Fort Worth.
