IOC says Milan Cortina hockey arena almost ready

The IOC reported that the Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan is nearly ready after a three-day test event, though some finishing work remains; officials and the IIHF said ice quality appeared acceptable ahead of the February tournaments.

The International Olympic Committee said the Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan is nearly ready for the Milan Cortina 2026 Games following a three-day test event. The venue will host Olympic ice hockey as NHL players return to the Games for the first time since 2014. Construction delays had left parts of the site incomplete, and officials acknowledge some interior areas are still unfinished. Organizers and technical experts ran match simulations to assess ice quality and operational readiness. Reported facts: - The ice rink is installed and most seating is in place, while plastic sheeting and unfinished areas remain, including some locker rooms. - IOC Olympic Games Executive Director Christophe Dubi said progress since before Christmas has been significant and that expert oversight was applied to the project. - A three-day test event staged domestic league and cup games to simulate Olympic conditions, including multiple matches in a day. - IIHF President Luc Tardif said the test produced acceptable ice performance and that the federation will produce a report after returning to Zurich. - A delegation from the NHL inspected the arena over the visit and is expected to issue a statement at the end of their inspection; the men’s Olympic hockey tournament is scheduled Feb. 11–22 and the women’s Feb. 5–19. Summary: Officials say the venue has moved from a difficult construction phase to near completion, with test matches indicating acceptable ice quality and major elements like the rink and seating in place. The NHL delegation has completed its visit and an official statement is expected; the IIHF will follow with a report. Olympic hockey tournaments remain scheduled for February.