Forget about thin ice. At present, there is no ice in sight.
As NHL players gear up for their return to the Olympics after more than ten years, the construction of the primary hockey arena for the Milan-Cortina Games is racing against time.
Local organizers have informed The Associated Press that the primary test event for the 16,000-seat Santagiulia arena, originally planned for December, has been relocated to a smaller venue. Additionally, there is no new test event scheduled as of now.
This development raises concerns that the main arena may not host a game until the women’s preliminary round competition kicks off at the Olympics on Feb. 5, just one day before the opening ceremony.
“It’s going to be very tight leading up to the games; the timeline is extremely close. However, we were aware of this,” stated Andrea Varnier, CEO of the Milan-Cortina local organizing committee.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, speaking after the league’s board of governors meeting on Wednesday, deferred questions regarding the construction timeline to the International Olympic Committee and International Ice Hockey Federation.
“We’ve been concerned about the progress of the rinks, especially the main one, for the past two years. Nevertheless, it falls under the responsibility of the IOC,” Bettman remarked. “While we are guests, our concerns have been communicated, and we anticipate that all promises will be fulfilled to ensure a top-notch competitive facility.”
Bettman emphasized that the event does not belong to the NHL and any concerns will be shared with the Players’ Association if needed.
“Our actions are limited in what we can demand, but if a point is reached, we will address it,” Bettman stated. “However, we have been consistently assured by the IOC and the IIHF that everything will be in order.”
Concession stands, washrooms not being tested
The event designated to test the Santagiulia ice was initially tied to the under-20 world championship taking place from Dec. 8-14. Due to the situation, this event has been relocated to the Rho Fiera hockey venue, located within a vast convention center on the outskirts of Milan and designated for secondary matches during the games.
Typically, new Olympic venues undergo testing at least a year prior to hosting medal events. In the case of a large hockey arena, the preparation extends beyond the ice surface to ensure the playing area is safe and ready. This also involves testing concession stands, restrooms, and other facilities within the modern arena.
The Santagiulia venue, constructed by a private entity, is set to become Italy’s largest indoor arena. Post-Olympics, it is being considered as a potential host for the ATP Finals tennis event.
Despite the delays and uncertainties, premium tickets are already on sale for events at the Santagiulia arena. Tickets for the men’s gold medal game on Feb. 22, the final day of the games, are priced as high as 1,400 euros (over $1,600). This surpasses the cost of any other sports event at the Milan-Cortina Games, with only the opening and closing ceremonies commanding higher prices.
The return of NHL players to the Olympics was
