Winter Olympics in Beleaguered Milan Cortina, at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena & Men’s Schedule

Photo by Arup and David Chipperfield Architects

The Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, a centerpiece for the 2026 Winter Olympics, emerged from significant construction hurdles, barely making it in time for the games. Initially troubled by delays and last-minute fixes, the arena is finally ready to host teams, though reactions from players and organizers reflect mixed feelings.

Arena Condition: A Work in Progress

Final touches were still being applied just days before the Olympics kicked off. The 11,600-seat Santagiulia Arena, one of the largest venues, was contentious due to ongoing construction, which led to it being described as chaotic and frantic. Reports indicated that areas within the facility were still strewn with construction materials and dust, leaving paint odors lingering in the air.

Player Reactions: From Skepticism to Acceptance

On the first official game day (February 5, 2026), players described the rink’s ice surface as unusually soft, making it feel like skating on an "indoor lake." Pierre-Édouard Bellemare, captain of the French team, noted the ice quality was "decent" but acknowledged that players might experience adaptations due to the unique conditions. He commented, “It does feel like you're on a lake a little bit,” referencing the shallow construction underneath the ice.

Despite initial concerns, players have rallied to maintain a positive outlook. Bellemare remarked that he remained optimistic despite the potential shortcomings, saying, “It’s going to be the same for every team.” This sentiment was echoed by other players who are ready to adapt to the conditions, emphasizing that every venue presents its own challenges.

Organizational Challenges and Forward Movement

Don Moffatt, the ice master responsible for getting the rink ready, described his experiences as daunting, comparing it to “a horror story” filled with challenges. He faced a frantic timeline and a muddy Zamboni entrance just a few days before the opening game. However, he expressed relief at seeing the arena come together, stating that the ice's final condition was satisfactory, and he felt confident about its readiness for competition.

Olympic organizers emphasized that while the arena's aesthetics may not have been ideal, functionally, it was equipped to host the scheduled matches. They assured audiences that any necessary cosmetic improvements would be made after the games, allowing the focus to remain on the athletic competition.

Men's Hockey Schedule

• February 11, 2026

  • 10:40 AM: Slovakia vs. Finland

  • 3:10 PM: Sweden vs. Italy

• February 12, 2026

  • 11:10 AM: Switzerland vs. France

  • 3:10 PM: Czech Republic vs. Canada

  • 3:10 PM: Latvia vs. USA

• February 13, 2026

  • 11:10 AM: Finland vs. Sweden

  • 3:40 PM: France vs. Czech Republic

  • 8:10 PM: Canada vs. Switzerland

• February 14, 2026

  • 11:10 AM: Sweden vs. Slovakia

  • 3:40 PM: Finland vs. Italy

  • 8:10 PM: USA vs. Denmark

• February 15, 2026

  • 11:10 AM: Switzerland vs. Czech Republic

  • 3:40 PM: Canada vs. France

  • 8:10 PM: USA vs. Germany

• February 17, 2026

  • Qualification playoff rounds, 6:10 AM and 3:10 PM.

• February 18, 2026

  • Quarterfinals at 6:10 AM and 10:40 AM.

• February 20, 2026

  • Semifinals at 10:40 AM and 3:10 PM.

• February 21, 2026

  • Bronze medal game at 2:40 PM.

• February 22, 2026

  • Gold medal game at 8:10 AM.

A Shared Olympic Experience

The anticipation surrounding the Milan Cortina Olympics has highlighted the resilience and adaptability of athletes and organizers alike. While the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena faced a tumultuous journey to completion, both players and management are now focusing on the excitement of the games rather than past frustrations. The commitment from all involved signifies a determination to rise above the initial challenges, transforming the arena into a focal point of Olympic spirit and camaraderie.

The overall sentiment is one of enthusiasm despite the hurdles, embodying the essence of the Olympic spirit: competing together amidst adversity. As attention shifts to the performance, the resilience of the Santagiulia Arena serves as a reminder of the hard work that culminates in global competition.