MILAN, Feb 21 – As the Winter Olympics conclude and temporary ice facilities face removal, Milan officials have revealed ambitious plans to construct a lasting ice arena that will preserve the Games’ impact and provide a home base for professional hockey.
Responding to demands from both athletes and local residents, city leaders this week announced their proposal for a new facility featuring 5,000 seats and a regulation 30×60-meter rink. The arena will be constructed within an exhibition center complex on Milan’s periphery over the next three years.
“This is what we had been asking for a long time, and I believe it would truly complete these Olympics, which have been extraordinary,” Andrea Gios, president of the Italian Ice Sports Federation, told Reuters.
During the Olympics, Milan successfully hosted competitions in figure skating, speed skating, short track, and hockey events across three different locations. These venues, including the recently constructed Santagiulia arena that served as the hockey venue, will now be converted for concerts and alternative sporting events.
Officials plan to establish a temporary ice facility by October before transitioning to a permanent structure, with hopes of attracting a professional hockey franchise to compete in the Ice Hockey League against teams from Austria, Slovenia, and Italy.
The unexpected announcement followed widespread criticism from Italian competitors and Milan citizens who expressed disappointment about losing access to permanent ice sports facilities after the Olympics concluded.
Gios revealed conversations with North American investors who have expressed interest in funding a professional Milan hockey team, which would require approximately 5 million euros ($5.9 million) annually to operate.
The proposed facility would also accommodate major figure skating and short-track competitions while serving as a training center for developing athletes.
Italian speed skaters achieved remarkable success at these Games, with Francesca Lollobrigida capturing gold in both the 3,000 and 5,000-meter events and the men’s team pursuit squad also claiming victory. However, these athletes will lose access to domestic indoor training facilities once the Olympics conclude.
While constructing a speed skating facility with a full 400-meter track would be extremely costly and financially uncertain compared to a multipurpose venue, Gios indicated that officials would explore options with private investors who have previously shown interest.
Until permanent facilities are established, Italy’s elite speed skaters will continue training partially overseas at venues like the indoor track in Inzell, Germany.
“I know it’s not easy to keep a facility like ours open, but of course it’s disappointing,” Lollobrigida commented regarding the Olympic venue. “If our results don’t speak for us, there’s nothing more we can do.”
