The organisers of the Paris 2024 Games are not the only ones constantly changing their map of competition venues. The Italians of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games are also getting in on the act. After speed skating, which has moved from Baselga di Pinè to Milan, the women’s ice hockey tournament is now changing its venue. Initially scheduled to take place at the PalaSharp in Milan, it will remain in the Lombardy city, but will in the end be held at the Fiera Milano Rho (photo above), a vast complex that will also house the speed skating oval and the international broadcast centre. In the original project, the PalaSharp was to be completely renovated for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games, but the cost of the work has been rising steadily. At last count, they were expecting €26 million, double the original budget. This option has therefore been abandoned, in favour of the Fiera Milano Rho, where the women’s ice hockey tournament will occupy two halls. The men’s competition will remain at its original venue, the PalaItalia Santa Giulia, which is also currently under construction.
