Milan enthusiastically embraced the sport. The capital has been buzzing with speed skating, short-track, figure skating, and ice hockey for the past two weeks. So much so that local authorities announced the construction of a new ice rinkwith a capacity of at least 4.000 spectators. The Santagiulia Arena, which has hosted a good number of hockey games, is in fact destined for another use as it will be converted into a performance venue. Until the construction of a permanent site, starting this fall, a A temporary ice rink will be set up at the Rho Fiera exhibition center., as was already the case during the Games.
« The Olympic Games rekindled a genuine passion for ice sports and sparked extraordinary enthusiasm in Milan and throughout the country. That's why the Fondazione Fiera Milano decided to respond to the numerous requests from institutions, sports federations, athletes, and enthusiasts and citizens, and by making available a space within the exhibition park for the construction of a temporary ice rink “,” confirms Giovanni Bozzetti, president of the Fiera Milano Foundation. The exact location of the future permanent ice rink has not yet been determined.
« A city like Milan cannot do without infrastructure for ice sports., assures Attilio Fontana, president of the Lombardy Region. This conviction was reinforced by the extraordinary enthusiasm shown by the Milanese(…) Milan needs to regain a dedicated infrastructure for ice sports. These are highly valued disciplines, which have given us great satisfaction, particularly during these Olympic Games. »
Meanwhile, Andrea Gios, president of the Italian Ice Sports Federation, mentioned the creation of a new ice hockey team in Milaninvolving North American investors. We have been working on this project for some time, aware that in a city like this, it is necessary to create a high-quality product, which represents a significant cost and requires a long-term investment. " he said at a press conference, welcoming the infrastructure prospects offered.
