Milan Cortina 2026 forced to switch women’s ice hockey to new venue

2026 Winter Olympic Games officials have announced another venue switch after plans to renovate the PalaSharp arena were abandoned due to rising costs.

Milan Cortina 2026 will now see the women’s and para ice hockey competitions take place at a temporary facility at the Fiera Milano Rho exhibition complex, which will also host speed skating after renovation plans for Baselga di Pinè were also halted because of rising costs in April.

2026 Games officials said costs to renovate the PalaSharp leapt from the initially budgeted €13m to €26m due to unresolved logistical constraints and increasing material costs. The 10,000-capacity PalaSharp, formerly the home of the Olimpia Milano basketball team, was abandoned in 2011 due to “total degradation”. It was to be known as Milan Hockey Arena during the Olympics.

The Fiera Milano Rho, a complex designed by architect Massimiliano Fuksas, is located in an area on the border between the towns of Rho and Pero. It is due to stage the women’s ice hockey tournaments in two halls that are opposite to the halls that will host speed skating.

The Fiera Milano Rho site is due to undergo a renovation of its own that will facilitate the implementation of an ice rink that meets international standards. Temporary seating is also planned to be added with will bolster the current capacity of 6,500.

“We have arrived at a solution that represents a benchmark in terms of flexibility: a sustainable, innovative choice in line with the identification of Fiera Milano already as a speed skating venue, which will allow Italy to be an example for future editions of the Games,” said Giovanni Malagò, the president of the Milan Cortina 2026 Organising Committee.

“Once again, our thanks go to the institutions and all the stakeholders with whom we partner and who share with us the engaging experience of the journey to the biggest event that Italy will host in the years to come.”

The men’s ice hockey tournament is due to take place at the still under-construction PalaItalia Santa Giulia. It is set to accommodate 15,000 spectators and will be used as a multi-purpose venue once the Games are over.