Main image: David Chipperfield Architects
CTS Eventim, developer and operator of Arena Milano, has installed Luca Martinazzoli as managing director of the new venue that is set to open later this year in the Italian city.
The ticketing and live entertainment company has appointed Martinazzoli to oversee operational management and business development, as well as positioning the venue as Italy’s leading cultural and entertainment destination.
Martinazzoli will now look to build a team to drive the arena’s success, reporting to Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, CEO of CTS Eventim. Arena Milano is scheduled for completion by the end of this year. The venue will host the ice hockey competitions during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, with concerts and major events commencing in spring 2026.
Designed by David Chipperfield Architects and Arup to meet the highest standards of international live entertainment and sports, the arena will seek to redefine the experience for audiences and performers alike.
Martinazzoli brings extensive leadership experience across globally renowned organisations, most recently having served as senior director of business development and strategy at New Guards Group, overseeing operations for the Off-White and Reebok EU brands, since September 2023.
He has also served as general manager at Milano & Partners, the Municipality’s destination agency, and head of city marketing for the Municipality of Milan. Martinazzoli’s career also includes a decade at Nike, where he held senior roles such as category brand director EMEA South and football brand director EMEA.
Schulenberg said: “We are delighted to welcome Luca Martinazzoli to lead Arena Milano at such an exciting time. His proven expertise in branding, strategic planning, and cultural promotion, coupled with his deep understanding of Milan’s unique identity, positions him perfectly to guide the arena’s growth.
“Together, we look forward to shaping a venue that will set new standards for live entertainment and sports, both in Italy and beyond.”
Martinazzoli added: “It is a privilege to lead Arena Milano during this transformative period and to contribute to the renewal of the city with a project that offers an incomparable entertainment experience not only to its inhabitants but also to people from across Italy, Europe, and the world.
“With Milan as a global hub of culture and innovation, the arena presents a unique opportunity to inspire audiences and attract world-class events. I am excited to begin assembling a talented team and working together to create an unparalleled experience for visitors from around the world.”
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for the project in November 2023. The Arena will have a capacity of up to 16,000 and will be Italy’s largest indoor venue when it opens.
CTS Eventim took over the development of the Arena in August 2021. Oak View Group had initially announced the venue as its first European project through a partnership with Live Nation around the time the 2026 Olympic Games were awarded in 2019, but the rights were switched to CTS Eventim.
Share this