Olympics-Size of new Milan ice hockey arena defended by organisers
Posted on: Dec 09, 2025 01:49 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
milano, italia, - The sizing of the 2026 Milano Cortina overwinter Olympics water ice hockey arena was defended by Games organisers and the International Ice Hockey Federation on Monday after reports that it was shorter than the standard used in NHL venues.
The debate about dimensions is the latest cloud over the Santagiulia Arena in Milan, after building delays mean test events won't be held until January 9-11, less than a month before the Games open.
Sports website The Athletic reported last week that the size of the surface rink had fuelled concerns about safety as elite NHL players return to the Olympics for the first time since 2014.
According to The Athletic, the IIHF approved a 60-metre by 26-metre surface in Milan, which is more than three feet shorter than the 200-foot length required by the NHL.
The surface is a fraction wider than NHL specifications but the concern is that is not enough to compensate for the shorter rink in a sport where high-speed collisions are frequent.
"While these dimensions differ slightly from a typical NHL rink, they are consistent with IIHF regulations, match the rink size used at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and are fully consistent with the dimensions the NHL requires as part of its Global Series Game arena specifications," the federation said in a statement released by the Milano Cortina Foundation.
NHL players last took part in the Olympics in Sochi, Russia, in 2014. Four years later, the NHL and International Olympic Committee could not agree on who would pay for travel and other agreements for the 2018 Olympics in South Korea, while COVID restrictions kept them from Beijing four years ago.
Progress on the Santagiulia venue has emerged as the main headache in the run-up to the Olympics, which will be co-hosted by Milan and the alpine resort of Cortina d'Ampezzo from February 6-22.
Located in the south-east of Milan, the arena will have around 15,000 seats. It is one of two ice hockey venues and is scheduled to host the gold medal games.
It will be inaugurated in January when it hosts the Final Four events in Italy's IHL Hockey League Serie A Championship and the 2025/2026 Italian Cup.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.