Leveraging Existing Infrastructure for a New Olympic Model

As preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina accelerate, organizers are emphasizing a departure from customary Games planning. Commission members recently inspected the Milan Olympic Village and the Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena, two of the few new venues being constructed. Remarkably,85% of competition venues already exist,reflecting a commitment to utilizing established infrastructure and regional expertise – a strategy aligned with the Olympic Agenda 2020 reforms.

This approach minimizes construction costs and environmental impact, while maximizing the benefits for host communities.The coming months will see a series of test events, training exercises, and simulations to refine operational readiness for the Games.

Commitment to Environmental Sustainability

The Milano Cortina Games are prioritizing environmental responsibility. All 13 competition venues will be powered by 100% renewable electricity, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable sourcing. Organizers are prioritizing environmental and social criteria in procurement, and are actively pursuing rental options over outright purchases. Approximately 20,000 venue items will be re-used from the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, further reducing the Games’ environmental footprint.

Lasting Benefits for Local Communities

Beyond the sporting events themselves, the Games are already generating positive socio-economic impacts. National sports promotion programs have spurred increased physical activity among Italians, reaching record levels of participation. Significant investment is also being directed towards urban regeneration and infrastructure improvements, particularly in mountain regions.

The Milan olympic Village, built on the site of a former railway yard, will be transformed into Italy’s largest student housing complex after the Games, providing a lasting legacy for the city. in the mountain areas, upgrades to health and community services are underway, alongside the installation of new electrical infrastructure designed to enhance regional resilience. Accessibility improvements are also progressing across the Milan metro system, the Verona Arena and surrounding areas, and facilities in Trento and Bolzano.