NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
NHL and NHLPA officials said they are encouraged by progress on Italy’s “still under construction” ice hockey rink for the 2026 Winter Olympics next month, even as fans on social media continue to mock the arena’s construction amid growing scrutiny as the Games approach.
The NHL’s long-awaited return to the Winter Olympics has been overshadowed by criticism over the construction of the Santagiulia ice hockey arena, which will welcome the league’s players to the Games for the first time in more than a decade.
Exterior view of the construction site of the Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena, where the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics ice hockey competition will take place. The photo was taken in Milan, Italy, Sunday, January 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Last month, NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly doubled down on warnings about the league’s participation in the Games, saying players would not travel to Italy if the rink was deemed unsafe.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Concerns about the size and construction timeline of the main rink surfaced in the weeks leading up to his comments, with Daly emphasizing that he was “cautiously optimistic” that the rink would be completed on time.
But officials seemed happy with the rink after last weekend’s test events. Fans continued their criticism, however, with many mocking the arena’s unusually small giant behemoth.
“The Olympic hockey rink in Milan is finally finished,” reads one on X. “Instead of installing a jumbotron, they opted for an iPad.”
“UPDATE, They finally finished the Olympic hockey rink by hanging a refurbished iPad Mini from the ceiling so people can watch the highlights,” another post read.
The Milan Santagiulia ice hockey arena is seen for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The photo was taken on Friday January 9, 2026. (Gian Mattia D’Alberto/LaPresse via AP)
NHL DEPUTY COMMISSIONER DOUBLES IMPLEMENTATION ON OLYMPIC CONCERNS, SAYS PLAYERS ‘WON’T GO’ IF THE ICE IS JUST DANGEROUS
The Athletic’s Chris Johnston shared several updates on social media from inside the rink. In an article, which featured the controversial jumbotron, Johnston praised the “good sightlines and acoustics”.
But fans were quick to point out the screen size.
“It’s not a jumbotron, it’s just a tron,” one user commented.
“What is this, a Jumbotron for ants?!”
The Milan Santagiulia ice hockey arena is seen for the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The photo was taken on Friday January 9, 2026. (Gian Mattia D’Alberto/LaPresse via AP)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
The NHL and NHLPA released a joint statement calling the weekend’s test events a “good test run” that “provided important insight into the current status” of construction. But the statement also revealed that there is still work to be done before the matches begin on February 5.
“While challenges are inherent with new ice and a site still under construction, we hope that the work needed to resolve any remaining issues will continue around the clock,” they said in a statement. “The NHL and NHLPA will continue to monitor the situation, ready to consult and provide advice on the work being done to ensure the local organizing committee, the IOC and the IIHF deliver a tournament and playing conditions worthy of the world’s best players.”
