SVT Sport visited the Santa Giulia hockey arena in Milano just days before the Olympic ice hockey tournament begins on February 5. While site manager Veronika Muhlhofer remains optimistic after successful January test matches, one builder doubts completion on time amid round-the-clock work by over 1,000 laborers.
Following earlier NHL concerns over construction delays at the Santa Giulia arena—detailed in prior coverage—the venue for the 2026 Milano Winter Olympics hockey tournament is in final stages days before the women's event starts on February 5. Both Tre Kronor teams will play there in the 16,000-seat facility.
SVT Sport's visit revealed workers painting, cleaning, and polishing around the clock. Site manager Veronika Muhlhofer expressed confidence: 'We are just polishing now. It's being painted and cleaned, but already you can see what a beautiful arena it is.' She addressed past headlines on delays, noting January test matches satisfied players and impressed NHL representatives.
Builder Luca, among the 1,000+ in shifts, was skeptical: 'I don't think we'll finish on time.' The high-stakes atmosphere underscores ongoing challenges ahead of puck drop.