Will Milan-Cortina 2026 deliver a low-cost Winter Games?

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Milan-Cortina 2026 Aims for a Low-Cost Winter Games by Leveraging Existing Infrastructure

Milan-Cortina 2026 organisers are committed to delivering a cost-effective Winter Games, a significant departure from the substantial expenditures seen in recent Olympic events. This approach prioritises the utilisation of existing venues and the conversion of temporary facilities into long-term assets, aiming to minimise both financial outlay and environmental impact. The estimated final cost for the Games is 5.2 billion euros, with a substantial portion allocated to infrastructure development and the remainder for staging the event itself.
Emphasis on Existing and Reusable Venues

A core strategy for managing costs involves maximising the use of pre-existing sports facilities. This commitment is highlighted by the decision to host the closing ceremony at the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Verona, a venue that requires no new construction. By avoiding the creation of new, potentially underutilised, dedicated venues, organisers intend to reduce both immediate expenditure and future maintenance burdens.
Innovative Facility Conversions

The Games will feature limited new construction. The Milano Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena is one such new venue, designed to be a multi-purpose facility post-Games. Furthermore, for speed-skating events, two exhibition halls at the Milan fair grounds are being temporarily adapted, circumventing the need for a standalone arena that might see little use after the event. This pragmatic approach extends to athlete accommodation, with the Milan Village slated for conversion into university dormitories after the Games conclude.
Economic and Environmental Considerations

The focus on existing infrastructure and adaptable venues is directly linked to controlling expenses and reducing the environmental footprint, a contrast to the high costs associated with events like Sochi 2014 (at least US$40 billion), Pyeongchang 2018 (over US$12 billion), and Beijing 2022 (around US$38 billion including infrastructure). The Milan-Cortina Games have budgeted 3.5 billion euros for infrastructure and 1.7 billion euros for staging the event, with a total projected cost of 5.2 billion euros. Cortina will utilise 377 prefabricated modules for accommodation, a practical solution for rapid deployment and potential reuse.

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Will Milan-Cortina 2026 deliver a low-cost Winter Games?

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