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NHL and NHLPA officials said they were 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 mounting scrutiny in the run-up to the Games.
The NHL’s long-awaited return to the Winter Olympics has been clouded 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 over a decade.
An exterior view of the construction site for the Santa Giulia Ice Hockey Arena, where the ice hockey competition at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics will take place. The photo was taken in Milan, Italy, on 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.
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Concerns about the size and construction schedule of the primary rink have surfaced in the weeks leading up to his comments, with Daly noting that he was “cautiously optimistic” about the completion of the rink on time.
But officials seemed pleased with the rink after test events this past weekend. However, fans continued their criticism, with many mocking the arena’s unusually small jumbotron.
“The Olympic hockey rink in Milan is finally finished,” read a post on X. “Instead of installing a jumbotron, they chose 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.
Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena for Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is seen. The picture was taken on Friday 9 January 2026. (Gian Mattia D’Alberto/LaPresse via AP)
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The Athletics’ Chris Johnston shared several updates on social media from inside the rink. In a post that featured the controversial jumbotron, Johnston praised the “good sight lines and acoustics.”
But fans were quick to call out the size of the screen again.
“It’s not a jumbotron, it’s just a throne,” one user commented.
“What is this, a Jumbotron for ants?!”
Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena for Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is seen. The picture was taken on Friday 9 January 2026. (Gian Mattia D’Alberto/LaPresse via AP)
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The NHL and NHLPA released a joint statement calling this weekend’s testing 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 game begins on February 5.
“While challenges are inherent with new ice and a site still under construction, we expect the work necessary to resolve any remaining issues to continue around the clock,” they said in a statement. “The NHL and NHLPA will continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to consult and advise on the work being done to ensure that the Local Organizing Committee, the IOC and the IIHF provide a tournament and playing conditions suitable for the world’s best players.”
