Milano-Cortina: Venues delivered at the 'final breath'

The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics open tomorrow following a frantic race to complete venues like the Cortina sliding centre and Milan ice hockey arena just in time. While the total cost has climbed to $6.7 billion—exceeding original estimates—it remains significantly lower than the record-breaking budgets of Sochi and Beijing. Despite these financial pressures, organizers view the Games as a vital infrastructure investment expected to draw two million spectators and boost tourism in Northern Italy by 160%.