The International Olympic Committee -IOC- has highlighted the urban and social impact that the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games are expected to generate beyond sport itself. The Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission, Kirsty Coventry, visited the Olympic Village in Milan and praised its design and functionality: “It makes me want to become a winter athlete.” Located in the Porta Romana district, the complex will host 1,700 athletes and, once the Games are over, will be transformed into student housing, affordable residences and community spaces.

The regeneration of Porta Romana has become a flagship project. The Olympic Village is part of a broader strategy that combines housing, public services and retail in one location, ensuring post-Games use. Coventry stressed that the plan reflects “design, culture, history and passion”, in line with the IOC’s Agenda 2020, which encourages the reuse of existing infrastructures and the creation of sustainable legacies.

Italy’s approach contrasts with mixed results from past editions. Athens 2004 left many venues abandoned, while Rio 2016 faced similar issues with costly maintenance. London 2012, on the other hand, became a reference by turning its Olympic Park into a residential and leisure area. The key question for Porta Romana is whether its high real estate value could trigger gentrification and limit access to affordable housing.

Logistics and deadlines on the countdown

The Organising Committee has entered the final phase of venue and facility delivery. In addition to Porta Romana, Olympic Villages will be set up in Cortina, Predazzo, Bormio, Livigno and Anterselva, combining temporary infrastructures with existing sites. Coventry also visited the future ice hockey arena in Milano Santa Giulia, one of the major hubs for competition.

The IOC Coordination Commission has confirmed that progress is on track, although strict deadlines remain. The geographical spread of venues across northern Italy requires detailed planning in transport, accommodation and operations. The logistics plan involves cooperation between regional and local authorities, supported by a multimodal transport system that includes rail connections, alpine roads and shuttle services for athletes and technical staff. Having six different Villages is unusual compared to recent editions, demanding extra coordination for schedules, accreditation and security.

Italy compared with previous Olympic hosts

The model designed for Milano Cortina 2026 is hybrid: it combines targeted investments in new infrastructures with extensive use of existing facilities. This approach diverges from projects such as Sochi 2014 or Beijing 2022, both characterised by large-scale construction, and is closer to Vancouver 2010 and Pyeongchang 2018, where efficiency and community legacy were key priorities.

The declared objective is for Italy to consolidate a model of sustainability and budgetary control that provides long-term benefits. The strategy of multiple Villages and multi-purpose venues aims to balance the sporting appeal of the Games with a positive urban and social impact for the host communities.