Milan's Winter Olympics: A Tale of Glamour and Indifference
Milan is currently parading its undeniable beauty and opulence during the Winter Olympics, with centuries-old majestic streets gleaming under the sun and luxury brands like Prada, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren dominating every corner. The city boasts no shortage of Michelin Guide restaurants, making it clear why London has been haemorrhaging non-doms and wealthy investors to this glorious metropolis. However, beneath this glittering surface lies a surprising quietness that feels almost eerie for an Olympic event.
A Surprisingly Subdued Atmosphere
The expected buzz of the Games is conspicuously absent. Squint hard, and you might spot the occasional sports jersey peeking out from behind gilets and Barbour jackets, but the overall vibe is far from electric. On the eve of a Monday ice hockey game, wandering through the city centre in search of a bar to connect with fellow fans proves futile—shops are shuttered, and most bars remain closed, with no exceptions made for the Olympics.
Just before giving up, a trusty Irish pub with lights still on offers a last-minute refuge, where the last seat at the bar is snatched up. On the TV, a Serie A football match plays, and a visitor from Los Angeles—part of the team organizing the 2028 Summer Olympics—sits nearby, here to glean lessons. He confidently asserts that the vibe in LA will be vastly superior, promising an electric atmosphere from the moment of touchdown, with every bar open late and streets alive with parties. By 10pm, the pub is jam-packed, running out of Guinness, and when asking the bartender for alternatives, the response is a curt dismissal as her shift ends.
Construction Delays and Operational Hiccups
The next morning, heading to the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena reveals a reality check. Faithful to stereotypes of Italian efficiency, the new hockey arena wasn't fully completed by the Games' start. Loose wires dangle from the ceiling, and the capacity falls several thousand below planned due to unmet deadlines for building stands. One end lacks seats entirely, replaced by a giant black wall, perhaps an attempt to hide the unfinished state from TV cameras.
Issues extended to the rink itself, which had non-standard dimensions, prompting the NHL to threaten withholding players mere weeks before the Games over this and a failed ice quality test—concerns that were eventually placated. Inside the stadium, "future market" food shops employ a high-tech system similar to London's now-closed Amazon Fresh stores, using cameras and sensors to charge customers as they exit, aiming to speed up snack queues.
However, sponsorship restrictions limit payments to Visa cards only, confounding American hockey fans armed with Amex and leading to longer queues. While the mood inside the venue is fantastic, the rest of Milan continues to shrug its shoulders, highlighting a stark contrast between Olympic glamour and local apathy.
