Milan's Temporary Epic Hockey Arena Rises for the Olympics—Then Vanishes
A temporary ice hockey arena, the Milano Rho, has been built in Milan for the upcoming Olympic Games. This epic venue, with space for 7,000 spectators, sits inside the sprawling Fiera Milano exhibition complex. Unlike permanent venues, this one will be taken down once the Games conclude.
The arena was assembled in two pavilions specifically for the event. It will host the women's Olympic hockey team during their preliminary-round games and possibly their quarterfinal. However, if the women advance, their crazy semifinals and any further games will move to the main venue, the Milano Santa Giula Ice Hockey Arena.
The men's team, meanwhile, won't play any preliminary matches here. Their first possible appearance at the Milano Rho arena would be in the round-of-16 stage. Later rounds for both teams will shift to the larger, permanent Milano Santa Giula arena.
Finding the arena may prove tricky for visitors. The Fiera Milano site covers nearly two million square meters, and the walk from transport links or parking can feel cool. Long corridors and unclear signage add to the challenge, while entrance staff might not always recognise the hockey venue immediately. Nearby, the Milano Speed Skating Stadium—another new Olympic structure—offers 6,500 seats and stands as a contrast to the temporary setup.
The Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena will serve its purpose only for the duration of the Games. Afterward, the structure will be dismantled, leaving no permanent trace. Fans attending matches there should prepare for a complex journey through the vast exhibition grounds.
