Overview
- The Games run from February 6 to 22 across multiple hubs in northern Italy, with the opening ceremony at Milan’s San Siro and a delivery plan that relies on roughly 85% existing venues.
- Organizers acknowledge tight timelines as infrastructure data indicate about one in four projects risk delay, with a new ice hockey arena test event already postponed, though competition sites are expected to be ready.
- The operating budget has been revised to about €1.7 billion, and Italy plans extensive security operations including air defense oversight and the deployment of nearly 11,000 police and military personnel.
- Environmental scrutiny continues, highlighted by the Cortina sliding track build that required cutting centuries‑old trees and raised concerns about future maintenance costs.
- Team USA projects a 294‑athlete delegation and is stepping up preparations, with leaders expressing confidence in medal prospects as athletes also weigh how they may be received overseas.