Overview
- Local organisers scheduled test events for Jan. 9–11 to check ice quality and arena operations at the new Santagiulia venue.
- Officials acknowledged there is no backup plan if the arena is not ready, saying competitions must proceed at Santagiulia.
- A precise handover date has not been set, with organisers reporting daily monitoring and accelerated construction work.
- The first Olympic hockey game at the site is slated for Feb. 5, leaving roughly four weeks between testing and competition.
- NHL players are expected to participate, and league representatives have inspected the site as concerns about readiness persist.