In Milan, preparations for the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympics are facing challenges, as the Milano Santagiulia hockey arena struggles to meet its completion deadline. Despite the late-day sun casting a golden hue on the arena’s exterior, the reality of unfinished construction looms large just weeks before the scheduled hockey games.
Construction workers, clad in green and yellow safety gear, wearily wrapped up their day’s work, signaling the ongoing race against time to finish the arena. Amidst the buzzing activity, an older man named Michel, stationed in his makeshift cantina, provided a moment of respite for the laborers as they paused for espresso breaks.
Concerns have been raised by the NHL regarding the arena’s dimensions and ice quality, potentially jeopardizing the participation of professional players in the Olympics. However, organizers remain optimistic and are working to address these issues before the test event in early January. The surrounding area of Santa Giulia, in a phase of urban transition, presents a mix of decaying buildings and new developments, adding a contrasting backdrop to the arena’s construction site.
As the construction site bustles with activity, the challenges of completing the arena amidst its gritty surroundings are evident. The scene is marked by piles of rubble, abandoned developments, and a sense of disarray that overshadows the arena’s progress. Despite these obstacles, the workers press on, with the hope of seeing the Milano Santagiulia arena ready to welcome visitors and athletes in time for the Olympics.