2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony Moves to Verona Arena from Milan

The 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremony is moving from Milan to the historic Verona Arena, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This change offers a unique, smaller setting for the event.
By Newsroom | Sports, Events |

The closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics is set to unfold within the historic Verona Arena, a significant departure from the opening ceremony's venue in Milan. This move places the concluding event in a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a distinct atmosphere for the celebration of athletic achievement and international unity. The Verona Arena, a Roman amphitheater with a capacity of around 15,000, will also host the opening ceremony for the Paralympic Games on March 6.

Context: A Shift in Venue

While Milan served as the location for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics, the decision was made to hold the closing ceremony in Verona. This change affects the final moments of the Games, bringing athletes and spectators to a venue rich in history and cultural significance. The Verona Arena, originally built in 30 AD, will be transformed to host this major international event.

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Why is the Winter Olympics closing ceremony taking place in Verona? Reason explained - 1

  • The opening ceremony took place at Milan's San Siro soccer stadium, which accommodated over 60,000 people.

  • The closing ceremony, by contrast, is expected to have an attendance of approximately 12,000, aiming for a more intimate feel.

  • The Verona Arena's historical importance is underscored by its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • The Paralympic opening ceremony is also scheduled to be held at the Verona Arena.

Rationale for Verona's Selection

The choice of Verona for the closing ceremony appears to stem from practical considerations and a desire for a unique setting.

Considerations for Host Cities

The primary host cities for the 2026 Winter Olympics are Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.

Why is the Winter Olympics closing ceremony taking place in Verona? Reason explained - 2

  • Milan: Served as the location for the opening ceremony.

  • Cortina d’Ampezzo: A mountain resort town, it was deemed too small and remote to host the closing ceremony.

Verona Arena's Suitability

The Verona Arena offers a compelling backdrop for the closing ceremony.

  • Its historical significance as an ancient Roman amphitheater is a key draw.

  • The venue provides a capacity suitable for a large, yet potentially more contained, gathering than the opening ceremony.

  • The city of Verona itself carries cultural associations, often linked to the story of Romeo and Juliet.

Key Elements of the Closing Ceremony

The closing ceremony is designed to celebrate the athletes and the spirit of the Games.

  • It will honor all participants, fostering a sense of unity among competing nations.

  • The final Olympic medals of the Winter Olympics, awarded in the women's 50 km classic mass start cross-country skiing event, will be presented during the ceremony.

  • Artistic director Alfredo Accatino has indicated the ceremony will also address the impact of climate change on future Winter Olympic Games.

Preparations and Participants

Preparations for the ceremony have been underway, involving various artistic and official personnel.

  • Roberto Bolle, an acclaimed ballet dancer, has been rehearsing at the Arena di Verona.

  • Around 350 volunteers are involved in the production.

  • Italy has named Lisa Vittozzi and Davide Ghiotti, gold-medal winners, to carry the Italian flag.

Broadcast and Accessibility

Spectators can follow the closing ceremony through various platforms.

  • The event will be streamed on NBCOlympics.com.

  • Peacock will also offer a live stream of the ceremony.

  • Additional viewing options are available through the NBC Olympics app, requiring a TV login.

Sources Used

  • nbcolympics.com: "Olympic Closing Ceremony brings Games to historic Verona Arena" - Published 1 day ago. This article provided details on the venue, its historical significance, capacity, and broadcast information.

  • olympics.com: "Winter Olympics 2026 Closing Ceremony: What time does it start, where can I watch it, and all the other info that you need to know" - Published 2 days ago. This source offered information about the ceremony's purpose, including tributes to participants and medal presentations.

  • independent.co.uk: "Verona to deliver ‘very special’ Olympic closing ceremony" - Published 3 days ago. This article explained the reasoning behind choosing Verona over Cortina d’Ampezzo, citing size and remoteness, and mentioned artistic preparations.

  • nbcchicago.com: "The Olympic Closing Ceremony won't take place in Milan or Cortina. It'll be in another city entirely" - Published 3 days ago. This piece reiterated the shift to Verona and the reason for not using Cortina d’Ampezzo.

  • usatoday.com: "Everything to know about 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremony" - Published 1 day ago. This source detailed the Verona Arena's history and provided information on broadcast platforms.

  • abcnews.go.com: "Verona prepares its ancient arena for the Olympics closing ceremony on Sunday" - Published 4 days ago. This article confirmed Verona as the host city, reiterated the rationale regarding Cortina d’Ampezzo, and named the Italian flag bearers.

  • espn.com: "When is the Winter Olympics closing ceremony? Time, performers" - Published 1 day ago. This source highlighted the venue, its historical context, and the artistic director's comments on addressing climate change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremony being held in Verona Arena and not Milan?
The closing ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics has been moved from Milan to the historic Verona Arena. This decision was made because the Verona Arena offers a unique, UNESCO World Heritage setting and a more intimate atmosphere compared to Milan's larger stadium.
Q: What is the Verona Arena and why was it chosen for the Olympic closing ceremony?
The Verona Arena is an ancient Roman amphitheater built in 30 AD, known for its historical significance and UNESCO World Heritage status. It was chosen for the closing ceremony because it provides a culturally rich backdrop and a suitable capacity for the event, unlike Cortina d’Ampezzo which was too small.
Q: How does the Verona Arena compare to the Milan venue for the opening ceremony?
The opening ceremony was held at Milan's San Siro soccer stadium, which could hold over 60,000 people. The Verona Arena will host the closing ceremony with an expected attendance of around 12,000, creating a more intimate experience.
Q: What will happen at the 2026 Winter Olympics closing ceremony in Verona?
The closing ceremony in Verona will honor all athletes and present the final Olympic medals of the Games. Artistic director Alfredo Accatino plans to address the impact of climate change on future Winter Olympic Games.
Q: Will the Verona Arena also host other events for the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Yes, the Verona Arena will also be the venue for the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games on March 6, 2026. This means the historic site will host two major international sporting event openings.