The territorial dimension given the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics

Abstract

The following chapter will observe the preliminary results concerning the territorial dimension given the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.  Development and expansion policies include the mega-event within territory production through processes of re-territorialisation and de-territorialisation (Dansero, Mela 2007), reifying areas already subject to environmental, social and economic pressures.  Therefore, the inclusion of Livigno, Bormio, Cortina, Predazzo and Tesero as host locations for the 2026 Winter Olympics will allow the spatial dimension of the Olympic event to be analysed.  Furthermore, the ordinary fragilities of the mountains and the impact of mega events as catalysts of territorial transformations will be considered when considering the Cortina cluster.

Vision and design of the Olympic event

The candidature of Milan-Cortina 2026 has been designed according to the IOC’s Agenda 20220 and the New Norm, the reform intended to implement long-term sustainability and flexibility in 2018. Two cities, Milan and Cortina, have the support of three regions – Lombardy, Veneto, and Trentino-Alto Adige.  The following peculiarities of the Olympic space (a large metropolitan centre and three mountain areas spread across three regions) have introduced a diffuse and unusual spatial distribution for the winter edition of the world’s most eagerly awaited sports event.

The candidature dossier promotes the event as the most sustainable event that will inspire change for future generations.  Thus, one can see how the committee wants to make the most of the strength of the Games to promote a broad area that will be a stimulus for the metropolitan community and the city of Milan. 

The candidature of Milan-Cortina is based on five strategic objectives that should bring a series of benefits to the host communities: 

1.         Games for all

2.         Sustainable development and cooperation in the Alpine macro-region

3.         Promoting the Olympic spirit

4.         The Alps as a crucial sports pole

5.         Strengthening the Olympic brand and adding value to the Olympic Movement

Finally, the inclusion of the town of Cortina d’Ampezzo is crucial for holding the event, which, besides being an international sports destination since 1956, is also a fundamental part of the Olympic space that will undergo the most invasive infrastructural interventions.  Cortina will experience a profound urban transformation without public debate and social and economic assessments.

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Keywords

• Olympic Games
• Territorial planning
• Milan-Cortina
• Regionalisation
• Olympic legacy

How to Cite

della Sala, V. (2024). Milan-Cortina 2026 and the Spatial Dimension. InTurin’s Olympic Legacy The 2006 Winter Games and the Piedmont Region. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-9064-7_7

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