Verona Arena to Host Milano-Cortina Final Ceremony

The closing ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina 2026 will occur at the iconic Verona Arena. This significant event marks the culmination of the first “distributed” Winter Olympics, where events took place across various locations.

Significance of the Verona Arena Ceremony

The selection of the Verona Arena as the venue for the final ceremony is a symbolic highlight of these Olympics. Under the theme “Beauty in Action,” the ceremony will showcase a fusion of sports, nature, and cultural heritage. This unique event aims to merge traditional Italian elements with contemporary artistic expressions.

Program Highlights

• The opening will feature renowned Italian dancer Roberto Bolle.
• Performers include Achille Lauro, Gabry Ponte, Benedetta Porcaroli, and Major Lazer.
• Expect a multisensory experience blending dance, opera, and electronic music.

This event promises to transform the solemnity of the occasion into an energetic celebration, reflecting Italy’s rich creative spirit under the night sky of Verona.

Final Medal Standings

The final medal tally of the Milan-Cortina Games shows Norway leading with 41 medals: 18 gold, 12 silver, and 11 bronze. This achievement marks Norway’s eleventh overall win and fourth consecutive in Winter Olympics history.

• United States: 33 medals (12 gold, 12 silver, 9 bronze).
• Netherlands: 20 medals (10 gold, 7 silver, 3 bronze).
• Italy: 30 medals (10 gold, 6 silver, 14 bronze), marking its best performance in history.
• Germany: Fifth place with 26 medals (10 gold, 6 silver, 14 bronze).
• France: Sixth place with 23 medals (8 gold, 9 silver, 6 bronze).

The overall competition saw participation from 29 countries in the medal standings.

Recognition and Acknowledgments

On the final day, the International Olympic Committee awarded the Olympic Order in Gold to Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This honor acknowledges their contributions to the successful execution of the Games.

Meloni expressed national pride and emotional significance regarding the Olympic experience. She thanked the athletes for their dedication and teamwork, which led to notable achievements. Furthermore, she recognized all contributors to the event’s organization.

In a concluding statement, Andrea Varnier, CEO of Milan-Cortina, praised the “distributed Games” model, highlighting the historic participation of 47% female athletes and that 88% of tickets were sold. This extensive organization across 22,000 square kilometers captivated a youthful audience, providing a memorable Olympic experience.

Giovanni Malagò, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee, thanked security forces and management for their exemplary work. He credited the historic performances of Italian athletes as pivotal to the Games’ overall success.