The preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy has turned out to be significantly more expensive than expected, with total expenses exceeding $5 billion. This was reported by the general director of the organizing committee, Andrea Varnier.
Initially, the budget for the events was set at $1.3 billion, but during the preparation process, operational costs increased to $1.7 billion. Additionally, about $3.5 billion of state funding has been allocated for the construction and modernization of sports infrastructure.
Varnier also emphasized that the organizers are facing numerous challenges, and not all sports facilities are ready on time. In particular, the hockey arena in Santa Giulia and the luge and bobsleigh center in Cortina are in the final stages of construction. New facilities continue to be built, despite the recommendations from the International Olympic Committee to utilize existing venues in neighboring countries.
The organizing team is actively preparing for the opening of the Olympics, which is scheduled for Friday, despite the tight deadlines.
It is also noted that Kazakhstan has allocated 13.3 billion tenge for the preparation for the Games.
The XXV Winter Olympic Games will take place from February 6 to 22, 2026.
