Off The Podium - An Olympics Podcast · Ben Waterworth, Colin Hilding & Jarrod Loobeek

Episode 529 - OTP Newscast 29

·1 hr 16 min·7 clips

Raphael Spath describes the Milano ice hockey arena as a mess with missing locker rooms and a tiny video screen.

This episode is a news roundup about the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted by Ben and featuring German Olympic expert Raphael Spath. They discuss the latest developments and concerns as the Games approach. The primary focus is the severely unfinished state of the new Santa Giulia ice hockey arena in Milan, which recently held a test event. Journalist Brian Pinelli, who was on-site, reports the ice surface was playable but is slightly smaller than a standard NHL rink. Only about six of the planned fourteen locker rooms are complete, and the venue's capacity has been reduced from 14,000 to roughly 12,000 seats. Many spectator amenities like concession stands and bathrooms are not functional, and a tiny video screen makes it difficult for players and fans to see the game clock. Construction dust and open areas are still prevalent throughout the building. The hosts express bewilderment that a venue could be in such a state just weeks before the Olympics, contrasting it with past Games like Sochi. They also share news about the Opening Ceremony, confirming Andrea Bocelli will perform and speculating about Mariah Carey's role. The official Games theme music, "Fantasia Italiana" by Dardas, is previewed. The episode concludes with somber tributes to Norwegian biathlete Stian Bakken and Swiss snowboarder Ueli Kestenholz, who both recently passed away. A surprising claim is that NHL players, excited for their Olympic return, reportedly don't mind the poor arena conditions. The discussion reveals that the ice rink's smaller size might advantage teams like Switzerland that play a physical, less finesse-based game. Brian Pinelli notes that some players entered the test event with low expectations and were ultimately pleased the hockey itself was possible. The hosts humorously question the logic of announcing performers like Mariah Carey beforehand, arguing it removes an element of surprise from the ceremony. They also express concern that the hockey arena could become a financial "white elephant" for Italy after the Games, given the country's limited ice hockey culture. The tone is conversational and opinionated, blending expert analysis with host banter and genuine concern over logistical issues. The style is a fast-paced news digest, incorporating a pre-recorded interview for on-the-ground reporting. Olympic superfans and ice hockey enthusiasts eager for updates on the 2026 Games would find this episode essential. Listeners who prefer polished, narrative-driven podcasts or are sensitive to critical discussions of Olympic planning might want to skip it.

As heard by us

A loose, useful Olympic countdown with real winter-sports nerves.

The episode leans into the long run-up to Milano Cortina, with Olympic pressure, unfinished packing, and winter-sport quotas shaping the mood. Raphael Spath fits the conversation well, giving the countdown some needed texture.

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Why you'd press play

For when the Milano Cortina countdown is already feeling real.

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