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2026 Winter Olympics Kick Off Amid Last-Minute Preparations

2/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics begin tomorrow as organizers rush to finish venues, including the Cortina sliding centre and Milan's ice hockey arena.
The total cost has reached $6.7 billion, higher than initial estimates but still below the Sochi and Beijing budgets.
Organizers expect two million spectators and a 160% rise in tourism in Northern Italy, framing the Games as infrastructure investment.

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Story summary

The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics begin tomorrow as organizers rush to finish venues, including the Cortina sliding centre and Milan's ice hockey arena.
The total cost has reached $6.7 billion, higher than initial estimates but still below the Sochi and Beijing budgets.
Organizers expect two million spectators and a 160% rise in tourism in Northern Italy, framing the Games as infrastructure investment.