Verona Arena to Host Spectacular Closing Ceremony for 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics
Verona, known for its association with Romeo and Juliet, will be the setting for the final act of the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics. The ancient Roman Arena will host the Closing Ceremony, where 1,500 athletes will celebrate their achievements amidst Italian music and dance. Acclaimed ballet dancer Roberto Bolle has been preparing for the event, along with 350 volunteers, for a spectacle titled “Beauty in Motion,” highlighting the dynamic nature of beauty and change.
The ceremony will feature performances by Italian artists such as singer Achille Lauro and DJ Gabry Ponte. The Arena, a historic venue dating back to A.D. 1, will provide a unique backdrop for the event. The stage design, inspired by a drop of water, symbolizes the connection between the Olympic mountain venues and the Po River Valley, emphasizing the impact of climate change on the Winter Games.
Verona was chosen as the location for the closing ceremony due to its central location and the historical significance of the Arena. The event promises to be more intimate than the opening ceremony in Milan, with around 12,000 attendees expected. Athletes from the Winter Games will parade through Piazza Bra into the Arena, marking the end of the sporting event.
Italian gold-medal winners Lisa Vittozzi and Davide Ghiotti will carry the Italian flag at the closing ceremony. The ceremony will also include the symbolic handover of the Olympic flag to the next host nation, France. The Olympic flames will be extinguished in Milan and Cortina, with a light show replacing fireworks to protect animals in Verona.
Following the Olympics, the Paralympic opening ceremony will take place at the Verona Arena on March 6. The venue has been retrofitted to accommodate wheelchair access and other safety upgrades for the Paralympic events. The Paralympic competitions will be held in Milan and Cortina until March 15, marking the conclusion of the Winter Games.