Agorà, moving forward with the restructuring (but the ice is at risk)
The city government plans to continue with the renovation of the former Agorà ice rink, while facing challenges in attracting investment for its future.
Milan's Sports Commissioner, Martina Riva, has reassured that the plans for the former Agorà ice rink are proceeding as scheduled, with an upcoming tender aimed at revitalizing the facility. The new venue, to be located on via dei Ciclamini, will have a capacity of 3,500 seats, making it more suitable for local sports while also attracting international events. Riva emphasized that these projects can coexist, giving hope to the future of ice sports in the area.
During a recent press conference, Mayor Beppe Sala highlighted the difficulties in finding potential investors for the ice rink's rehabilitation and indicated that the city might consider alternative options for the Agorà's future. Currently, the city council has declared its public interest in a partnership project proposed by Ice Friends, who are known for managing the Ice Academy in nearby San Donato Milanese. This partnership could reignite interest and funding for the Agorà, which has remained closed since 2023.
The significance of this redevelopment goes beyond mere facility upgrades, as it may impact the broader ice sports community in Milan and its ability to host prestigious events. The commitment to revitalizing the Agorà is crucial, not just for maintaining local sports culture but also for stimulating economic activity through boosted tourism and event attendance. However, the uncertainty surrounding investor interest poses a challenge that the city must navigate carefully as it looks to secure a brighter future for the iconic venue.