Feb 22 • 21:52 UTC 🇩🇪 Germany SZ

Closing Ceremony of the Winter Games: There's Ice Again Instead of ICE

The article discusses the renaming of venues for the Winter Olympics, highlighting the closing ceremony held at the historic Arena di Verona, which faced the compromise of being referred to as 'Verona Olympic Arena.'

The article reviews the unique tradition of renaming stadiums during the Olympics, as seen with the recent Winter Games. Notably, the closing ceremony took place at the Arena di Verona, an ancient Roman amphitheater renowned for its well-preserved structure and cultural significance. This venue, which has been a regular concert site since 1913, required it to be labeled 'Verona Olympic Arena' for the event, raising questions about respect and significance in naming conventions.

The closing ceremony itself featured operatic characters and a selection of Italian music, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the host nation. It was characterized by a mix of volunteer contributions, showcasing community spirit and the arts while marking the culmination of the Winter Olympics. The choice of venue also emphasized a return to classical roots within modern sporting events, reminding audiences of Italy's deep historical connections to art and performance.

Additionally, the article touches on the implications of sponsor branding overshadowing historical significance in venue naming, reflecting a broader conversation about commercialization in sports. By renaming arenas for branding purposes, there is a potential loss of heritage and identity which the author critiques, suggesting that despite the celebration of sports, the intrinsic value of cultural landmarks remains paramount.

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