Renowned ballet artist Roberto Bolle is set to star in the closing ceremony of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, which promises to embody the theme of “Beauty in Motion.” Scheduled for February 22 at the historic Arena di Verona, a remarkable ancient Roman amphitheater recognized as one of the oldest performance venues globally, the event will pay homage to the UNESCO World Heritage site and its renowned summer opera festival.
Artistic director Alfredo Accatino shared insights during a recent announcement, emphasizing the ceremony’s dual focus on honoring athletic excellence and addressing the pressing issue of climate change. Accatino expressed concern about the impact of climate change on the future of the Winter Olympics, remarking, “If the climate continues to change, there won’t be Winter Olympics anymore.” The stage for the ceremony will be creatively designed in the shape of a water droplet, symbolizing the connection between the Alpine venues and the lush Po River Valley alongside the nearby Venetian lagoon.
Bolle, who showcased his talent during the opening ceremony of the Turin Winter Olympics in 2006, is a prominent figure at the Arena, hosting his beloved annual gala, “Roberto Bolle and Friends.” So far, he is the only confirmed performer for the closing event.
The 2026 Winter Games, running from February 6 to 22, will be historic as Milan and Cortina serve as joint host cities. Notably, the opening and closing ceremonies will take place in different locations, with the opening festivities slated for Milan. The inclusion of Verona in the Olympic lineup has generated excitement, particularly among delegations accustomed to traditional sports venues. Giovanni Malagò, president of the local organizing committee, underscored Verona’s significance, stating, “This will be a great advertisement for Verona.”
The enchanting city, with its picturesque cobbled streets along the Adige River and scenic background of pre-Alpine mountains, is positioned to draw considerable attention from Olympic visitors. Mayor Damiano Tommasi noted the increasing interest in hotel bookings, signifying that Verona will likely be a bustling hub during the Games.
Strategically located about an hour and 15 minutes by train from Milan, where ice sports will be held, and just over three hours by car from Bormio and Cortina—hosting men’s and women’s downhill events, curling, and bobsledding—Verona’s appeal continues to grow. Organizers are in the process of finalizing ticket allocations for the closing ceremony, with the Arena typically accommodating around 15,000 spectators during its opera season; however, this number will be reduced for the Olympics due to the design of the central stage and reserved seating for athletes and officials.
This innovative approach to the Olympics emphasizes the importance of cultural collaboration and celebration of sports, promising an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression long after the events conclude. The anticipation surrounding the Olympics in Verona adds an exciting chapter to the storied history of the Games.