Two Cities Make History by Co-Hosting the Olympics for First Time

This year marks a historic moment in the Olympics, as Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo become the first two cities to co-host the Winter Games. This decision highlights a growing trend, where cities collaborate to manage the extensive demands of the modern Olympics.

Background of the Co-Hosting Cities

Milan, a bustling metropolis and Italy’s fashion capital, boasts a population exceeding 3 million. Its diverse tourism industry places it among the country’s top tourist destinations. However, it is located over 250 miles from the mountains, presenting logistical challenges for winter sports.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, an alpine resort town, previously hosted the Winter Olympics in 1956. Nestled in the Ampezzo Dolomites, it provides excellent amenities and challenging terrains suitable for a variety of winter sports.

Reasons for Two Host Cities

• Milan offers urban resources and accommodation, capable of handling the influx of visitors.
• Cortina provides the necessary natural landscape and historical experience in hosting winter events.

Combining resources allows both cities to share the financial burden and infrastructure demands. This collaboration represents a strategic choice in an era where single-host cities face increasing challenges.

The Changing Landscape of the Olympics

The modern Winter Olympics have witnessed a dramatic rise in participation and audience size. For example, the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics featured 2,916 athletes and over 12,000 accredited personnel. In contrast, only 821 athletes participated in the 1956 Games.

Challenges Facing Olympic Bids

• Cities have previously withdrawn from hosting due to referendums and financial concerns.
• High costs deter potential candidates, with bids ranging from $1.2 billion to $8.7 billion in recent years.
• Three candidate cities withdrew from consideration for the 2022 Games, citing excessive expenses.

The trend of collaboration among cities could mitigate these challenges, offering a more sustainable approach to hosting the Olympics.

Environmental Sustainability Concerns

The selection of Milan and Cortina emphasizes a commitment to sustainability. The 2026 Winter Olympics will span 22,000 square kilometers, with the majority of venues utilizing existing infrastructure. This higher reuse rate aims to promote environmental consciousness.

Parallel Ceremonies and Enhanced Experiences

Hosting the Games across two cities will enable not only a richer athlete experience but also the unique opportunity for two simultaneous opening ceremonies. This innovative approach reflects a shift in Olympic hosting philosophy, focusing on collaboration and sustainability.

The co-hosting of the Olympics by Milan and Cortina marks an important milestone in Olympic history. As interest in shared hosting grows, it may redefine how future Games are organized, promoting enhanced experiences and environmental sustainability for years to come.