"What some economic operators may not have fully comprehended is that these Olympics and Paralympics are expected to attract approximately 2 billion television viewers. It's a global promotional campaign with unimaginable and unquantifiable economic opportunities", stated Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi during a visit to the Bonagia Skatepark in Palermo to discuss the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. "Our commitment is to ensure that the Olympics and Paralympics are optimally organized and welcoming", he added. "We anticipate approximately 2 million people attending within the 22,000 square kilometer Olympic perimeter. On the one hand, we must carry out our duties while also proving the critics incorrect. I am confident that these will be exceptionally compelling Olympics and will establish a meaningful legacy, particularly regarding sports infrastructure". The XXV Olympic Winter Games, officially designated Milan-Cortina 2026, are scheduled to take place from February 6 to 22, 2026, in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, the co-host cities of the event. Italy will host the Winter Olympics for the third time, after Cortina in 1956 and Turin in 2006.