Officials expressed confidence that Santagiulia will host a well-organized competition despite the challenges, underscoring the arena’s importance to the Games.

Santagiulia was slated to host its first Olympic event on February 5, just before the Opening Ceremony, but earlier test events revealed issues such as a hole in front of a goal during a January 9 session.

The deceased guard’s family said he had repeatedly complained about working conditions and long outdoor shifts, and his wife filed a police complaint.

A 55-year-old security guard died overnight at a Cortina d’Ampezzo construction site on the eve of the Games, triggering a full investigation led by Italy’s infrastructure minister into the circumstances of the death and safety conditions.

Safety concerns resurfaced at Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena due to prior incidents like a giant hole in the ice during a Coppa Italia semifinal, pointing to broader maintenance challenges.

Reports indicate the guard worked in a small gatehouse with a portable heater and was responsible for periodic exterior checks during his shift.

Organizers said the death was due to natural causes, specifically a heart attack, and that investigators will determine the exact cause while noting that documentation for the project was in order.

Temperatures that night plummeted to minus 12 degrees Celsius, highlighting the extreme cold as a potential factor in safety concerns around the venues.

Questions persist about the Santagiulia arena's readiness, including planned capacity reductions and construction issues such as unfinished surfaces and exterior openings that could affect temperature control.

Unions are pressing for stronger protections, including indoor rest areas, remote monitoring for workers who work alone, and halting outdoor night shifts when thresholds are exceeded, with authorities planning meetings with contractors and safety inspectors.

The broader coverage around Olympic venue readiness continues, with statements from organizers, infrastructure officials, and sports associations about ongoing safety and preparation.

Opening ceremonies will feature performances by Andrea Bocelli and previously announced Mariah Carey, with parts of the broadcast staged from Cortina, Livigno, and Predazzo to reflect the Games’ dispersed venues.