Milan Cortina Olympics Closing Ceremony Features Italian Art at Verona Arena

As the Milan Cortina Olympics concluded Sunday night inside the ancient Roman amphitheater of Verona, an intimate setting that contrasted sharply with the sprawling nature of these games, the closing ceremony celebrated Italy’s rich cultural heritage. The nearly two-hour event featured a mix of classic and contemporary Italian music, artistry, and dance.

Some 1,500 Olympic athletes marched into Verona Arena behind pairs of flag bearers representing their home nations. Among them were Lisa Vittozzi and Davide Ghiotto from Italy, as well as Hilary Knight and Evan Bates of the United States – both gold medalists who led Team USA in its record-breaking 12-gold haul.

The U.S. delegation was also one of only two to compete across all 16 disciplines: biathlon, bobsleigh, figure skating, alpine skiing, short track speedskating, ice hockey, men’s and women’s curling, and more. In total, 232 American athletes took part in the Games.

USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland praised her countrymen, noting, “These Games showcased Team USA’s resilience, unity, and relentless pursuit of excellence.” She added that this performance would “inspire the next generation” as they looked ahead to hosting the 2028 Olympics.

Around 12,000 spectators joined athletes and officials for a more subdued closing ceremony compared to the festive opening event in Milan. The ceremony honored Italian opera traditions while also acknowledging contemporary achievements, fittingly set against the backdrop of Verona’s historic amphitheater that annually hosts an opera festival and gala dance performance.

A somber moment acknowledged those who have passed away during the games through a ceremonial tribute involving butterflies. Despite efforts to avoid identifying individual athletes, there was powerful remembrance for their contributions.

Earlier in the 2026 Winter Olympics schedule, Ukrainian skeleton athlete Vladyslav Heraskevych faced exclusion from competition after failing to comply with an IOC directive prohibiting helmets honoring war victims on the Olympic field of play. This decision came at a time when IOC President Kirsty Coventry was overseeing ceremonies alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The ceremony culminated in the passing of the Olympic flame to France, whose emblem would soon be raised alongside Italy’s and Greece’s in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, respectively. The venues showcased an innovative model for future games that minimized costs by leveraging existing infrastructure rather than constructing new facilities.

Organizers planned a light show in place of fireworks at the close of the games, both to comply with local regulations in Verona and as part of efforts to reduce noise pollution during animal conservation initiatives. A total of 116 medal events had taken place across eight Olympic sports over the course of 17 days of competition.

The Milan Cortina Paralympic Games would follow soon after, kicking off on March 6 with an opening ceremony also held in Verona Arena and extending through March 15. The event set a new standard for future games by demonstrating how smaller venues can host large-scale sporting events efficiently and sustainably.