Verona Arena to Become Accessible Before Winter Paralympics

VERONA, Italy — The historic Arena di Verona will undergo renovations to improve accessibility for people with disabilities before the upcoming Winter Paralympic Games, set to begin on March 6, 2026. With just 100 days to go, organizers are prioritizing a legacy of inclusivity.

The refurbishment will feature the addition of a lift and accessible toilets to the ancient structure, which is older than the Colosseum. Milano-Cortina 2026 chief executive Andrea Varnier described the arena as ‘the symbol of our Paralympic Games.’ However, he acknowledged that some traditionalists view the changes as a blasphemy against classic monuments.

“The decision to stage the opening ceremony in the Arena di Verona is not just aesthetic,” Varnier said. “It’s also an idea to make the arena accessible and the entire route from the railway station to the venue.”

Varnier noted that the €20 million refurbishment will enhance the Games’ legacy, alongside improvements to public transport and funding for para-sports education and training. Despite the challenges facing winter para-sports, he is optimistic about promoting growth in the field.

In a separate initiative, organizers will implement eco-friendly artificial snow production methods. “With climate change, snowmaking becomes critical,” Varnier said. “Our new system allows us to make artificial snow using only water, without chemicals.”

The Winter Paralympics will feature six events—alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, ice hockey, snowboard, and wheelchair curling—attracting athletes from 50 nations. Varnier did not disclose ticket sales figures but emphasized the need to encourage more spectators before the Games.

“Unfortunately, tickets sales often lag behind the Olympic Games,” he said. “But we remain confident, drawing parallels with past events like those held in Paris.”

Varnier concluded that the success of the Games should be measured by the legacy it leaves for future generations and its role in the growing Paralympic movement.