Our conclusion: Olympic-level ice!
The Unipol Arena was built in 1990 and has a direct connection to the M2 underground line.
This multifunctional facility has a capacity of up to 13,000 spectators for sporting events or concerts. In addition, it houses many indoor sports facilities such as gyms, bowling alleys, squash courts, swimming pools and, of course, 2 ice skating rinks.
The main arena has now been completely renovated in a record time of less than 90 days.
The work consisted of removing the entire concrete slab (with the rest of the arena continuing to operate), the old pipes, dismantling the power lines and refrigeration systems and, consequently, installing all new pipes and 2 new refrigeration plants with CO² and heat recovery.
The Unipol Forum is the venue for the figure skating and short track speed skating competitions at Milano Cortina 2026. In preparation for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, two test events were held from 14 to 16 February.
From 14 to 16 February, our ice stadium offered the world’s best short track athletes the perfect stage for the fight for the Crystal Globe. Immediately afterwards, on 19 and 20 February, the figure skating test event took place.
“Sustainability, energy balance and better ice conditions for the athletes were the wishes of the organising committee. Over 8,200 hours of work were required for the entire renovation. Our employees did an extraordinary job’.
Aims of the project
- Renewal of the track’s piping
- New refrigeration plant with CO² technology, i.e. natural refrigerant with extremely low GWP (Global Warming Potential) = 1
- Heat recovery
- Efficient use of energy
- Olympic-standard ice and optimal conditions for athletes
- New mat impact system
Why with REALICE – Intercom Dr. Leitner?
- Complete design of the refrigeration technology with heat recovery
- “Turn key” installation and support during the event
- Reduction of energy costs by more than 45
- Increase in efficiency and yield
- Optimal management and efficient control of the entire system, at any time on site and on the move on your smartphone via ICEmaster®
- Refrigeration technology with an optimal ecological footprint
- Know-how and many years of experience
Technical solution
- CO² refrigeration technology
- ICEmaster®
- LEITice® piping system
- Pumping systems
