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**MILANO CORTINA 2026 PARA ICE HOCKEY SETS ATTENDANCE RECORD FOR USA–ITALY: ALL-TIME PARALYMPIC WINTER GAMES MARK BROKEN**
Milano, 8 March 2026 – The Para Ice Hockey tournament at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games continues to deliver unforgettable moments both on and off the ice, with an extraordinary atmosphere at the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
The preliminary round match between the United States and Italy drew 8.992 spectators, setting a new all-time attendance record for a Para Ice Hockey game in the history of the Paralympic Winter Games.
This number surpasses the previous Paralympic record of 8.462 spectators, set during the gold medal final at the Salt Lake City 2002 Paralympic Winter Games.
The USA-Italy matchup also exceeded the attendance record set at the 2019 World Para Ice Hockey Championships in Czech Republic, where the gold medal game attracted 8,600 fans.
“This attendance record is a great source of pride for Milano Cortina 2026 and for the entire Paralympic Movement,” said Andrea Varnier, CEO of Milano Cortina 2026.
“The energy and engagement we are experiencing across our venues demonstrate just how powerful and inspiring Paralympic sports can be.
Seeing nearly nine thousand people in the stands for a Para Ice Hockey game is a tangible sign of the Games’ lasting legacy, while celebrating talent, determination and team spirit.”
This milestone reflects the growing international popularity of Para Ice Hockey, one of the most thrilling and competitive disciplines on the Paralympic programme, and further confirms the exceptional public engagement at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, following the outstanding success of the Olympic Winter Games that ended on 22 February.
The record-breaking attendance also sends a strong message about the enthusiasm with which fans and spectators are embracing the Paralympics, creating a unique atmosphere in the venues and supporting athletes with an energy that makes every game even more special.
