Winter Olympics 2030: talks move forward between Nice mayor and organising committee
Talks between Nice mayor Éric Ciotti and Olympic organiser Edgar Grospiron are progressing, with emerging agreement on key issues including a new ice arena ahead of the 2030 Winter Games.
Discussions around Nice’s role in the 2030 Winter Olympics appear to be moving in a more positive direction, following a meeting on Friday between Mayor Éric Ciotti and organising committee president Edgar Grospiron.
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Speaking on Monday, Ciotti said the two sides have now identified areas of agreement, particularly around the idea of building a new ice arena in the Var plain.
Nice is due to host several ice events during the Games, but recent weeks have seen disagreements over infrastructure, including the possible use of the Allianz Riviera stadium for ice hockey.
The mayor has remained firmly opposed to that option, while reaffirming his commitment to keeping the events in Nice.
“We’re working together and moving forward,” he said, pointing to a key technical meeting scheduled for 17 April, where concrete solutions will be examined.
Among the options on the table is the construction of a new multi-purpose arena, which could host figure skating and other events.
Ciotti, alongside regional president Renaud Muselier, also hopes the city will retain all initially planned competitions, as well as the closing ceremony.
He warned that if no agreement is reached, some events could be moved elsewhere, a scenario he considers unacceptable for the region.