The Varese ice rink has been given an audio upgrade ©RCF Audio

The Acinque Ice Arena in Varese has received new technological upgrades to its lighting and audio systems, as part of improvements made to facilities in the area for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. 

Lighting services will now allow light shows at the venue, which is due to host ice hockey and Para ice hockey during Milan Cortina 2026, while an LED cube will be installed.

A new sound system from Italian audio manufacturer RCF was part of the plans as well, installed by RCF's partner Tecnoalarm/Tecnofire, integrating anti-intrusion, fire detection and supervision technology.

Construction and technological systems company Costigliola oversaw the development.

An LED cube has been installed as part of the upgrades ©RCF Audio
An LED cube has been installed as part of the upgrades ©RCF Audio

"The structural redevelopment of the ice rink began in 2021, starting from the restoration of the roof and laminated wood structures, including the extensions up to the complete renovation of the technology upgrades." said Alberto Costigliola, commercial manager of Costigliola. 

"For the audio systems, we relied on the expertise of RCF, which assisted Costigliola through Pietro Mandelli of the Engineering Support Group. 

"From the initial design phase, through system programming to commissioning and delivery of the system, RCF is a tremendous partner.

"We are very happy with the result and the arena is now ready to host high profile events. 

"The inauguration day, for example, took place with only the systems inside the building, without any external integration, that provided clarity and definition of speech and music worthy of a concert."

The Acinque Ice Arena in Varese is due to stage Para ice hockey during Milan Cortina 2026 ©Twitter
The Acinque Ice Arena in Varese is due to stage Para ice hockey during Milan Cortina 2026 ©Twitter

RCF's P4228 loudspeakers were added to the arena, which seats 1,110 people.

The venue also has swimming, fitness and padel facilities, which have had audio upgrades too.