Paralympics: Ancient Verona Arena boosts accessibility for opening ceremony

From Kyodo

March 7 2026

Verona, Italy – The ancient Verona Arena that hosted the opening ceremony for Friday’s Milan Cortina Paralympic Games has been undergoing a raft of accessibility changes to bring it in line with the sport event’s values of equality.

The modifications to the arena, which dates back around 2,000 years, include ramps, protective railings and, after the games, an elevator. The work has been undertaken as part of some 20 million euros ($23 million) worth of improvements funded by the Italian government to enhance accessibility throughout Verona.

Built in A.D. 30, making it a few decades older than the Colosseum in Rome, the facility is known today for its open-air opera festivals and other arts events.

The selection of the site means the opening ceremony, along with the Feb. 22 Olympic closing ceremony, were the first Olympic or Paralympic ceremonies to be held at a UNESCO World Heritage site, according to the organizers.

For numerous wheelchair users to attend the opening ceremony, temporary walkways and a metal ramp have been installed to facilitate movement.

Temporary flooring has also been laid over stone surfaces in the arena and the Piazza Bra, the historic city center.

International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons told Kyodo News in an interview that the symbolism of the venue’s selection and its implications for subsequent games made it an apt choice.

“I think this is a blueprint for the future, for all other historical sites around the world. And it’s a proof that with political will and some investment, even buildings that were built 2,000 years ago can be made accessible,” he said.

Reuse of existing facilities has been a key theme of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as host countries seek to cut costs in holding the expensive sports events.