Standing in the grand piazza dominated by the gothic Duomo di Milano, Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall gazed at the intricate white spires, a sight that, she noted, ‘reminds a lot of Salt Lakers of home’ – the Salt Lake Temple. Her mind, however, was firmly fixed on the future: what Utah’s capital will look like during the 2034 Winter Games. Dressed in a Team USA navy blue wool toggle coat, identical to that worn by Utah speedskater Erin Jackson, America’s flag bearer in Milan’s 2026 Winter Games Opening Ceremonies, Mendenhall absorbed the vibrant atmosphere.
Milan’s Olympic Buzz: A Global Gathering
“This piazza is the epitome of an Italian gathering place,” Mendenhall told the Deseret News, observing the diverse humanity filling the more than four acres of cobblestones outside the Duomo. “There’s this buzz of global enthusiasm.” Fans from across the globe were not only celebrating their teams but also the shared experience of the Olympics. The mayor noted the distinctive sounds of European sirens in the background, yet a surprisingly low visible security presence, suggesting a focus on community rather than control.
“You really just have people coming to be around people,” Mendenhall said, emphasizing the positive sentiment among Milanese welcoming the world. This sense of pride in their city resonated deeply with Mendenhall, who believes Salt Lakers share a similar eagerness to showcase their unique city and its stunning landscape.
The Unsung Heroes: Volunteers and Their Spirit
Mendenhall was particularly struck by the sheer number of volunteers, uniformed in blue, teal, and green, stationed at various Olympic venues. “I haven’t been to any location or event yet where it was understaffed. If anything, there are volunteers at every turn,” she remarked. These volunteers, ranging from college students to retirees, were not merely directing traffic; they were actively engaging with visitors, striking up conversations, and congratulating Team USA on their latest victories. Their dedication echoed the highly praised volunteer workforce of Utah’s 2002 Olympics, a benchmark Salt Lake City hopes to replicate in 2034.
Hunting for the Elusive Fan Zone
A key objective of Mayor Mendenhall’s visit was to experience Milan’s “fan zone,” a free public space designed for locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the Olympic festivities. While the 2024 Paris Summer Games featured easily accessible “live sites,” Milan’s fan zone proved more challenging to locate. A giant, snow globe-like installation near the Duomo, initially mistaken for the fan zone, turned out to be an exhibit for Alibaba, an Olympic sponsor. Eventually, near Milan’s Sforza Castle, Mendenhall found the “fun zone,” a lively area with sponsored exhibits, a big-screen TV, inflatable mascots, and activities for children, such as curling and virtual cross-country skiing.
Despite the initial difficulty in finding it, Mendenhall valued the Italian organizers’ ingenuity. “It’s not so much we’re going to pick up the same idea and plop it down halfway across the world,” she explained, highlighting the importance of adapting concepts to Salt Lake City’s unique context. She also noted the family-centric nature of Milan’s fan zone, a contrast to her expectation of more adult-oriented Olympic activities.
Utah’s Future Piazzas: Lessons from Milan
Mendenhall’s exploration underscored the scale difference between the Milan-Cortina Games, spread across northern Italy, and Salt Lake City’s more concentrated 2034 plan, with most key attractions within an hour of the University of Utah’s athlete village. The mayor emphasized the priority of creating accessible gathering places for Games-goers in 2034. This aligns with her vision for Salt Lake City’s Civic Center, encompassing Washington Square and Library Square, to become a vibrant hub for watch parties and community engagement.
The ongoing renovation of the Salt Lake Temple and its surrounding grounds, set for completion in 2027, is also expected to enhance Salt Lake City’s “piazza experience,” with improved sightlines and greater accessibility. Furthermore, the multi-billion dollar downtown makeover, spurred by the arrival of a National Hockey League team, the Utah Mammoths, will contribute to creating more dynamic public spaces.
The Enduring Olympic Spirit
Mendenhall expressed confidence that Salt Lake City will experience the same influx of global visitors as Milan and other host locations. She acknowledged the modern challenge of engaging spectators in an increasingly digital world but pointed to the resurgence of in-person attendance at the 2024 Paris Games and the current momentum in Milan. “I can tell Salt Lakers from Milan the Olympics are alive and well,” she declared. “The world is here. The spirit is alive.” Her observations in Milan provide valuable insights as Salt Lake City embarks on its journey to host the 2034 Winter Games, aiming to capture the essence of global unity and community spirit.
Source: https://www.deseret.com/utah/2026/02/14/salt-lake-city-mayor-mendenhall-tours-milan-at-2026-winter-games/
