sports

February 23, 2026

Winter Olympics closing ceremony celebrates athletes, Italian art at ancient Roman amphitheater

Updated on: February 22, 2026 / 8:26 PM EST / CBS/AP

Winter Olympics closing ceremony celebrates athletes, Italian art at ancient Roman amphitheater

TL;DR

  • The closing ceremony took place in Verona Arena, an ancient Roman amphitheater.
  • The ceremony celebrated Italian music, dance, and culture, featuring performances by Roberto Bolle, Achille Lauro, and DJ Gabry Ponte.
  • Approximately 1,500 Olympians participated in the closing ceremony.
  • The United States achieved a record 12 gold medals at these Games.
  • The Olympic flag was handed over to France, the host of the 2030 Winter Games.
  • The Milan Cortina Games were the most spread-out in Olympic history, covering 8,500 square miles.
  • The closing ceremony included a remembrance of deceased athletes and a light show instead of fireworks.
  • The Milan Cortina Paralympics opening ceremony will also be held in Verona Arena.
  • The Games spanned 17 days and featured 116 medal events across 16 disciplines, including the debut of ski mountaineering.

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