The new mayor of Nice reaffirms his desire to host the 2030 Winter Olympics. This stance is accompanied by reservations about using the Allianz Riviera for hockey events. Discussions with stakeholders in the project are ongoing.
The 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games file continues to shape exchanges between local authorities and the organizing committee. In Nice, the position of the new mayor, Eric Ciotti, has been consistent since the beginning of his term. A recent meeting with Edgar Grospiron reaffirmed local priorities.
Speaking to ICI Azur on Monday, April 13th, the mayor declared that he reiterated his “strong desire for the Olympic Games to be held in Nice.” This statement comes amid technical and political negotiations surrounding the organization of events. The city is included in the initial plan as the host site for several ice sports as well as the closing ceremony.
A technical meeting is scheduled to take place in the coming days to examine the available options. The main issue concerns ice hockey events. The initial proposal includes the installation of a temporary ice rink in the Allianz Riviera stadium, with a temporary roof. This proposal is clearly opposed by the mayor.
According to this position, the temporary transformation of the stadium would pose several challenges. The OGC Nice club would be forced to vacate its premises for several months to move to the new stadium that will serve Nissa Rugby. This situation is seen as incompatible with the club’s operations. Eric Ciotti also points out that OGC Nice “cannot play away for six months.” The cost of the arrangement is also mentioned as a point of contention.
An alternative discussion for ice events
In response to this opposition, discussions now focus on alternative solutions. The mayor mentions a gradual convergence towards another scenario. No specific details have been made public at this stage. The options remain “under discussion.”
Meanwhile, another project is receiving explicit support. The construction of a new ice rink in the Var plain is being considered to host figure skating events. This infrastructure is part of a sustainable equipment strategy for the area. It could become a structural element beyond the Olympic event.
Discussions with Renaud Muselier indicate an evolution in positions. The mayor notes “points of convergence” with the regional president. Some initial disagreements seem to be diminishing in light of a potential compromise.
The issue of distributing events between territories remains sensitive. The initial plan relies on a balance between the Northern Alps and the Southern Alps. Any modification could undermine this balance. The prospect of relocating hockey events to the Lyon region is being considered. This option raises concerns from the Nice side.
Éric Ciotti emphasizes the need to maintain all the events planned. “We want everything that was planned in Nice, including the closing ceremony,” asserts the mayor. This stance aims to preserve the city’s role in the overall setup.
The risk mentioned is that of a territorial imbalance. “If the events were moved to the Rhône-Alpes region, there would be virtually nothing left in our region, and I don’t think that’s acceptable to anyone,” adds the official. A statement highlighting the political and economic stakes related to the organization of the Games.
In the region, Renaud Muselier still supports the initial scenario. The president recalls the existence of a “plan A” approved by the organizing committee and presented to the IOC. However, an alternative solution might emerge as an “improved A.” The stated goal remains to reach an agreement by the end of April.
The relationship between the two officials seems to be evolving towards closer cooperation. Renaud Muselier notes that the mayor now wishes to keep the Games in Nice. A development considered positive in the perspective of a compromise.
Beyond political positions, the timeline demands an acceleration of decisions. The organizing committee must quickly secure the sites by the end of June to ensure the events take place. The uncertainty around the ice events is a point of vigilance.
In Nice, the Olympic file is already proving to be a central issue at the start of the term. Between the desire to host and local demands, the approach advocated by Eric Ciotti seeks a balance. Upcoming technical meetings could clarify the options chosen and stabilize the organization of the 2030 Winter Games.
