The new mayor of Nice reaffirms his desire to host the 2030 Winter Olympics. This stance comes with reservations about using the Allianz Riviera for hockey events. Discussions with stakeholders in the matter are ongoing.
The 2030 Winter Olympics and Paralympics project continues to shape discussions between local authorities and the organizing committee. In Nice, the position of the new mayor, Eric Ciotti, has been consistently clear since the start of his term. A recent meeting with Edgar Grospiron reaffirmed local priorities.
Speaking to ICI Azur on Monday, April 13, the mayor declared his “ardent desire for the Olympics to be held in Nice.” This statement comes amid technical and political negotiations surrounding event organization. Nice is part of the initial plan as a host site for several ice sports and the closing ceremony.
A technical meeting is scheduled in the coming days to review available options. The main concern involves the ice hockey events. The initial plan proposes setting up a temporary rink in the Allianz Riviera stadium with a temporary roof. This idea faces clear opposition from the mayor.
According to this stance, the temporary transformation of the stadium would present several challenges. The OGC Nice football club would have to leave its ground for several months to relocate to the new stadium designated for Nissa Rugby. This scenario is viewed as incompatible with the club’s operations. Eric Ciotti also notes that OGC Nice “cannot play away for six months.” Additionally, the cost of the arrangement is mentioned as a sticking point.
An alternative under discussion for ice events
Faced with this opposition, discussions are now focusing on alternative solutions. The mayor hints at a gradual alignment 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 aligns with a sustainable development strategy for the area. It could become a key feature beyond the Olympic event.
Exchanges with Renaud Muselier indicate evolving positions. The mayor mentions “points of convergence” with the regional president. Some initial disagreements seem to be fading in the pursuit of a compromise.
The issue of distributing events among the territories remains sensitive. The initial plan is based on a balance between the Northern and Southern Alps. Any changes could upset this balance. The idea of relocating hockey events to the Lyon region is circulating and raising concerns in Nice.
Éric Ciotti emphasizes the importance of keeping all planned events. “We want everything that was planned for Nice, including the closing ceremony,” the mayor asserts. This stance aims to maintain the city’s role in the overall plan.
The risk mentioned is that of regional imbalance. “If the events were moved to the Rhône-Alpes region, there would be almost nothing left in our region, and I think that’s unacceptable for anyone,” adds the mayor. This statement highlights the political and economic stakes linked to organizing the Games.
On the regional side, Renaud Muselier still supports the initial plan. The president recalls a “Plan A” approved by the organizing committee and presented to the IOC. However, an alternative solution could emerge as an “improved A.” The stated goal is to reach an agreement by the end of April.
The relationship between the two leaders seems to be moving toward closer cooperation. Renaud Muselier notes that the mayor now wishes to retain the Games in Nice. A development seen as positive in the quest for compromise.
Beyond political positions, the timeline demands an acceleration of decisions. The organizing committee needs to secure sites by the end of June to ensure the events take place. The uncertainty surrounding the ice sports center is a point of focus.
In Nice, the Olympic dossier is already a central issue at the beginning of the term. Between the desire to host and local demands, the approach championed by Eric Ciotti seeks a balance. Upcoming technical meetings could help clarify chosen options and stabilize the organization of the 2030 Winter Games.
