CTS Eventim Appoints Managing Director For Arena Milano In Italy

CTS EVENTIM has appointed Luca Martinazzoli as managing director of Arena Milano, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Located in Milan, Italy, Arena Milano is scheduled for completion by the end of this year. CTS Eventim didn’t want to comment on project costs upon request, the most up-to-date number remains the estimated €180 million ($184 million at the current exchange rate) quoted back when the arena was first announced in 2021.

The new venue will host the ice hockey competitions during the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, with concerts and major events commencing in spring 2026, according to CTS Eventim.

See: Eventim’s Milan Arena Launches Next Construction Phase

Martinazzoli is responsible “for operational management, business development, and positioning the venue,” according to a press release on his appointment, adding, that his initial focus will be “on building a strong and capable team to drive the arena’s success.”

Luca Martinazzoli brings “extensive leadership experience across globally renowned organizations. He served as general manager at Milano & Partners, the municipality’s destination agency, where he enhanced the city’s global reputation as a destination for tourists, large events, talents, start-ups and foreign direct investments. Prior to this, he was head of city marketing for the municipality of Milan. His career also includes a decade at Nike, where he held senior roles such as category brand director EMEA south, and football brand director EMEA. Most recently, he was senior director of business development & strategy at New Guards Group, overseeing operations for Off-White and Reebok EU.

Luca Martinazzoli holds a Master’s degree in Urban Planning from UCLA and a degree in Economics for Arts, Culture, and Communication from Università Bocconi. In his new role at CTS Eventim, he reports to the group’s CEO Klaus-Peter Schulenberg, who commented, ““We are delighted to welcome Luca Martinazzoli to lead Arena Milano at such an exciting time. His proven expertise in branding, strategic planning, and cultural promotion, coupled with his deep understanding of Milan’s unique identity, positions him perfectly to guide the arena’s growth. Together, we look forward to shaping a venue that will set new standards for live entertainment and sports, both
in Italy and beyond.”

Luca Martinazzoli said, “It is a privilege to lead Arena Milano during this transformative period and to contribute to the renewal of the city with a project that offers an incomparable entertainment experience not only to its inhabitants but also to people from across Italy, Europe, and the world. With Milan as a global hub of culture and innovation, the arena presents a unique opportunity to inspire audiences and attract world-class events. I am excited to begin assembling a talented team and working together to create an unparalleled experience for visitors from around the world.”

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