US Olympic officials have changed the name of their athletes’ hospitality space at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games from Ice House to Winter House.
The move comes after protests in the United States over the fatal shootings of two US citizens by officers from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This matters because the original name shared an acronym with a controversial federal agency, prompting backlash from athletes and the public.
The change was confirmed on 20 January 2026 in Milan, Italy, where the space for athletes and families is hosted.
What Is Winter House and Why Was It Renamed?
The hospitality venue, now called Winter House, is a gathering space for Team USA athletes, their families, and friends.
It offers a place to relax, celebrate medals, meet past champions, and watch live events during the Winter Olympics.
The venue’s original title, Ice House, matched the acronym ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
That agency has been at the centre of national protests in the United States after two people were shot and killed by ICE officers during a recent immigration enforcement operation in Minneapolis. Public pressure and athlete feedback led to the name change.
“This name captures that vision and connects to the season and the event,” said a joint statement from US Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and US Speedskating
Why Did the Name Spark Protests?
The protests began in the Twin Cities region of Minnesota after the fatal shootings of two civilians by ICE officers during an immigration raid.
Large demonstrations and student walkouts took place across the US, with calls for federal agents to withdraw from local policing roles.
Using the term ICE in a celebratory, high-profile Olympic space was seen by some as insensitive, given the ongoing national debate around immigration enforcement.
US figure skater Amber Glenn explained the athlete perspective: “Unfortunately, the term ICE isn’t something we can embrace because of what’s happening … I think it’s wise that we change something as minute as a name if it can make anyone feel more comfortable.
How Does the Change Affect the Games and Athletes?
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Milan, Italy, is a central hospitality venue |
| Audience | US athletes and their families (not open to the public) |
| Activities | Medal celebrations, meet-and-greets, watch parties |
| Media Coverage | Featured in NBC’s Olympics broadcast |
Though not open to the general public, NBC will showcase the space in its US coverage, meaning the naming and branding are visible to millions watching.
What Does This Say About Sports and Politics?
This decision highlights how global sporting events increasingly intersect with political and social issues. Even spaces meant purely for athletes’ comfort and team solidarity can become part of wider cultural conversations.
For many Team USA members, the change has been welcomed as a respectful gesture during a sensitive moment in American public life.
Are Similar Naming Issues Likely in Future Olympics?
Naming conflicts are rare but not unheard of. Host committees and delegations now often review branding carefully to avoid unintended associations, especially in politically charged climates.
Organisers in Paris 2024 and Beijing 2022 faced similar debates around symbols and terminology, though none as closely tied to a specific federal agency.
