Team USA Changes Name of 2026 Olympics Venue from ‘Ice House’ amid ICE Protests

A Team USA hospitality venue is getting rebranded ahead of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

The space, formerly known as The Ice House, will now be called The Winter House, according to a joint statement from U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey and US Speedskating, USA Today reported on Sunday, Feb. 1.

“Our hospitality concept was designed to be a private space free of distractions where athletes, their families, and friends can come together to celebrate the unique experience of the Winter Games,” the bodies said in a joint statement. “This name captures that vision and connects to the season and the event.”

The governing bodies opted for the name change after concern about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) protests in Milan, USA Today reported. 

The move comes amid news that ICE agents will be deployed to the Winter Games to bolster security for U.S. diplomats, despite pushback from government officials in Italy, including the mayor of Milan.

The private venue, billed by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) as an “athlete-first space,” will host a variety of activities including meet-and-greets with Olympics personalities and watch parties, according to Reuters.

NBC is planning on showcasing the venue in its coverage of the event.

The move drew praise from at least one U.S. athlete, figure skater Amber Glenn.

“I think it’s wise,” Glenn, 26, told reporters after practice on Monday in Milan. “It’s unfortunate that the term ICE isn’t something we can embrace because of what’s happening and the implications of what some individuals are doing.”

She added, “Unfortunately, in my own country, it is very upsetting and very distressing to see. And I can’t imagine how people who have been impacted by that directly feel. So I think it’s wise that we change something as minute as a name if it is able to make anyone feel more comfortable.”

To learn more about all the Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, come to people.com to check out ongoing coverage before, during and after the games. Watch the Milan Cortina Olympics and Paralympics, beginning Feb. 6, on NBC and Peacock