The New York Islanders have long been in search of a permanent home, and in October 2021, they will finally move into the UBS Arena at Belmont Park. This state-of-the-art facility has been designed specifically with hockey in mind and promises to offer Islanders fans an incredible experience on game nights. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at UBS Arena, what it has to offer, and what fans can expect from this new chapter in Islanders history.
The Need for a New Home
The Islanders have had a tumultuous relationship with their home rinks over the years. From their inception in 1972 until 2015, the team played their home games at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. However, after years of disputes with the arena’s management and an inability to secure funding for necessary renovations, the team moved to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. While the move brought the Islanders closer to the heart of New York City, it was met with backlash from fans who felt that the Barclays Center was not a suitable home for the team.
In 2017, the Islanders announced plans to build a new arena at Belmont Park, a horse racing track located near the Queens/Nassau County border. The plan was met with excitement from fans, who were eager to see the team return to Long Island. Construction on the arena began in 2019, and the finished product promises to be one of the most state-of-the-art facilities in the NHL.
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Design and Features
The UBS Arena has been designed with both hockey and music in mind. The arena has a seating capacity of 19,000 for hockey games and 20,000 for concerts. It features a unique seating bowl that is designed to bring fans closer to the action and create an intimate atmosphere. The arena also boasts the largest scoreboard in the NHL, with high-definition technology and two levels of high-resolution LED ribbon boards. A state-of-the-art sound system, theatrical lighting, and ice video projections complete the experience.
The arena has been designed with the latest technology in mind, with a focus on creating a seamless experience for fans. The arena has a robust Wi-Fi system, allowing fans to stay connected and share their experiences on social media. There are also numerous charging stations throughout the arena, ensuring that fans never run out of battery on their devices.
One of the most significant features of the UBS Arena is the Islanders’ 23,000 square foot campus. The campus includes a locker room, weight room, medical facilities, and a lounge area for players. The facilities have been designed with input from players, coach Barry Trotz, and general manager Lou Lamoriello, ensuring that they meet the needs of the team.
The arena’s location at Belmont Park also offers numerous advantages. The park is located near major highways and has ample parking for fans. The arena is also located near the Belmont Park Long Island Rail Road station, making it easy for fans to access the arena via public transportation.
Fan Experience
The UBS Arena promises to offer fans an incredible experience on game nights. The arena has been designed to create an intimate atmosphere, with fans sitting closer to the action than in most other NHL arenas. The arena’s location also offers numerous advantages, with easy access to public transportation and ample parking.
One of the most significant advantages of the UBS Arena is the elimination of long concession and bathroom lines. The arena has been designed with wider concourses and more restrooms, ensuring that fans can get what they need quickly and return to their seats.
The arena’s focus on technology also promises to enhance the fan experience. With a robust Wi-Fi system and numerous charging stations, fans can stay connected and share their experiences on social media
Premium Seating Options
In addition to the standard seating options, the UBS Arena also offers a variety of premium seating options for fans who want a truly luxurious experience. These include private suites, loge boxes, and club seats. Private suites offer an exclusive space for groups of up to 18 people, with access to a private bar, catering, and personal attendants. Loge boxes are a smaller, more intimate option for groups of four to eight people, and offer great views of the ice. Club seats offer access to a private lounge area with upscale food and beverage options.
Concerts and Events
While the UBS Arena was primarily designed with hockey in mind, it will also host a variety of concerts and other events. The arena’s state-of-the-art features, including the high-definition scoreboard and theatrical lighting, make it an ideal venue for concerts. The arena’s location at Belmont Park also offers ample space for outdoor events, such as festivals and fairs.
Community Outreach
The UBS Arena is committed to giving back to the community and supporting local organizations. The arena has partnered with numerous charities and non-profits, including Island Harvest and the Northwell Health Foundation. The arena also offers a variety of community programs, such as youth hockey clinics and charity events.
COVID-19 Precautions
Like all public venues, the UBS Arena has implemented a variety of COVID-19 precautions to ensure the safety of fans and staff. These include mandatory mask-wearing for all guests, enhanced cleaning procedures, and contactless payment options. The arena also has a comprehensive COVID-19 response plan in place in case of any positive cases among staff or guests.
The Arena’s Sustainability Efforts
UBS Arena’s design not only focuses on fan experience but also on sustainability. The arena is designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, which is an internationally recognized green building certification. The arena’s construction materials have been sourced sustainably, and the building has been designed to minimize waste generation and water usage. The arena also features a green roof that will help absorb rainwater and reduce the urban heat island effect.
The UBS Arena is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and has implemented several measures to achieve this goal. The arena’s ice rink system is designed to reduce energy usage and water consumption, and the arena has installed energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems. The arena is also equipped with solar panels, which will generate renewable energy for the building.
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Conclusion
The UBS Arena at Belmont Park promises to be a state-of-the-art facility that will offer Islanders fans an unforgettable experience. The arena’s design and features focus on creating an intimate atmosphere, enhancing fan experience, and sustainability. With the largest scoreboard in the NHL, state-of-the-art sound system, and unique seating bowl design, fans can expect an unparalleled experience.
The arena’s commitment to sustainability and green building practices is also commendable and showcases the team’s dedication to reducing its carbon footprint. As the Islanders embark on a new chapter in their history, the UBS Arena will undoubtedly play a significant role in the team’s success.
