Have you ever heard of “The Stable”? It’s not a farm, but it *is* at Belmont Park, a famous horse racing venue. Right here, we stand before UBS Arena. This impressive structure opened on November 20, 2021. UBS Arena serves as the proud home of the New York Islanders NHL team. They desperately needed a new home, after leaving the outdated Nassau Coliseum and the less-than-ideal Barclays Center.
UBS Arena is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Elmont, New York. It’s right next to Queens. Interestingly, the arena’s design takes inspiration from iconic New York landmarks. These include Central Park, Ebbets Field, and Grand Central Terminal. You can see the influence in the elegant lines and grand scale of the building.
This arena wasn’t just thrown together. The planning and construction were meticulous, costing a whopping $1 billion. The project included not just the arena, but a whole surrounding district. This means shops, a hotel, and a much-needed parking structure. The Islanders, Oak View Group, and Sterling Equities formed a joint venture called New York Arena Partners. They were the ones who spearheaded this entire project.
The arena itself boasts some impressive features. Inside, you’ll find the largest arena scoreboard in New York State. There are also more restrooms per person than any other arena in Metro New York. This was a much-needed improvement over some older venues. Outside, two open-air terraces offer breathtaking views of the surrounding area. They’re open to all guests, so feel free to explore later.
UBS Arena isn’t just for hockey. The venue is designed to host a variety of events. Its capacity varies depending on the occasion. It holds 17,255 fans for hockey games and up to 19,000 for concerts. The acoustics are top-notch, thanks to a state-of-the-art sound system. This makes UBS Arena a prime location for top musical acts. In fact, Harry Styles performed the very first concert here on November 28, 2021.
The arena’s opening wasn’t without its hiccups. The Islanders had to play their first 13 games of the 2021-22 season on the road. This was to allow time for the finishing touches to be put on the arena. But the wait was worth it. The Islanders finally had a home worthy of their legacy. Although their first game at UBS Arena, against the Calgary Flames, was a loss, the excitement was palpable. It marked the beginning of a new era for the team. And who scored the first Islanders goal at the new arena? None other than Brock Nelson. So, as you stand here, imagine the roar of the crowd, the clash of skates on ice, the thrill of victory. UBS Arena is more than just a building. It’s a testament to the enduring power of sports and entertainment.