The Islanders will return to Long Island full-time a year early, calling the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum their home until the new Belmont Park arena opens for the 2021–2022 season.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Saturday, Feb. 28 that the Islanders will play their three final home games and all home playoff games, as well as 41 home games next season, at the Coliseum. Cuomo, the Islanders and the NHL have been working to make possible the Islanders’ return for years.
“We’ve been working to get the Islanders back to Long Island,” said Cuomo. “Why? Because that’s where they belong.”
The move to the Coliseum, located in East Garden City, comes as a result of a state-funded $6 million renovation of the arena to satisfy NHL infrastructure requirements.
The improvements include the installation of new cabling infrastructure, team locker room renovations, the establishment of additional dehumidification measures and upgrades to the arena’s ventilation systems.
The Islanders last played a full season at the Coliseum in 2014–2015. The team then transitioned to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Beginning in the 2018–2019 season, they split their time between the Coliseum and Barclays Center.
“Having two rinks is not normal in the NHL,” said coach Barry Trotz, “so getting back to normal will be good.”
The Coliseum has a lower capacity than Barclays Center, holding 13,917 people compared to Barclays’ 15,795. However, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said that Islanders games have better attendance at the Coliseum.
“The Islanders have been an integral part of Long Island since 1972,” said Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President & CEO-Designate Eric Gertler, “and I am thrilled to see this franchise return home.”
The construction of the Belmont Park arena was announced in December 2017. It is expected to open for the 2021–2022 season. Cuomo reported that construction is running on schedule.
“The Islanders are not just a sports team; they are a point of identification for Long Island and a point for pride for Long Island…a part of the fabric of the community,” said Cuomo.
