Our New York Islanders held a press conference today on the
Belmont arena site. Governor Cuomo joined Isles Co-Owner John Ledecky, National Hockey League Commissioner
Gary Bettman along with the Empire State Development, Oak View Group, local
town politicians and some Isles faithful to officially break ground on the
$1.3B redevelopment project. The future is a state-of-the-art Sports Complex,
Luxury Hotel, and Retail Village along with a new stop on the LIRR in Elmont
that will bring Long Islanders to the new complex and NYC. A plan the Governor
said would create a premier destination on the Island and give a boost to the
economy. It was fitting that John Ledecky mentioned Charles
B. Wang as a champion for his team’s destination home and his commitment to
keeping them on the Island. The arena will seat up to 19,000 for events and
17,113 clear sightlines for hockey. The Barclays center seats 15,813 with some
obstructed views.
"The Islanders belong on Long Island - and today we start
building the state-of-the-art home this team and their fans deserve while
generating thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity for the region's
economy," Governor Cuomo said. "With seven more Islanders games at
the Coliseum this season, fans will have even more opportunities to see their
favorite team and generate momentum for the move to their new home in two
years. At the end of the day, this project is about building on two great Long
Island traditions - Belmont Park and the Islanders - and making them greater
than ever."
The Isles will play seven more games at the Coliseum (total of 28)
this season. Games included are Oct. 6 vs. Winnipeg, Oct. 8 vs. Edmonton, Oct.
27 vs. Flyers, Jan. 2 vs. Devils, Jan. 6 vs. Avalanche, Jan. 16 vs. Rangers
& Feb. 25 vs. Rangers, all 7 pm starts. Islanders Co-Owner, Jon Ledecky
said, "We celebrate this historic day with our loyal fans and thank
Governor Cuomo, who has championed the Belmont Park Arena project from the
start. The Islanders also thank the elected officials and our community for
their support in helping reach this franchise milestone." Per Brian
Compton, "Playoff games at Coliseum are TBD, per Lou Lamoriello."
Fans embraced team members on the dais, Isles celebrity fans Ralph Macchio and
Kevin Connolly along with even Gary Bettman. You heard me. Well, there was a
lot to celebrate.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said, "Thanks to the
commitment, dedication, and vision of Governor Cuomo, Islanders fans are
getting the world-class home this team deserves. The Islanders belong on Long
Island, and the future is incredibly bright for this franchise." Bettman
also said the Islanders have twice as many season ticket holders now than they
did a year ago.
Per Release, "Announced in December 2017, the Belmont
Redevelopment Project will turn 43 acres of underutilized parking lots at
Belmont Park into a premier sports and hospitality destination, including a new
19,000-seat arena for the New York Islanders hockey team and other events, a
250-key hotel, a state-of-the-art retail village and office and community
space. In addition, the project developers - New York Belmont Partners - will
improve two local parks in the surrounding community. It is said the project
will create 10,000 jobs and sustain, "3,200 new full-time jobs, produce
$858 million in annual economic activity and generate tens of millions of
dollars in new annual tax revenue." Despite some ongoing, local opposition
and lawsuits, the project has many people happy in an economically struggling
Nassau County.
But Isles fans are passionate. Not easily impressed. We are
thrilled to see Belmont officially, officially become a thing. Excited to have
the promise of last season as we enter this one. And to want more from the team
on the ice. We are happy, more optimistic, but not satisfied just yet.
Isles fan, Frank Kowalczyk had this to say on Twitter. "I was
young, but witnessed the dynasty. I watched the amazing '93 season from the
stands. We've been complaining since Milbury, and it's going to take a while to
get rid of that stench." Like many of us, Frank is a loyal, passionate
fan, but he gets it.
Isles Notes:
Some prospects that have impressed. Koivula has been turning heads
with the BST (46 pts last Ssn) and has been sharp in camp. Dobson and Wahlstrom
have looked good, and you might want to grab a Jobst jersey. Where will Dal
Colle and Ho-Sang fit in?
Per Arthur Staple, "Few guys who'd been in camp appear to
already be headed to BPT: Helgeson, Durandeau, Eansor, Hitchcock, MacLean,
Stevens, Kubiak not on ice here today."
