New York Islanders Arena

Source: Getty Images

The New York Islanders, also known as the Isles, are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. Notably, they compete in the Eastern Conference as the members of the Metropolitan Division in the National Hockey League (NHL). Moreover, they are one of three New York based franchises in the NHL. Founded in 1972, they secured 14 straight playoff berths between 1975 and 1988. These historic playoff runs also includes their four Stanley Cup Championship triumphs. Around the same time, they also secured all their conference championships and all their division championships.

Having last won a title in 1988, the Islanders ran into a lot of financial difficulties alongside many ownership and management woes. Shockingly, they also had a 22 year period where they were unable to win a playoff series. The 2019-20 season brought in some hope as the Islanders were able to qualify to the Stanley Cup Semi-finals. Remarkably, they repeated the feat again the following season garnering a sense of stability in the team. However, the subsequent seasons saw them retreat to their old selves as they missed the playoffs in one season (2021-22) and lost the another (first round loss in 2023).

What is the name of the New York Islanders Arena?

The New York Islanders play their home games at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York. The UBS arena, which opened in 2021 was built after the Islanders' move to Barclays Center in Brooklyn faced challenges due to high transportation costs and parking issues.

New York Islanders Arena History

The New York Islanders have a complex history with arena projects, including the Lighthouse Project, which aimed to renovate Nassau Coliseum but faced zoning challenges. In 2011, Nassau County voters rejected a referendum for a new arena, leading the Islanders to announce a move to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. However, Barclays Center's hockey setup received criticism. In December 2017, New York Arena Partners won a bid to construct a new arena and mixed-use district at Belmont Park, set to be completed for the 2021–22 NHL season. Construction began in September 2019, with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by notable figures. The COVID-19 pandemic briefly halted construction but resumed in May 2020. UBS was announced as the naming rights sponsor in July 2020. UBS Arena opened on November 19, 2021, after the Islanders played preseason games in Connecticut and started their regular season with road games.

New York Islanders Arena Capacity

The UBS Arena boasts a capacity of 17,255 for ice hockey events, providing an electrifying atmosphere for fans to support their team. The arena can accommodate up to 19,000 attendees for concerts and other live performances.

New York Islanders Arena Seating Chart

The UBS Arena offers a variety of seating options tailored to enhance the spectator experience for hockey games and other events. Positioned at center ice on the second level, sections 206 and 221 are often regarded as prime seating locations, providing optimal views of the action on the ice. For fans seeking a closer perspective or a view behind the glass, row 1 seats along the glass perimeter offer an immersive experience, particularly in Section 109 for Islanders supporters or Section 120 for visiting team enthusiasts.

The arena also features exclusive club seating areas for a more luxurious experience. The Dime Club, situated in sections 113-116, offers elevated views of center ice along with access to a lounge area serving food and beverages. Fans in Sections 113-116 also enjoy a private VIP entrance and restrooms. The Hyundai Club, located at the top of the 100 level behind sections 119-121, provides barstool seating with a special drink rail overlooking the ice, complete with a private VIP entrance.

The following is the seating arrangement created for the fans in the UBS Arena for the games:

Source: eventticketscenter

What is the parking cost at New York Islanders Arena?

The parking cost at the UBS Arena for New York Islanders events varies depending on the game or event. Prices start at $54 for some games and may increase for others, reaching up to $1,098 for specific events. The actual cost may differ based on factors such as the date, opponent, and level of demand for tickets.

The following is the parking map of the UBS Arena:

Source: ubsarena.com

New York Islanders Arena Notable Events

The UBS Arena, home to the New York Islanders, has seen several notable events across various entertainment genres. In ice hockey, the arena witnessed its inaugural game on November 20, 2021, with the Islanders facing the Calgary Flames in a 5–2 loss. The first Stanley Cup playoff game at UBS Arena occurred on April 21, 2023, when the Islanders secured a 5–1 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes. Additionally, the venue is set to host the 2026 NHL All-Star Game.

Beyond hockey, UBS Arena has diversified its events. It accommodates the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), with the New York team playing some home games there starting from January 10, 2024. In college basketball, the arena hosted its first game on December 3, 2021, featuring the St. John's Red Storm against the Kansas Jayhawks. UBS Arena has also welcomed professional wrestling events, such as WWE's Monday Night Raw on November 29, 2021, and All Elite Wrestling's Dynamite on December 8, 2021, along with a taping for AEW Rampage that aired on December 10, 2021. Furthermore, the arena ventured into mixed martial arts with UFC on ABC: Ortega vs. Rodríguez on July 16, 2022.

In the realm of concerts, British singer Harry Styles held the arena's inaugural public concert on November 28, 2021, followed by a performance of his latest album, Harry's House, on May 20, 2022.