The Islanders "are quietly pressuring" Nassau County about
conditions at the Nassau Coliseum in the hopes of attaining a
more favorable lease, improvements and perhaps a new arena,
according to Colin Stephenson of the N.Y. DAILY NEWS. The team's
lease with the county runs through 2015. Team owners say
improvements are "critical in their attempt to revitalize the
franchise." Islanders Co-Chair Steve Walsh: "This building is
not competitive, and we will not be competitive without a major
renovation to this building or a new building." County officials
"have acknowledged" that they have discussed the construction of
a new building for the team. Nassau County Spokesperson Dave
Vieser: "There are definitely physical limitations to the
Coliseum." Walsh said the team generates $40M-$50M in revenue
for the county. Renovation would reportedly cost $60-$70M while
a new arena would cost up to $200M (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 6/28).
NASHVILLE'S BACKUP PLAN? In this morning's Bergen RECORD,
Hirsch & and Fitzgerald report that the Islanders "also could be
receptive to an offer" by Nashville. Byrne Arena is also
mentioned as an option for the Isles if the Devils move to
Nashville (Bergen RECORD, 6/29).
