Coliseum officials promised to make basic structural modifications to fit the NHL's specificationsGetty Images
The Islanders will "play 60 games at Nassau Coliseum over the next three seasons as the team waits for its new arena to be built at Belmont Park," according to Jim Baumbach of NEWSDAY. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that the state will contribute $6M to upgrade the Nassau Coliseum to "better meet NHL standards." The Islanders will "play 12 regular-season games at Nassau Coliseum next season" and the "remaining 29 home games will be played at Barclays Center." The team will "play a total of 48 preseason and regular-season games during the following two seasons" at Nassau Coliseum. The team has "not yet decided which arena would hold potential playoff games during those three seasons." But Islanders co-Owner Jon Ledecky said that the NHL would be "involved in that decision." Cuomo "confirmed that the new arena at Belmont Park would not be ready" until the '21-22 season. Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment CEO Brett Yormark would like the Islanders to "play more games at the Coliseum, but the Islanders are reluctant because it doesn’t have the revenue generators that Barclays Center has." Ledecky said, “If you look around here, suite revenues, club seats, food, beverages, they’re not accessible as they are at the Barclays Center.” Ledecky also said that the "same fan-experience issues that plagued the old Coliseum remain." Ledecky: “Brett doesn’t like to hear this, but in terms of the arena itself, I think they need to take a look at, how do we improve the bathroom lines and how do we improve the concession lines?” (NEWSDAY, 1/30).
GETTING NASSAU READY: Cuomo noted that NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman "toured Nassau Coliseum last year and said that it wasn't suitable for an NHL team." Cuomo added that the Coliseum "promised to make 'basic structural modifications' to fit the League's specifications." ESPN.com's Greg Wyshynski noted the Islanders' "first game back at Nassau Coliseum could come as early as September, provided those upgrades are completed" (ESPN.com, 1/29). In N.Y., Allan Kreda notes Barclays Center "has been an odd fit for hockey" since the Islanders began playing there after the '14-15 season. Part of the state's $6M contribution to upgrades at Nassau Coliseum will include "dehumidification and cabling infrastructure for media and broadcasters" (N.Y. TIMES, 1/30). Also in N.Y., Logan, Brown & Joyce note with the Islanders "moving back to Long Island sooner than expected," taxpayers are "footing the bill." The news will "likely be welcomed by many fans, who have long bemoaned Barclays Center for its poor views, dangerously steep nosebleed section and for simply not being in the team’s heartland of Long Island" (N.Y. POST, 1/30).
WILL TAVARES STAY? On Long Island, Laura Albanese writes the Islanders return to Nassau Coliseum "likely will not affect" C John Tavares' decision to "sign a contract extension or pursue free agency" after this season. Tavares said, “I’m not going to say whether it changes my thought process.” Albanese notes most of the team "gave its continued nod of approval" regarding the move (NEWSDAY, 1/30).
