Improved air ventilation and filtration are a large part of the new safety measures at the arenaGETTY IMAGES
The Islanders' UBS Arena "will prioritize mobile technology to reduce 'touch points,'" a strategy spurred by a COVID-19 pandemic that has "radically refocused thinking on health and safety protocols," according to Andrew Gross of NEWSDAY. During a webinar on Thursday detailing some of the health and safety precautions being designed in conjunction with arena sponsor Northwell Health and developer Oak View Group, Islanders co-Owner Jon Ledecky said, "We have a chance to build into the original fabric of our arena various things that will keep our fans safe and sound." The $1B arena is "expected to open" in November '21. Gross reports "improved air ventilation and filtration are a large part of the new safety measures," as well as making the arena a "contactless experience." Design firm Populous Senior Architect & Principal Sherri Privitera said, "We want to make sure they come in with mobile technology. In the venue, make purchases through the phone as a way to reduce those touch points. Fewer belly-up concessions but really a grab-and-go atmosphere" (NEWSDAY, 10/9).
SIGNS OF PROGRESS: In N.Y., Mollie Walker writes the "buzzing construction scene along Hempstead Turnpike proves that UBS Arena is indeed coming to life." Though the arena is said to be a $1B project, Oak View Group CEO Tim Leiweke said that with a 250-room hotel and 250,000 square feet of retail on 43 acres of state-owned land, things "come out closer to around" $2B. Not including the building, the "campus itself" cost $220M. Walker notes the Islanders’ "recent splash into NHL relevancy has made it that much easier to believe in." When the pandemic hit in March, an expansive marketing campaign for the arena "had to be put on pause, and Leiweke was worried things were going to be crunched into a 10-month window to sell inventory." But now, Leiweke said, "We're halfway sold out, and that shocked me the most. A lot of the credit goes to [Islanders President of Hockey Operations & GM Lou Lamoriello] and [coach Barry Trotz], because the team generated such a buzz and we were able to ride that buzz" (N.Y. POST, 10/9).
