The Islanders found their home at Nassau Coliseum from 1972-2015 before moving to the Barclays Center.
The return of the New York Islanders to the Nassau Coliseum means more than the homecoming of a beloved hockey team.
While the stay at the Nassau Coliseum won’t be permanent, it symbolizes the rebirth of Long Island.
“This is not only about hockey,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “It is about growing the tax place, creating jobs, improving the community and putting Nassau in the right direction.”
The $1 billion development on Belmont Park will feature the Belmont Arena along with retail space and a hotel. The development is estimated to create 12,300 construction jobs and 3,100 permanent jobs.
Governor Cuomo also credited the $6.6 million redevelopment of the Long Island Railroad and redevelopment of parks on Long Island as signs of growth.
“The Islanders coming back to the island is like the cherry on the cake because the island is coming back,” Governor Cuomo said.
The Belmont Arena won’t be completed for another three years while the Islanders’ lease at the Barclays Center is up in a year. The team will split their home games between the two arenas for the next three seasons. Nassau Coliseum could host its first Islanders game in five years as early as September 2018.
