A Guide to UBS Arena
Situated on the historic grounds of Belmont Park, UBS Arena serves as the state-of-the-art home for the New York Islanders and a premier destination for world class entertainment. This hockey first venue anchors a growing district that bridges the heritage of the legendary racetrack with a modern, immersive fan experience.
Getting to the Arena
- Driving & ParkingFrom the Long Island Expressway (I-495), take Cross Island Parkway South to Hempstead Turnpike. From the Southern State Parkway, take Cross Island Parkway North to Hempstead Turnpike. There are multiple lots surrounding the arena including the Belmont Park lots.
- Public Transit
- Long Island Rail RoadDirect service is available from both Penn Station and Grand Central Madison.
- BusMTA Q2: Rush-operates with limited stops along the Hillside Avenue. MTA Q110: This remains a primary route serving the arena from Jamaica and Floral Park. MTA Q82: This route provides a key connection between the arena and the Springfield Gardens/Queens Village area. Nice Bus N6: This primary connection for fans traveling from Hempstead or deeper into Nassau County via Hempstead Turnpike.
- RideshareThe official drop off and pickup zone is located in the Emerald Parking Lot accessible via Exit 26D on the Cross Island Parkway.
Pregame Festivities
The pregame scene around UBS Arena is anchored by on-site options and nearby Long Island and Queens establishments. The area is newer as a sports destination, but the surrounding communities have deep-rooted dining traditions.
Bars & Restaurants
- UBS Arena's signature on-site pregame venue, located inside the arena complex. A large gathering space with bars, food options, and a game-night atmosphere that opens well before puck drop. This is the natural starting point for Islanders fans arriving early.
- A historic German beer hall and restaurant in Franklin Square. The biergarten, traditional German fare, and large event space make it a unique pregame destination with deep Long Island roots. The outdoor beer garden in warmer months is outstanding.
- An Irish pub near the arena offering pints, pub food, and a game night crowd.
- A gastropub in the area offering elevated pub fare, craft cocktails, and a polished atmosphere. A step up from standard pregame bars with a menu that goes beyond typical game-night food.
- Italian-American dishes served in generous portions. This is the kind of neighborhood restaurant that defines Long Island dining culture.
- A local deli offering sandwiches, heroes, and prepared foods. The kind of butneighborhood spot where everything is made fresh and portions are honest. Good for a quick pregame bite.
Neighborhood Attractions
- The legendary thoroughbred horse racing venue. Home of the Belmont Stakes, the third jewel of the Triple Crown shares the property with UBS Arena. The racing facility's history dates to 1905, and the grandstands and paddock area carry a storied atmosphere. Racing season adds another dimension to the UBS Arena experience.
- The nearby Queens neighborhood offers a diverse array of restaurants, shops, and cultural influences that reflect New York City's incredible diversity. The neighborhood is accessible by LIRR and provides a very different pregame experience from the Long Island side.
- Located in Garden City, about 15 minutes from the arena. The museum celebrates Long Island's rich aviation history from the early days of flight through the Space Age. Charles Lindbergh departed from nearby Roosevelt Field for his transatlantic flight, and Grumman built lunar modules on Long Island.
- A 97-acre park about 10 minutes from the arena offering walking trails, picnic areas, and green space. A nice option for a pregame walk, especially during afternoon games.
- One of the largest shopping malls in the country, located in Garden City about 15 minutes from the arena. Named after the airfield where Lindbergh began his historic flight, it offers extensive shopping and dining options.
Monuments & Unique Features
- BannersFour Stanley Cup championship banners 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982 are prominently displayed
- Al Arbour marked 1500 for his games coached.
- General Manager Bill Torrey marked The Architect.
- Retired Numbers
- #5 Denis Potvin
- #9 Clark Gillies
- #19 Bryan Trottier
- #22 Mike Bossy
- #23 Bob Nystrom
- #27 John Tonelli
- #31 Billy Smith
- #91 Butch Goring
Seating & Special Sections
- Spotlight ClubThis is the most immersive experience in the arena, located directly behind the player benches.
- JetBlue Mosaic SuitesThese are bunker suites that offer a private, speakeasy-style atmosphere with upholstered lounge seating and a dedicated mixologist.
- Verizon LoungeLocated on the event level corridor, this exclusive lounge is inspired by iconic New York cocktail bars. It serves as a high-end VIP retreat for fans who want a private space away from the main concourse to enjoy curated cocktails and premium dining.
- UBS Club & UBS Club ReserveModeled after traditional New York social clubs, this area features opera-style boxes and vintage furniture. The Reserve section offers direct, head-on sight-lines of the ice or stage.
- DIME ClubSpanning 11,000 square feet, this club allows fans to grab a drink at the bar without losing sight of the action.
- Hyundai ClubIt is heavily themed with Islanders memorabilia and is designed for diehard fans who want a VIP experience without losing the grit of a hockey atmosphere. It offers excellent views from the south side of the arena.
- PitchBook SuitesCustom mini-bars, integrated technology for ordering, and the best overall sight-lines in the building.
Concessions
- Signature ItemsUBS Arena features a strong concession program with Long Island and New York-inspired options. Brick-oven pizza, Italian heroes, chicken tenders, and rotating partnerships with local restaurants.
- BenihanaSection 103
- Blue Line DeliSection 220. The Blue Liner chicken cutlet and their signature blue-and-orange bagels.
- Shaquille O'Neal's Big ChickenSection 214. The Islander sandwich a collaboration with Blue Line Deli is still a top-seller.
- BurgerologySection 119. They are the go-to spot for the Rainbow Cookie Milkshake.
- Fuku by David ChangSection 214. Specializing in spicy fried chicken sandwiches and fingers.
- The CinnaBECSection 202. A breakfast inspired heavy hitter featuring bacon, egg, and cheese served on a giant cinnamon bun.
- Fear the SchmearSection 202. A bagel with a rotation of signature schmears, including a spicy habanero pork belly version.
- Meatball Arancini HeroDeep fried risotto balls stuffed with meatballs and topped with marinara on a hero roll.
- Cookie DoughminatorTwo massive chocolate chip cookies stuffed with edible cookie dough and dipped in dark chocolate.
Arena Information
Capacity
17,255
Avg Attendance
16,439
Opened
2021
Last Renovated
2021
Architect
Populous; JRDV Urban International; Stantec
Construction Cost
$1 billion
Notable Events
- The Islanders won four straight Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983, establishing one of the greatest dynasties in professional sports history. Led by Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier, Denis Potvin, Clark Gillies, and goaltender Billy Smith, the Islanders won 19 consecutive playoff series during the run. A record that still stands.
- The Islanders played at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale from 1972 to 2015, with a brief return from 2018 to 2020, and a temporary stay at Barclays Center in Brooklyn (2015-2018) that was widely considered a poor fit for hockey. UBS Arena, which opened in 2021, finally gave the franchise a purpose-built modern home.
Suggested Places
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