UBS Arena, home of the New York Islanders and newest arena in the NHL, will have its grand opening on Nov. 20, 2021. There is so much hype and excitement surrounding the new arena in Belmont, New York. We recently posted a questionnaire on our Instagram, @Drive4Five, asking our followers what they are most excited for at UBS Arena. These were the top responses. 

1. The Atmosphere

UBS Arena was designed to hold up to 17,000 people for NHL games, 3,100 more than Nassau Coliseum. And even with all of those seats, UBS Arena will still be a packed house. The Islanders sold out all 12,000 seats reserved for season ticket holders. Tickets for single games are also going fast, despite their high price tag. The Islanders’ home opener against the Calgary Flames is already officially sold out. 

The crowd at UBS Arena is going to be insane. Islanders’ fans are known for their chants and love for their team. Even at away games, the Isles’ fans in the crowd are still able to be heard over the home team’s fans. UBS Arena was also designed with the same low ceiling as the Coliseum to amplify the volume even more. One chant in particular that fans are looking forward to at UBS Arena is the first “YES! YES! YES!”, which is said after the Islanders score a goal. 

WiLl UbS Be aS LoUd aS ThE CoLi??? we got the ROCK as loud as the coli 🤣😂 pic.twitter.com/mzvx1SFuC7

— Isles on MSGSN (@IslesMSGN) November 12, 2021

2. More Bathrooms

The bathroom situation at Nassau Coliseum was a nightmare for Islanders’ fans. You could spend the whole 18-minute intermission and then some just waiting in line. However, at UBS Arena, there will be over 50 bathrooms. The arena has more restrooms per person than any arena in Metro-New York. Now, fans won’t have to worry about missing any hockey when going to the bathroom. 

3. Winning Games and Brining Home the Stanley Cup

The Islanders are a much better team when they play at home. Last year (2020-21), the Islanders went 21-4-3 on home ice. After a tough road trip, it will be nice to see the Isles rack up some wins at UBS Arena. Along with grabbing two points, fans are super excited to hear “Right Back Where We Started From” — the Islanders’ victory song — play in the new arena. 

The last two years, the Islanders have made it to the third round of the NHL Playoffs. Their time to win the Stanley Cup is now. Many Isles’ fans are anticipating for the Stanley Cup to return to the Island this year. Fans cannot wait to raise the fifth Cup banner for the franchise at UBS Arena. 

4. A Place to Call Home and Make Memories

UBS Arena is the only arena in Metro-New York built for hockey. Both Lou Lamoriello, the 2020 General Manager of the Year, and Barry Trotz, the 2019 Coach of the Year, gave their input when the arena was being designed. And now, the New York Islanders and their fans get to call it home. 

Isles’ fans are excited to make memories and history at the new arena. They can’t wait to do things like come to games with their families, cheer on the team in person, clinch the playoffs and ultimately win the Stanley Cup.  

5. The End of the Road Trip

To start the 2021-22 NHL season off, the Islanders went on a 13-game road trip — the second longest road trip in NHL history. The road trip, as described by Trotz, was “a little bit of a long nightmare.” The Isles went 5-6-2 in the 13 games and are currently in last place in the Metro Division. 

Playing at UBS Arena will hopefully be the cure to the lull the team is in right now. Once at home, the Isles will begin to play multiple games a week instead of just one. They will also finally get their home ice advantage. Fans cannot wait to cheer on their team at home and see them play in-person. 

6. Everything!

There is something for everyone to look forward to at UBS Arena. Even New York Rangers’ fans are excited to see the new arena. UBS Arena will feature the largest arena scoreboard in New York State with two levels of high-resolution LED ribbon boards and industry leading game presentation. Many people are also very excited about the food that will be available inside the arena. Shaq’s Big Chicken, Blue Line Deli and Offside Tavern are just a few fan-favorites that will be in UBS Arena. And despite some controversy, many fans are even looking forward to tailgating — or at least trying — at the Islanders’ new home. 

Maisy Healy

I am a huge Islanders fan and love spreading my passion for the team here at Drive4Five.  Along with writing, I also co-manage the Drive4Five TikTok and Facebook accounts.