After three long years of waiting, the New York Islanders’ new home has finally opened its doors to fans. Two games were played at UBS Arena during the opening weekend – one against the Calgary Flames in the opener and one against ex-captain John Tavares and the Toronto Maple Leafs. While the games didn’t go how fans were hoping, fans were still in awe of their new home.

With major upgrades in all facets, including facilities, restaurants and clubs, the arena itself did not disappoint in what it provided in terms of gameday experience. With a new era officially underway in Belmont Park, what are the first impressions of UBS Arena during opening weekend?

The Bowl:

The sightlines were amazing to see for the first time as you entered the 100 levels. Upon entering the arena, you immediately become immersed in what the arena has to offer. The nearby bars provide a brief look toward the playing surface, but, once you pass them, the seating bowl will take you right in. With an intimate feel of the ice, you can really get a glimpse of everything the arena has to offer. From the sight of the banners on either side of the arena to the tailgate bar, you can truly see everything from your seats with no fear of obstructed views.

Walking around the arena before the game, I was able to check out the view from the upper deck, as well. While in the endzones you had the seats below you, it really didn’t take too much away from the view from above. The ice surface itself isn’t obstructed and the view remains intimate throughout. The lowest sections of seating don’t feel too high up and the highest seats provide a very solid view of the entire arena.

The Concourse:

One of the major issues of Nassau Coliseum was the crowding of the concourse before or after games. However, in UBS Arena, movement is a lot more fluid in its concourse compared to its predecessor. There still is the potential for crowding, as I experienced in the 100 level primarily on opening night, but most of that may have been due to early arriving crowds. After the game began, walking around during intermission was much easier than prior to puck drop. There was also the potential for lines getting in the way of the guests throughout, as was the case at the team store or for concession lines. However, some of the obstruction of lines was fixed for the second game, as the lines were altered to take up less walking room.

The Team Store:

On the topic of the team store, that was one of the main things that impressed when I visited. The line was very long to get in, but once inside it was a very nice area. It has a bit of a cabin feel with woodwork on the walls and on the shelves. There was a wide assortment of merchandise as well, be it inaugural season merchandise, jerseys, hats or other collectibles. However two things stood out when looking around – one being the patch shop.

If a fan has a jersey it wants to get customized with a unique patch, it can select one from a wall of patches and have it sewn on for a charge and the collection is very diverse. Whether it be a patch with number 72 in honor of the team’s founding, a patch commemorating one of the team’s four championships, or a UBS Arena patch, it is a very unique feature that isn’t seen in most arenas.

The other feature that stood out was checking out. After fans collect their items, they receive a reusable shopping bag and enter a queue. After approaching the register, the cashier will put the bag in a slot, and the slot automatically tallies up the items inside and the final cost with no contact required. I have no idea how this technology works, but in an age of contactless service, it’s a very unique breakthrough that can minimize time as well.

Parking:

Lastly, let’s address the elephant in the room: the parking situation. Where I was situated in the South Lot, it wasn’t a terrible situation getting in. The only main complaints are that the front half was closed due to a parking garage being built and it was a moderate walk to the arena. However, getting out was a nightmare as there are only two main exits to either the Cross Island Parkway or Hempstead Turnpike. With the congestion of vehicles and people trying to go to their cars, you have to keep your eyes peeled when leaving the lot.

There weren’t really any other major complaints about getting in and out with the other lots, but there are still some non-parking complaints. Some of these include the lack of tailgating and honking before and after games and the distance from the Emerald Lot to the arena. Obviously, it was only opening weekend, so of course there are expected to be errors for its first events. However, with the aforementioned parking garage still under construction, it should provide a huge help for those looking to park closer to the arena when finished.

Matthew Page

I am a first year student at Hofstra University and an avid Islanders fan. I have been writing for Drive4Five since March 2020. My family has been season ticket holders for the team since 2016, and hockey is my favorite sport. As I expand my knowledge in the field of Journalism, I am writing to express my love for the Islanders and the NHL.