Committed to Long Island; For Now

Official Review by Jim Mancari, Stadium Journey Regional Correspondent

As the only professional sports franchise on Long Island of the four major sports, the New York Islanders have an important responsibility to provide quality sports entertainment away from New York City.

Sadly, while Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum enters its 40th season, the facility has a difficult time in accomplishing this task.

Even die-hard Islanders fans will admit that the team needs a new arena.

In the summer of 2011, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and Islanders owner Charles Wang enacted a public referendum that would approve the allotment of $400 million for a new arena and even a minor league baseball stadium in the "Nassau Hub," the centrally located area of the county.

Nassau voters disapproved the referendum, since there would have been a yearly tax increase. Several years ago, a similar plan known as the "Lighthouse Project" also fell through. As a result, the same old Nassau Coliseum will serve the Islanders at least until their lease with the county expires in 2014.

The worst part about not having a new arena is that the Islanders are one of the NHL's most up-and-coming teams. The young core built around John Tavares, Matt Moulson, Michael Grabner and Kyle Okposo should bring excitement back to the Coliseum. The Islanders have not reached the playoffs since the 2006-07 season.

The Coliseum, which seats 16,250, actually offers a great view of the action due to its small size. Even from the highest seats, it's easy to follow along with the game, which is sometimes difficult anyway in hockey due to the pace of play.

The Islanders proudly display their six retired jerseys from the rafters: Dennis Potvin, Clark Gillies, Bryan Trottier, Mike Bossy, Bobby Nystrom and Billy Smith. Also, the banners of the team's four consecutive Stanley Cup victories (1980-83) hang from above.

The Coliseum plays home to more than just hockey, however. Concerts and various community events are often held at the arena.

So the stadium will be home to the Isles for at least a few more seasons, but then what? How could the Islanders play anywhere other than Long Island?

But it might become a reality if a deal for a new arena can't be negotiated.

Food & Beverage    3

The Coliseum has all the typical stadium concessions and is sponsored by Aramark.

Like many sporting locales these days, the food is expensive, and it might be a better option to eat before entering. There are plenty of places to eat in Uniondale (see Neighborhood).

There is a sushi bar located on the concourse that is both popular and unusual for any arena.

The concourse also features two nice sized bars - Knuckleheads East and West - that usually fill up during the two intermissions.

The arena also features a Subway and a Nathans's Famous.

Atmosphere    3

If it were the 1980s when the team was on top of the world, the atmosphere would have been a "5." The stadium apparently used to shake after the team scored a goal.

However, as the team has struggled recently, it has taken away from the atmosphere of the arena.

The Coliseum is one of the few arenas that still use a pipe organ, which adds to the old time feel of the stadium.

Like many hockey teams, the Islanders often host local youth leagues and other entertainment during intermissions for fun exhibition games.

Neighborhood    4

Located directly in the Nassau Hub in Uniondale, there is plenty to do in the vicinity of the Coliseum.

Eisenhower Park and Mitchel Field play host to local sporting events right in the Coliseum's backyard.

Hofstra University and Nassau Community College are adjacent to the Islanders' home, so students often frequent the arena.

There are numerous local restaurants and bars that are crowded before and after games. Bar Social and the Dizzy Lizard Saloon are popular places to watch the games as well.

Fans    3

Once again, if we were living in the 1980s, the fans would receive a "5." However, the fanbase is slowly improving, due to the bright future of the team, as least from a talent standpoint.

Still, there is a lot of uncertainty with being an Islanders fan in where they will be playing in a few years.

Many Islanders fans certainly voted "Yes" to a new Coliseum, but other county voters, nearly 57 percent to be exact, voted "No."

Expect the Islanders fans to turn out in 2011, more so than recent years, to show that they still support the team and its commitment to Long Island. The fanbase is excited for the team's crop of young talent.

"Sparky the Dragon," the Islanders mascot and cross-promotion with the former New York Dragons arena football team, engages fans each game.

Finally, fans can sit in the "Bossy's Bunch" section to honor the former Islander great Mike Bossy.

Access    4

Since the arena in located in the Nassau Hub, it is centrally located for many Long Island residents.

It's right on Hempstead Turnpike and just off the Meadowbrook Parkway. It's no more than a 20-minute drive from any of the surrounding areas.

Also, there is ample stadium parking that doesn't break the bank like some other local stadiums.

Buses can shuttle fans to and from several local train stations, so fans who live in Brooklyn, Queens or Manhattan have a method of transportation to the game.

Return on Investment    2

Though the average ticket prices are lower than that of the rival New York Rangers, tickets for an Islanders game are still a bit pricy for a single game.

The best thing for a fan to do is to buy a ticket package, some of which start at just $15 per game.

For fans wanting to attend a single game, StubHub or Ticketmaster may be the best option.

Just think of what ticket prices would have been if the team were granted its $400 million new arena?

Extras    2

The Isles were the first team to introduce "Ice Girls." These lovely young ladies shovel the shaved ice off the playing surface during commercial breaks and shoot tee shirts into the crowd during the intermissions. They also pose with fans for pictures.

The Islanders also opened a brand new team store this summer with all the latest souvenirs and authentic apparel.

Final Thoughts

The Nassau Coliseum is a serviceable facility for now, but this franchise would have benefitted from a new arena.

The fans would have returned in full force, and the team would have been able to attract high-profile free agents to further improve the team.

Let's see what the future holds for the Islanders, but one thing is certain: The team's tenure at Nassau Coliseum is winding down.