If you haven't been to an Islanders game since the "Barn" days, you're in for a bit of a shock. The days of dodging puddles in the Nassau Coliseum concourse or trying to see through a giant concrete pillar at Barclays Center are officially over.
So, where do the NY Islanders play hockey right now?
The answer is UBS Arena. It sits right on the border of Queens and Nassau County in Elmont, New York. Specifically, it’s located on the historic grounds of Belmont Park. It's a billion-dollar masterpiece that finally gave the Isles a permanent home after years of "will they, won't they" lease drama.
Honestly, the transition was a long time coming. For decades, fans lived in fear that the team would move to Kansas City or Quebec because the Coliseum was literally falling apart. Now, the Islanders have arguably the best hockey-specific venue in the NHL. It’s not just a place to watch a game; it’s basically a shrine to Long Island hockey.
The Move to Belmont Park: Why It Happened
For a while, things were messy. Really messy.
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The Islanders moved to Barclays Center in Brooklyn back in 2015, and let's be real—it was a disaster. The sightlines were terrible. You couldn't see the goalie from the upper corners. The scoreboard wasn't even centered over the ice. It felt like watching hockey in a building that was desperately trying to pretend it wasn't a basketball arena.
Fans hated the commute. Brooklyn didn't feel like "the Island." Eventually, the team split time between Brooklyn and the renovated Coliseum (the "Old Barn") before finally cutting the ribbon on UBS Arena in November 2021.
The new spot at Belmont Park changed everything. It’s actually built for hockey first. That sounds like a small detail, but in the world of multi-purpose stadiums, it’s everything. The acoustics are tight, the seats are steep so you’re right on top of the action, and the low ceiling keeps the noise trapped inside. It gets loud. Really loud.
Getting to the Game Without Losing Your Mind
If you're heading to see where the NY Islanders play hockey, you've basically got two choices: the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or the Cross Island Parkway.
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- The Train: This is usually the move. The Elmont–UBS Arena Station is a full-time stop now. You can get there in about 30 minutes from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison. There’s a free shuttle from the station to the front doors, or you can walk it in about 10-15 minutes if the weather isn't garbage.
- Driving: Take the Cross Island Parkway. Just a heads up—parking isn't cheap. You’re looking at anywhere from $30 to way more if you don't prepay. Use the Emerald Lot if you want to save a few bucks, but you’ll have to hop on a shuttle. The Belmont Park Garage is closer but costs a premium.
Inside the Experience: More Than Just Ice
UBS Arena feels like a mix of a high-end Manhattan hotel and a classic hockey barn. They call it "The Stable" because of the horse racing history next door at Belmont.
The food is actually good, which is a weird thing to say about a sports arena. They’ve got local staples like Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken and plenty of spots to grab a Blue Point toasted lager. One of the coolest features is the Heineken Terrace. It’s an outdoor area where you can grab a drink and look out over the park. Even in the winter, fans pack it out between periods.
And then there's the Isles Lab. If you need a jersey, this is the place. It's less like a dusty souvenir stand and more like a high-end boutique.
A Few Quirks to Watch Out For
It’s not perfect, though. No arena is.
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- The Walk: If you park in the Emerald Lot or take the train, expect to walk. A lot. It’s a big campus.
- The "Tailgate" Bar: There’s a massive bar in the concourse with a ceiling made of recycled hockey sticks. It’s awesome, but it gets so crowded you might miss the start of the second period.
- The Scoreboard: It’s the largest in New York State. It’s almost distracting how clear the replays are. You’ll find yourself watching the screen instead of the live play if you aren't careful.
Why UBS Arena Matters for the Future
The Islanders aren't just guests anymore. They own the place (well, part of the joint venture). This stability has allowed them to host major events, like the 2027 NHL All-Star Game.
The location is also strategic. By sitting right on the border of the city and the suburbs, they’re pulling fans from both sides. You get the die-hard "Blue and Orange" faithful from Suffolk County mixing with the younger crowd coming out of Queens and Brooklyn.
Actionable Tips for Your First Visit
Don't just wing it. If you're going to see the Islanders at UBS Arena, do these three things:
- Download the App: You need the UBS Arena app for your tickets and to order food if you want to skip the massive lines.
- Prepay for Parking: Seriously. Do not just show up and hope for the best. You will pay a "laziness tax" at the gate that’ll make your eyes water.
- Visit the Park at UBS: Before the game, check out the community area outside. There’s often public skating or pre-game festivals that make the trip feel like more of an "event" than just a game.
The Islanders have finally stopped wandering. After decades of uncertainty, the answer to where do the NY Islanders play hockey is finally a permanent one. Whether you're there for the "Yes! Yes! Yes!" chants or just a decent pastrami sandwich, the New York hockey scene has a new center of gravity at Belmont Park.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you're planning a trip, check the official LIRR "TrainTime" app for the Elmont–UBS Arena schedule, as it varies on game days. For tickets, stick to the verified Ticketmaster exchange to avoid the scams that tend to pop up for the big rivalry games against the Rangers.