By KAILA STRICKLAND
Long Islanders were expected to get a new entertainment center after recently suffering the ignominy of their NHL New York Islanders decamping from Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum to Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.
Jilted local hockey fans had numerous complaints about the move to the state-of-the-art Brooklyn venue, ranging from the lack of access they once had to view players warm up, to the sound of the goal horn, and even the appearance of the ice.
But at the top of the gripe list were the many miles they now would have to travel to see their local heroes play and to witness other sports and entertainment events.
However, some vindication came Thursday as officials broke ground on the new Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale.
Nassau County Executive, Edward P. Mangano along with Barclays Center developer Bruce Ratner and CEO Brett Yurmark led the event.
“Today we officially begin construction of the new Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and surrounding parking lot into an economic generator that creates new jobs along with vibrant, attractive destination for Long Islanders and tourists,” said Mangano.
According to Billboard’s website, Nassau Events Center outbid Madison Square Garden Company to redevelop the new arena along and retail destination nearby. With $260 million in private investment funds, NEC has taken on costs that would otherwise be paid by Nassau County taxpayers such as utilities, parking lot repairs, and capital expenditures tied to the rebuilding of the arena.
“Working with a respected development group and Nassau County, Hempstead Town has created a building development zone and approved a master plan for the site that will stimulate our economy and create jobs,” said Hempstead Town Senior Councilman Anthony Santino.
Once complete, the new Coliseum will host six New York Islanders games, a Brooklyn Nets preseason game, concerts, and college and minor league games, officials said.
“We are thrilled to bring an exceptional guest experience and a dynamic and diverse slate of events to the reimagined Nassau Coliseum from sports to music to family entertainment, to outdoor festivals and other special events,” said Yurmark.
Project developers in suits eagerly broke into the old wall of the Coliseum with sledgehammers.
“Long Islanders have waited far too long for a premier entertainment destination that they can be proud of,” said Ratner.
The new Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum was expected to be complete by winter 2016 and will maintain its homage to Veterans.
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