Building and construction on the Islanders new arena closed down for a number of weeks in March, when the coronavirus pandemic brought unnecessary work to an abrupt halt and required the NHL to suspend its season indefinitely. Regardless of the hold-up, Ledecky stated the arena is still on track to open in time for the 2021-22 NHL season, adding that the Islanders organization remains in a strong monetary position regardless of the pandemics impact.
CORONAVIRUS FORCES JETS, GIANTS TO PLAY GAME WITHOUT FANS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
While NHL video games will be played without fans for the foreseeable future due to the coronavirus pandemic, New York Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky expects record crowds in the stands by the time his groups new arena opens in 2021.
The Islanders tapped Swiss bank UBS to act as the identifying rights partner for their new arena in Elmont, New York, in a 20-year offer supposedly worth $350 million. Ledecky stated UBSs enormous long-term financial investment, revealed at a time of unmatched unpredictability in U.S. sports, signifies the organization world anticipates packed crowds as quickly as a coronavirus vaccine makes it safe to go to games in person.
” I think the strength of America and the strength of our fans must not be undervalued,” Ledecky told FOX Business. “I believe what youll see is that as soon as the coast is clear, once the health authorities and the political authorities get together and say the coronavirus is on the decline or once a vaccine is established, I think youre visiting people return to arenas and arenas throughout this nation in record numbers because they wish to support the United States.”
CORONAVIRUS PROMPTS NFL TO MANDATE FACE MASKS FOR FANS
” In truth, were going to remain in the marketplace working with individuals, due to the fact that when youre developing a new arena and youre taking on a task of this magnitude, you need to contribute to your group,” Ledecky stated.
The UBS Arena project marks a significant action for an Islanders franchise that had actually struggled for years to protect prepare for a contemporary arena. The group has been splitting its house video games in between the aging Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Explained as “the first third-generation arena,” the stadium will feature cutting edge amenities such as digitally boosted concession stands. Long toilet lines, a much-maligned hallmark of the Nassau Coliseum fan experience, will not be a problem. UBS Arena will have more restrooms than any other stadium in the U.S.
Co-Owner and Alternative Governer of the New York Islanders, Jon Ledecky talks to the media throughout a press conference at Turf & & Field Club on December 20, 2017 in South Ozone Park, New York. (Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images).
UBS Arena at Belmont Park will function as the focal point of a $1.5 billion advancement. Financial backers, consisting of the Islanders, sports financial investment company Oak View Group and New York Mets owner Jeff Wilpons Sterling Project Development, stated the independently funded project will generate about $25 billion in economic activity, develop 3,000 irreversible tasks and assistance enhancements in regional infrastructure.
A rendering of UBS Arena at Belmont Park. (New York Islanders).
UBS won calling rights after a competitive bidding process that consisted of offers from “up-and-coming digital media business” and “renowned New York companies,” according to Ledecky. The Islanders chose UBS, which has its U.S. headquarters in New York, since the bank is on steady footing and is well-capitalized amid pandemic-related unpredictability.
” What an excellent endorsement by UBS that the resiliency of New York will be there,” Ledecky stated.
The NHL will resume use Aug. 1 in “bubble” environments established in the Canadian cities of Toronto and Edmonton. The Islanders will face the Florida Panthers in a five-game qualifying round to figure out which team makes the playoffs.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE.
While fans wont be able to attend the video games personally, Ledecky said television audiences can expect an electric experience. The NHL is expected to announce steps to recreate a conventional game environment in the coming days.
” I believe America has an opportunity here to fall in love with hockey all over again on tv,” Ledecky said.
CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXBUSINESS.COM.
FOX Company Charlie Gasparino says Wall Street is betting sports might make a big comeback once the coronavirus pandemic subsides.
