They’re nearing the finish line.
These past weeks have been quite significant in Nassau with Belmont Park racetrack’s reopening ushering in a new era for the Islanders at the nearby UBS Arena. Collaborative efforts are transforming these two venues into a cohesive entertainment hub, with hopes for outdoor hockey games taking place on the spacious infield.
“The NHL has discussed this too,” says Isles’ business operations director Kelly Cheeseman.
“We’d really love to see that happen.”
The recently opened track is set to be fully operational months ahead of the Belmont Stakes in June and has the capacity to expand to 50,000 for that major event. It’s already attracting hockey fans, offering a welcome contrast to the old, bulky concrete grandstand.
A handful of visitors donned Islanders jerseys, paying a mere $10 for general admission to watch afternoon races before making their way just a few steps over to catch the Islanders’ impressive 6-0 home-opener victory against the Devils that Saturday evening.
The expansive park area gives off an inviting vibe, perfect for spontaneous spectators attending events at the arena, which opened in 2021.
“It’s really a campus now,” NYRA CEO David O’Rourke remarked prior to the opening.
According to him, a key attraction for both newcomers and seasoned race enthusiasts is the newly redesigned paddock, which allows for more intimate encounters with the horses.
“I think the track now has something for everyone.”
Cheeseman envisions utilizing the soon-to-be accessible infield and surrounding stands for various events such as music and food festivals — truly a unique addition to the region.
O’Rourke mentioned that the paddock has doubled in size compared to the old Belmont and could serve “as a mini amphitheater.”
“If you wanted a more intimate type of performance, that could be done right there.”
With the track’s new layout, the Islanders had to relocate several crowd-favorite outdoor game-day attractions like shooting pucks with former players’ sticks, corn hole, and bounce castles to a more compact area near the UBS’s Amex entrance.
Despite the reduced space, the main difference is that this area is no longer BYOB-friendly; it now features a $5 beer garden.
Additionally, a new green space inside UBS Arena is set to host the NHL All-Star Game this February.
A golf simulator has also been installed on the suite level, offering virtual experiences at legendary local courses like Bethpage and Shinnecock.
“We’re really trying to showcase Long Island’s culture — and, well, golf is definitely a part of that,” Cheeseman noted.
Some cosmetic changes have also taken place, including synchronized light shows, smoke cannons, and an increase of 90 seats in the venue.
Cheeseman emphasized that this year focuses heavily on “fun and creativity,” aiming to attract younger fans excited by a promising roster of youth talent already making waves on the ice.
“Our young players, like Matthew Schaefer and Victor Eklund, really resonate with the younger generation.”
The arena has even introduced a fun, kid-friendly food item for the new season — a brie grilled cheese with gummy Nerds melted inside that quickly went viral.
More family-friendly activities are planned for blue and orange supporters at the adjoining Belmont Park Village shops, including a fall maze and Halloween-themed events later in October.
The luxury shopping district has been gaining traction since August, with eight new openings such as G-Star and Kiton.
Another 12, including brands like Reiss and Boss, are expected to launch by Black Friday, according to village president Valerie Leon.
“There’s a lot of excitement and curiosity,” she remarked, commending the swift opening of the 20 new stores.
Currently, 60 out of Belmont’s 90 stores are set for fall, with the remaining 30 scheduled to open by early 2027.
She also mentioned that a “very exciting” upscale restaurant will be announced in the coming year.
Fans will have plenty to anticipate combining Islanders and equestrian themes as team-themed Dot cakes will be available at kiosks in the open-air concourse, alongside additional events surrounding the All-Star Game.
Cheeseman anticipates that the village will serve as a hub for live music on game days.
There’s a lot taking place even when the Islanders are away, with the village hosting SoulCycle partnership rides with Northwell Health on October 17.
“It’s been a wonderful development, and we’ve definitely noticed an increase in visitors,” Leon noted, referring to the flurry of activity from recent weeks.
