Islanders at UBS Arena

The New York Islanders are Long Island's National Hockey League team, and watching a game at UBS Arena in Elmont is one of the most local things a visitor can do from October to April. The arena opened in 2021 next to Belmont Park racetrack, bringing the team back to the island after years in Brooklyn and Uniondale. The Islanders won four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983, and that history still shapes the culture of the fan base, from banners and chants to retro jerseys. A game night offers loud crowds, fast hockey, food and drink, and a chance to see a very different side of Long Island from its beaches and vineyards.

The arena is designed with sightlines and acoustics that keep fans close to the ice, and its steep seating bowl makes even upper-level seats feel part of the action. Concourses offer local food, including pizza, burgers and craft beer, and pre-game events often include live music or giveaways. The surrounding site includes the historic Belmont Park racetrack, so the area has a sporting character beyond hockey. Children enjoy the mascot, the music and the energy, although the noise and late finishes can be tiring for the youngest.

Tickets for a game can be bought through authorised sellers, and prices vary by opponent, day and seat location. Weeknight games against lesser-drawing opponents are cheaper, while weekend games and rivalry nights cost more. The schedule runs through the regular season, with playoff games in spring if the team qualifies. Check the schedule when you plan your trip, because home games are not played every week, and arrival times for puck drop should allow for traffic, security and your seat location.Getting there is easier than many expect.

The Long Island Rail Road runs to a dedicated Belmont Park station on game days, and the trip from Penn Station takes less than an hour on direct service from certain departures. Driving is also an option, with parking lots around the arena, but traffic on the Cross Island Parkway can be heavy before and after games. Many fans combine the match with dinner in nearby Elmont, Garden City or Queens, depending on route.Practicalities: wear team colours if you want to blend in, but neutral clothes are fine.

Bring a light layer, because the arena is cold near the ice, and expect bag checks at the entrance. Mobile tickets are standard, so charge your phone. A hockey game lasts about two and a half hours, and the last train after the game can be crowded, so plan your return. Pair the evening with a daytime visit to the Cradle of Aviation Museum or a walk on Jones Beach for a full Nassau County day. If your trip falls outside hockey season, check what concerts and events the arena is hosting.