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Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (or simply the Nassau Coliseum) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Uniondale, New York, on Long Island. The venue is situated approximately 7 miles (11 km) east of the eastern limits of the borough of Queens in New York City, adjacent to the Meadowbrook Parkway. It is one of the larger public auditoriums in the New York metropolitan area.

Key Information

Opened in 1972,[5] the Coliseum occupies 63 acres (25 ha) of Mitchel Field, a former Army airfield, later an Air Force base. The facility is located in the Town of Hempstead, within the Uniondale 11553 ZIP Code. The Coliseum is used for sporting events, concerts, large exhibitions, as well as trade shows—44,000 square feet (4,100 m2) at the main arena, 60,000 square feet (5,600 m2) at the Expo Center. In 2015, the arena was closed for a major renovation which was completed in April 2017.

The New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL) played at the Coliseum from 1972 to 2015 before moving to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. After the move was commercially unsuccessful, the team split its home schedule between Barclays and the renovated Coliseum from 2018 to 2020 and played the home portion of their 2020–21 season at the Coliseum, before moving to the new UBS Arena at Belmont Park for the 2021–22 season, which is also on Hempstead Turnpike, 7.7 miles (12.4 km) west of the Coliseum.

It was also the home of the New York Nets (now known as the Brooklyn Nets) of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1972 to 1977 and the New York Riptide of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) from 2020 to 2024. In 2017, the venue became the new home of the Brooklyn Nets' NBA G League team, the Long Island Nets. Currently, the Nets serve as the building's main tenant.[6]

Sports

[edit]

The Coliseum originally had a capacity of 13,000 to 15,000 depending on the event, and in the early 1980s the maximum capacity was increased to around 18,000. Before closing for renovations in 2015 the Coliseum seated 16,170 for hockey, up to 18,511 for concerts and 17,686 for boxing. Those renovations resulted in drastically reduced capacities: 13,917 for hockey and 14,500 for basketball.[7]

Hockey

[edit]

The New York Raiders, intended by the fledgling World Hockey Association to be their flagship franchise, were slated to play in the new Nassau Coliseum in 1972–73. However, the Nassau County government did not consider the WHA a fully professional league and wanted nothing to do with the Raiders.[8]

Nassau County retained William Shea to get an NHL team to play in the new building. The NHL responded by hastily awarding a franchise to Long Island—the New York Islanders—which forced the Raiders to play in Madison Square Garden, in the shadow of the New York Rangers.[9] On October 7, 1972, the first Islanders game in Nassau Coliseum was played as the Atlanta Flames visited the Islanders. Flames forward Morris Stefaniw scored the first NHL goal in the building at 6:56 of the first period, while Ed Westfall scored the first goal for the Islanders, as the Flames won the game 3–2. The first Islanders' home win at the arena was on October 12, 1972, where they defeated the Los Angeles Kings 3–2. The Islanders' first playoff win at the arena came on April 20, 1975, where they defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 4–2. On April 22, 1976, the Islanders earned their first playoff series victory at the arena by defeating the Buffalo Sabres 3–2, and winning the series 4–2.[10]

On February 8, 1983, the arena hosted the 35th National Hockey League All-Star Game, during which Wayne Gretzky scored four goals in the third period and was honored as the game's most valuable player.[11]

The Islanders were 11–1 in Stanley Cup Finals games at the Coliseum. Their only loss was a 1–0 setback in Game 1 in 1984 to the Edmonton Oilers. Team's fans nicknamed the arena "Fort Neverlose" in honor of the team's strong home record during the finals.[12]

Nassau Coliseum hosted minor league hockey prior to the awarding of the Islanders franchise, an event that was brought back in 2005, when the Islanders-affiliated Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League (AHL) played two "home" games at the Coliseum in the absence of NHL hockey due to the 2004–05 NHL lockout.[13] On April 17–18, 2009, the Sound Tigers played two of their home playoff games against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins at the Coliseum due to a scheduling conflict at the Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport, Connecticut, the team's home.

The Islanders played their last game at the Coliseum before moving to Barclays Center on April 25, 2015, beating the Washington Capitals 3–1 in Game 6 of the first round of the 2015 playoffs against the Washington Capitals forcing a Game 7, held in and won by Washington, ending the Islanders' first run at the Coliseum; in Game 6 Cal Clutterbuck of the Islanders scored the final NHL goal in the building, an empty netter at 19:07 of the third period.[14] Following the 2014–15 season, the Coliseum underwent a major renovation. On September 17, 2017, the Islanders returned to the Nassau Coliseum to face the Philadelphia Flyers for a preseason match up. With the Islanders being unhappy at their home in Brooklyn, the league awarded the Islanders to split their home games during the 2018–19 season between the Barclays Center and Nassau Coliseum. The Islanders played their first regular season game back at the Coliseum on December 1, 2018, against the Columbus Blue Jackets, where the Islanders won 3–2. During the 2019 playoffs, the First Round was held at the Coliseum. The Islanders again split the 2019–20 season between Nassau Coliseum and Barclays Center and it was announced by then New York Governor Andrew Cuomo that the Islanders would play the remainder of their games at the Coliseum, while the Islanders new home UBS Arena was being built and the 2020–21 season being the final at the Coliseum. With the COVID-19 pandemic, the Islanders played at Scotiabank Arena and Rogers Place during the 2020 playoffs, and then opened up the 2020–21 season at the Coliseum with no fans.

On June 23, 2021, the Islanders played their final game at the Coliseum, before moving to their new arena, in a 3–2 overtime win in game 6 of the 2021 Stanley Cup semifinals against the Tampa Bay Lightning, with Anthony Beauvillier scoring the overtime goal to force game 7.[15] However, the Islanders lost game 7, thus making game 6 the last major league sporting event held there, and Beauvillier scored the last NHL goal in this arena,[16] and his team achieved a rare feat as a consolation prize: they became the third team (after the 1982–83 Calgary Flames and 1994–95 Quebec Nordiques) to end their arena's history with a playoff victory.[17]

Basketball

[edit]

The Coliseum was home to the New York Nets of the American Basketball Association, and later the National Basketball Association, from 1972 to 1977. The first event at the Coliseum was a Nets game against the Pittsburgh Condors on February 11, 1972.[18]

The Nets won two ABA Championships in the Coliseum, with Hall of Famer Julius Erving headlining the team. In 1973–74 the Nets defeated the Utah Stars in five games to capture their first title. The Nets then captured the final American Basketball Association Championship in 1976, defeating the Denver Nuggets in six games. Following the 1976 season the Nets joined the National Basketball Association as part of the ABA–NBA merger.[19] After their first season in the NBA, the Nets moved to New Jersey. The New Jersey Nets played four seasons at the Rutgers Athletic Center before completion of the Meadowlands Arena at the Meadowlands Sports Complex.[19]

In NCAA Division I men's college basketball, the Coliseum hosted the ECAC Metro Region tournament organized by the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) in 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1981.[20][21][22][23][24] It also has hosted first- and second-round games of the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament in 1982, 1994, and 2001.[25][26][27]

On November 5, 2015, the Nets announced that their new NBA D-League team, the Long Island Nets, would play at the renovated Coliseum starting in 2017 (the team played their first season at their parent team's home, the Barclays Center).[28][29]

Other sports

[edit]

The Coliseum also hosted the New York Arrows and later the New York Express of the original Major Indoor Soccer League. The Arrows, which existed as a franchise from 1978 to 1984, won the first four MISL championships.[30] The short-lived New York Express played part of the 1986–87 season, ending operations before the All-Star break with financial troubles and a 3–23 record.[31]

The New York Sets of World Team Tennis played their first match at Nassau Coliseum on May 7, 1974, and won the WTT championships in 1976.[32] The team changed its name to the New York Apples for the 1977 season, and played 12 of its 22 home matches at Madison Square Garden and the Felt Forum, repeating as champions.[33] Prior to the 1978 season, the Apples announced that they would leave the Coliseum and play all their home matches in the Madison Square Garden complex.[34]

The Coliseum was home to the New York Saints of the National Lacrosse League from 1989 to 2003.[35] In 2007, it was home to four of the New York Titans National Lacrosse League team's eight home games (along with Madison Square Garden).[36]

In 2000, 2005 and 2017, the Professional Bull Riders brought their Built Ford Tough Series (originally Bud Light Cup) to the Coliseum.[37]

On February 24–25, 2006, the Coliseum hosted the 44th NYSPHSAA Wrestling Championships. It was just the third time the annual event has been held on Long Island. Selling 17,755 tickets over three sessions, it broke (and still holds) the NYSPHSAA wrestling tournament attendance record.[38]

On July 19–20, 2014, the Global RallyCross Championship raced at the Nassau Coliseum parking lot.[39]

On July 22, 2017, the Coliseum hosted UFC on Fox: Weidman vs. Gastelum.[40]

In February 2018, the Coliseum hosted the New York Open, an ATP 250 men's tennis tournament replacing the long-running Memphis Open.[41][42]

In 2019, the Coliseum became the home of the National Lacrosse League's New York Riptide. In 2024 the team would relocate to Ottawa.

Seating capacity

[edit]

The seating capacity for hockey during the life of the arena has been:

  • 13,571 (1972–1973)[43]
  • 14,665 (1972–1973)[44][45]
  • 14,865 (1973–1976)
  • 15,317 (1976–1978)[46]
  • 14,995 (1978–1980)
  • 15,008 (1980–1981)
  • 15,230 (1982–1983)[47]
  • 15,850 (1983–1984)[48]
  • 16,002 (1984–1986)
  • 16,270 (1986–1987)
  • 16,297 (1987–2001)
  • 16,234 (2001–2009)
  • 16,250 (2009–2012)
  • 16,170 (2012–2015)
  • 13,917 (2017–present)[49][50]

Entertainment

[edit]

Concerts

[edit]

Elvis Presley performed four sold-out concerts at the Nassau Coliseum on June 22, 23 & 24, 1973. His last two Coliseum appearance were on July 19, 1975. In 1977, Elvis had been scheduled for an August 22 concert as part of his sixth tour of the year, but he died on August 16, the day before the tour was to start.[51] Tickets for the show have become collector's items. Several of the songs included on The Beach Boys In Concert album were recorded at The Nassau Coliseum.

The Beach Boys performed to a sold-out audience on June 14, 1974. Their tour promoted the recently released Holland album and featured a set list of recent songs as well as several of their early 1960s hits. They were joined onstage by Elton John and Paul Simon for the encore performance.

Joni Mitchell performed at the Coliseum the night of August 28, 1974.

David Bowie performed a radio broadcast from there during his 1976 Isolar Tour, in support of the album Station to Station. A heavily circulated bootleg of the concert saw official release in 2010 as part of the 2010 reissue of the album, and in 2017 as a separate release, Live Nassau Coliseum '76. Queen played at the Coliseum on February 6, 1977, during their A Day at the Races Tour. The band used footage of their performance of "Tie Your Mother Down" in the song's promotional film.[52] They would return on November 19, 1978, on their Jazz Tour.

Blue Öyster Cult recorded a live version of "Dr. Music" in Nassau Coliseum on December 30, 1981, that was subsequently released on the Extraterrestrial Live album in April 1982.

The Coliseum was one of only two venues in the United States where Pink Floyd mounted their limited run of shows for The Wall Tour. The group performed five concerts from February 24 through 28, 1980 one of which was filmed and only appeared as an underground tape. In August 1988, they recorded and filmed the Delicate Sound of Thunder over four nights at the Coliseum.

Live on Long Island 04–18–80 by The Marshall Tucker Band was the original lineup's final concert and the final recording of bassist and founding member Tommy Caldwell, who died just ten days later in an automobile accident. Tommy Caldwell is pictured on the album cover. The Coliseum album was the first to feature a complete concert from the original band. However, the album wasn't released until 26 years later. The band was touring in support of their album Tenth at the time, and the recording features the songs "It Takes Time" and "Cattle Drive" from that release as well as classics such as "Heard It in a Love Song", "Searchin' for a Rainbow" and "Can't You See".[citation needed]

Billy Joel's concert from his 1982 tour at the Coliseum was recorded for a 1983 HBO concert special and VHS/Laser Disc release, Billy Joel: Live From Long Island.[53]

Bruce Springsteen has performed at the arena numerous times, most notably during a three-night stand in December 1980. A number of songs from these shows were part of his 1986 live album, Live/1975–85, and full recordings of the three performances were released between 2015 and 2021. The New Year's Eve show in particular is often regarded by fans as one of the greatest gigs of Springsteen's career.[54][55]

The 1987 home video Cliff 'Em All features a rendition of the song "Master of Puppets" by Metallica, filmed at Nassau Coliseum on April 28, 1986 (while the band was opening a show for Ozzy Osbourne).[citation needed]

Mail-ordered Grateful Dead concert tickets for their spring 1994 Nassau Coliseum run

Both The Grateful Dead and Phish frequently played the Coliseum, concerts yielding live albums in both cases: Go to Nassau, Wake Up to Find Out, Dick's Picks Volume 13, Spring 1990: So Glad You Made It, Spring 1990 (album), Spring 1990 (The Other One) by the Dead; and three installments of the Live Phish Series—4–2–98, 4–3–98 and 2-28-03. The Grateful Dead holds the record for the most performances at the venue by a single act with 42 total shows. A banner was raised during a 2019 Dead & Company show commemorating the 44 combined performances by the Grateful Dead and Dead & Company.[56]

Genesis' performance at the Coliseum on November 29, 1981 (during the band's Abacab Tour) was recorded and filmed for the band's Three Sides Live album and concert video plus radio broadcast.

Frank Zappa played his final U.S. show on March 25, 1988[57] at the Coliseum. He was joined onstage by his son, Dweezil Zappa, for the concert's encores.

Pink Floyd performed between August 19 and 23, 1988, on their A Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour. The majority of the subsequent live double album Delicate Sound of Thunder was recorded during these shows.

In March 1990, the country supergroup The Highwaymen performed at the Coliseum. Their performance was recorded and was released on VHS in 1991.

Professional wrestling

[edit]

Nassau has been a mainstay of WWE for over 40 years, and has hosted Raw and SmackDown many times, including the taping of a SmackDown episode where professional wrestler Droz suffered a (untelevised) career-ending injury in 1999.

On May 10, 1985, the Coliseum hosted the taping of the series premiere of Saturday Night's Main Event, a recurring series of WWF specials broadcast by NBC during the peak of the 1980s professional wrestling boom. On December 14, 2024, Saturday Night's Main Event returned to the Coliseum for the premiere of its second revival as an NBC prime time special.[58]

The Coliseum hosted the opening leg of WrestleMania 2 on April 7, 1986. As part of an ambitious plan to host WrestleMania from three separate venues (alongside the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago and the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena), 16,585 fans saw 4 live matches at the Coliseum with the rest of the event shown to the audience by closed-circuit television. The main event at the Nassau leg was a boxing match between "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and tough-guy actor Mr. T.[59]

On August 25, 2002, SummerSlam was hosted at the Coliseum. Later, the WWE held The Great American Bash in 2008, followed by 2010's Fatal 4-Way, at the Coliseum. On April 10, 2017, the renovated Coliseum hosted its first episode of Raw.[60] In October 2018, the Coliseum hosted Evolution, the promotion's first all-women's pay-per-view event.[61]

The Coliseum hosted its first All Elite Wrestling pay-per-view, Worlds End on December 30, 2023.

The Nassau Coliseum also hosted several editions of now-defunct World Championship Wrestling's Monday Nitro.[62][63][64]

In film

[edit]

Scenes for the 2007 movie Music and Lyrics starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore were filmed at the arena.[65]

Renovations

[edit]

Not long after the Islanders announced their move to Brooklyn, Forest City Enterprises, the owner of Barclays Center, was chosen to perform a study on development possibilities for the Nassau Coliseum site.[66] A request for proposal was issued as a result of this study to transform the arena into a smaller sized venue and its surrounding parking lot into an entertainment hub with theaters, sports bars, and retail.

Four competing proposals were submitted in May 2013,[67] and Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano selected two finalists in July 2013, including one from a group led by Forest City Ratner. Ratner's proposal called for a reduction of the Coliseum's capacity to 13,000 seats and a revamp of the arena's interior and concrete facade designed by SHoP Architects, the firm which designed the Barclays Center, which would cost the group approximately $89 million. As part of his bid, the Islanders would play 6 games per season in the arena, the Brooklyn Nets would play one exhibition game, and a minor league hockey team would call the arena home.[68][69]

On August 15, 2013, Nassau County announced Forest City had won the bid for the renovation of the Nassau Coliseum and the surrounding property, pending approval from the Nassau legislature and zoning changes from the Hempstead town government.[70][71] The Nassau County Legislature unanimously approved the bid on September 24, 2013.[72]

Billy Joel performed the arena's final pre-renovation concert on August 4, 2015.[73]

On April 5, 2017, a Billy Joel concert was the arena's first post-renovation event. Other acts that performed during the new Coliseum's opening week include Stevie Nicks, The Pretenders, Idina Menzel, Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey, and Marc Anthony.[74]

On November 4, 2016, Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment reached a naming rights deal with New York Community Bank. The cost of the naming rights and the agreement's length were not disclosed.[75] The deal with the county mandated the inclusion of "Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum" in the arena's name; the naming rights were initially announced as having named the venue "Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum presented by New York Community Bank",[76] but this was later revised to NYCB Live: Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.[77]

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performed their final show before at Nassau Coliseum on May 21, 2017.[78] This was their only show at Nassau Coliseum post-renovation. Since the circus's return in 2023, they have only performed at other New York City area venues.

Belmont Park arena and Islanders’ temporary return

[edit]
Islanders warmups prior to a 2019 game at the renovated Coliseum.

In late January 2017, Bloomberg News reported via internal sources that Barclays Center was considering dropping the Islanders due to poor attendance and their effects on the venue's profits. The venue has received a poor reception as a hockey arena due to poor sight lines and ice conditions, as Barclays was primarily designed as a basketball arena. Newsday reported that Nassau County executive Edward Mangano had met with Islanders co-owner Jonathan Ledecky, and he told the paper the Islanders could return to the renovated Nassau Coliseum.[28][29] These reports were further elaborated by Long Island Association president Kevin Law in April 2017, who stated that Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment (who manages both venues) was preparing to offer a relocation plan to the team. Law felt that the alternate option of seeking a new arena in Belmont Park was redundant to the renovated Coliseum.[79] The Islanders played a preseason game against the Philadelphia Flyers on September 17, 2017, their first appearance at the renovated Coliseum.[80]

The renovation project reduced the capacity of the arena to 13,900, a level which was believed to be unsustainable for an NHL team; in comparison, the Islanders' average attendance at Barclays was 12,059, the lowest in the NHL (Barclays Center was the second-smallest arena in the NHL based on seating capacity at 15,795, which was around 400 seats fewer than the Coliseum pre-renovation).[81][82][83] As such, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman felt that returning was not a "viable option" for the Islanders, but noted that the team was "in the process of evaluating what makes the most sense for the franchise and particularly for their fans."[83]

In December 2017, New York Arena Partners (a venture of the Islanders, Oak View Group, and Sterling Equities) won a bid to construct a new, 18,000-seat arena and mixed-use district at Belmont Park, beating a competing proposal by New York City FC for a new soccer stadium. The new arena opened for the 2021–22 season.[84][85]

In January 2018, Islanders owner Jon Ledecky revealed on WFAN's Boomer and Gio that he had toured the renovated Coliseum with Bettman and other senior NHL officials. They assessed that the Islanders could play a limited schedule of home games at the Coliseum, but that it would not be sustainable as a full-time venue because of its capacity and diminished amenities (such as few corporate suites) over other newly built arenas.[86] On January 23, 2018, it was reported that Barclays Center was pushing for a short-term lease under which the Islanders would split their home games between Barclays Center and Nassau Coliseum until the Belmont Park arena is completed, with the number of games at the Coliseum steadily increasing for each year of the arrangement.[82]

On June 21, 2018, it was announced that the Islanders would play a portion of their home schedule at the Coliseum until the completion of the new arena, with 12 games moved in the 2018–19 season.[87] The number of games during the 2018–19 season at the Coliseum was later increased to 20.[88]

The Islanders used the Coliseum as their home rink during the first round of the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs but moved back to the Barclays Center for the rest of the 2019 playoffs.[89]

In September 2019, it was announced that in the 2019–20 season, the Islanders would play 28 of their 41 home games at the Coliseum.[90] On February 29, 2020, state governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the Islanders would play any home playoff games of the 2020 playoffs and all 2020–21 season home games at the Coliseum.[91] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHL season was suspended and continued in a bio-secure bubble later in the year, with the Islanders playing most of their playoff games at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto before traveling to Rogers Place in Edmonton for the Eastern Conference finals (their first conference finals appearance since 1993).[92]

The Islanders played their final game at the renovated Coliseum on June 23, 2021, defeating the Tampa Bay Lightning 3–2 in overtime of Game 6 of the Stanley Cup semifinals. Anthony Beauvillier scored the final goal of the Islanders' second stint at the Coliseum.[93] However, the Lightning would win Game 7 in Tampa to end the Islanders' season.[94]

New leaseholders

[edit]

In June 2020, Mikhail Prokhorov, whose company ran the Nassau Coliseum, announced that the arena would be closed indefinitely while it sought new investors to take it over and assume the remaining debt[95] as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.[96] NYCB pulled out of its naming rights contract in late August 2020.[77]

In August 2020, Nassau Coliseum's lease was taken over by Nassau Live Center, LLC, which is headed by a Florida-based businessman Nick Mastroianni II, whose company was responsible for the loan to help with the renovation of the arena.[96][97][98] The new leaseholder agreed to let the Islanders play their home games in the arena until the UBS Arena was finished.

Redevelopment proposals

[edit]
The original appearance of Nassau Coliseum, photographed in 2015

The Coliseum was the second-oldest arena in active use by a National Hockey League team (after nearby Madison Square Garden), and until the return of the Winnipeg Jets to the league at the 15,004-seat Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, was the smallest arena in the NHL by total seating capacity.[99] The arena had been considered obsolete for many years, and various Islanders owners tried to replace it.

The Lighthouse Project

[edit]
Main article: The Lighthouse Project

Team and county officials announced in 2004 a plan called The Lighthouse Project to renovate the Coliseum. The project's centerpiece was a 60-story tower that would look like a lighthouse. Other plans included new housing, athletic facilities, a minor league baseball stadium, restaurants, and a hotel. The project would also add trees, water and other natural elements to the area.[100]

On August 14, 2007, Islanders owner Charles Wang and the Lighthouse Development Group partnered with Rexcorp to create a new plan. The 60-story "lighthouse" evolved into two 31-story buildings connected by a footbridge at the top. The project was transformed from a simple renovation of the Coliseum property into a 150-acre (0.61 km2) transformation of surrounding properties. Plans called for more 2,000 residential units (20% affordable housing), a hotel, a convention center, a sports technology center, 500,000 square feet (46,000 m2) of retail space, and a sports complex next to the renovated Coliseum. The overall project was slated to cost roughly $3.75 billion.[101]

Construction was not planned to begin until at least mid-2009. Nassau County approved the Lighthouse Project in 2006 on a 16–2 vote, and the Draft Environmental Impact Statement was completed after a state-mandated environmental review.[101] The Lighthouse Project was then expected to go before the Town of Hempstead for approval on a change in land zoning.[102] However, the approval was never granted. After the October 2009 deadline passed, the Long Island Press reported the Lighthouse Project's cancellation.[103] Wang has denied the report.[104]

In May 2010, Mets COO Jeff Wilpon had discussions with Wang about constructing an arena for the Islanders near Citi Field. Wilpon has also discussed buying the Islanders.[105] In June 2010, the FanHouse website reported Jeff and Fred Wilpon, the owner of the Mets, began working with real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle (who also worked on Madison Square Garden's latest renovation) on a feasibility study of a new Islanders arena in Queens.[106] However, a source from Newsday indicated the FanHouse report was not true.[107] There were also reports businessman Nelson Peltz wanted to buy the Islanders and move them to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.[108]

2011 proposal to replace arena

[edit]
View of the Coliseum's seating during an Islanders game in 2009

On July 12, 2010, Town Supervisor Kate Murray (R-Hempstead) announced an "alternate zone" for the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum property that downsized the Lighthouse Project to half its proposed size and made the project, according to Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and the developers, "economically unviable for both the developer and owner of the site." As a result, Wang, Mangano and the developers decided they would no longer pursue the project.[109]

On May 11, 2011, the Islanders and Nassau County executives announced that county residents would vote on a referendum for approval of a $400 million public bond issue for a new plan to replace the Coliseum. The plan, including the construction of a new $350 million arena as well as a $50 million minor league baseball ballpark nearby, was presented by Wang as a last-ditch effort to keep the Islanders on Long Island.[110] However, voters in Nassau County rejected a proposal by a 57% to 43% margin on August 1, 2011.

On October 24, 2012, the Islanders announced the team would move to the Barclays Center in Brooklyn after their lease expired at the end of the 2014–2015 season.[111] The Islanders played their final game at the Coliseum on April 25, 2015, beating the Washington Capitals 3–1 in Game 6 of the first round of the playoffs against the Washington Capitals forcing a Game 7, held in and won by Washington, ending the Islanders' run at the Coliseum; in Game 6 Cal Clutterbuck of the Islanders scored the final NHL goal in the building, an empty netter at 19:07 of the third period.[14]

Sands New York proposal

[edit]
Sands New York
Map
Interactive map of Sands New York
Location Uniondale, New York, United States
Opening dateCanceled
No. of rooms1,670
Total gaming space400,000 sq ft [112]
Casino typeResort
Operating license holderLas Vegas Sands

In 2023, Las Vegas Sands submitted a bid to lease the property of the Nassau Coliseum and construct an integrated resort, consisting of a casino, 1,670 hotel rooms [113] and convention space, retail, dining and outdoor community spaces, possibly including demolition of the Coliseum.[112][114] Following the announcement, parts of the local community surrounding the Coliseum had spoken out against it, citing a potential increase of traffic and congestion in the area.[115] The Nassau County Legislature voted 17–1 with one recusal to transfer the Coliseum lease to the Sands,[116][117][118] but in November a state judge struck down the deal, citing the County did not adequately provide enough transparent, public hearings for the project.[119] In May 2024, the county announced it planned to resubmit the lease-transfer application.[120] Las Vegas Sands withdrew their bid in April 2025. The company cited New York's move to legalize online gambling as their reason to withdraw the bid.[121][122] Following the withdrawal of the bid, Sands was in talks with a third party to take over the Nassau Coliseum lease and the redevelopment of the site.[123][124] After Sands exited, the community continued to push for the casino proposal to be dropped.[125] By the end of May 2025, Sands was struggling to find another gaming company to take over the bid, making it possible that a new developer takes over and takes on a non-gaming project for the site.[126]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Nassau Coliseum

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in , on . It opened on February 11, 1972, with an initial seating capacity of 15,000, built on 63 acres of the former Mitchel Field military airfield. The venue served as the home rink for the National Hockey League's from 1972 to 2015, where the team achieved a dynasty by winning four consecutive championships between 1980 and 1983. It also hosted the American Basketball Association's New York Nets, professional events including the inaugural in 1985, and numerous high-profile concerts by artists such as the and . After the Islanders relocated to in amid disputes over renovations and terms, the arena closed temporarily in 2017 for a $180 million overhaul that reduced its capacity to around 13,000–16,000 depending on configuration, shifting focus to , equestrian shows, and exhibitions rather than major league sports. The Coliseum briefly hosted Islanders playoff games in 2021, marking a nostalgic return before their permanent move to , and has since operated under various management, including a proposed long-term to that fell through, leaving its future redevelopment uncertain amid local zoning debates. As of 2025, it remains active for events like music tours, fairs, and community gatherings.

History

Planning and construction

The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum was developed as part of Nassau County's efforts to repurpose the decommissioned Mitchel Field, a former U.S. Army and base spanning 1,140 acres in . The base closed in 1959, and Nassau County acquired the property in 1960 with intentions to convert it into a regional center for , , research, and commerce, including facilities for sports and entertainment to stimulate economic activity in suburban [Long Island](/page/Long Island). The arena project emerged in this context to provide a modern venue capable of hosting teams, concerts, and large gatherings, addressing the lack of suitable facilities in the area at the time. Construction began in the late on a 63-acre portion of the site, with the facility designed as a multi-purpose indoor arena featuring a circular layout to maximize flexibility for various events. The total construction cost reached $32 million (equivalent to approximately $179 million in dollars, adjusted for inflation), funded primarily through county bonds and public resources without direct federal subsidies for the arena itself. The project emphasized durable construction to support high-traffic usage, with an initial seating capacity of 15,000 for hockey and configurations. The Coliseum was completed and opened to the public on February 11, 1972, marking the realization of Nassau County's vision for a landmark venue that would anchor professional sports in the region, including serving as the home for the newly established of the National Hockey League from the start of their inaugural 1972–73 season.

Opening and early operations

The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum officially opened on February 11, 1972, hosting its inaugural event: an (ABA) game in which the home team, the New York Nets, defeated the by a score of 114–107. Constructed on the site of the former Mitchel Field military airfield in , the arena featured an initial seating capacity of around 15,000 for configurations, designed to accommodate a range of spectator sports and entertainment. Early programming emphasized professional , with the Nets establishing the Coliseum as their primary venue from the outset. The of the National Hockey League (NHL) commenced home games at the Coliseum on October 7, 1972, facing the in a 3–2 loss that drew over 14,000 spectators. This marked the arena's entry into major league hockey operations, complementing the Nets' tenancy; the Islanders would remain based there through the and beyond, fostering local fan engagement amid the team's expansion-era challenges. The Nets, meanwhile, leveraged the facility for two ABA championships in 1974 and 1976 before transitioning to the NBA and relocating to in 1977. Beyond sports, early operations included diverse public events, such as a reelection rally for President on November 5, 1972, which underscored the venue's role as a regional hub for political gatherings. Attendance figures in these initial years reflected strong community interest, with the arena's multifunctional design enabling rapid setup for concerts and exhibitions, though operational logistics like ice installation for hockey required coordination between sports seasons.

Peak usage and notable events

The Nassau Coliseum experienced peak usage in the late 1970s and early 1980s, coinciding with the ' four consecutive championships from 1980 to 1983, which drew record crowds for playoff games and boosted overall attendance. Capacity expansions around 1980 increased seating from approximately 15,000 to up to 18,000, enabling larger audiences for both and events during this era of high demand. Key sports milestones included the Islanders clinching three Stanley Cup titles on home ice: a 4-2 overtime victory over the in Game 6 on May 24, 1980; a 5-1 win against the in Game 5 on May 21, 1981; and a 4-0 defeat of the in Game 4 on May 17, 1983, completing a sweep. The arena also hosted the 1983 NHL All-Star Game, further elevating its profile in professional hockey. Entertainment events contributed significantly, with WrestleMania 2 held on April 7, 1986, attracting wrestling fans to one of the event's three simultaneous locations. Concerts by major acts, such as Elvis Presley's three-show residency on June 22–24, 1973, and performances by Led Zeppelin, , and the across multiple dates in the 1970s and 1980s, packed the venue and underscored its versatility as a regional hub for live music.

Facilities and design

Architectural features

The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, originally designed by Welton Beckett & Associates and completed in 1972, is supported by 32 large U-shaped concrete columns that form a prominent part of the exterior structure, providing both aesthetic and load-bearing elements to the arena's robust concrete framework. This design facilitated a multi-purpose indoor space suitable for sports, concerts, and exhibitions, with the columns enabling clear sightlines and structural integrity across its approximately 416,000-square-foot footprint on the former Mitchel Field airfield site. In a 2017 renovation led by SHoP Architects, the original concrete massing was retained while the exterior was enveloped in a dynamic metal skin comprising 4,700 unique, variably sized brushed aluminum fins fabricated from 225,000 square feet of recyclable Alucobond material, evoking the undulating dunes of Long Island and historical aviation references like the Spirit of St. Louis takeoff from nearby Roosevelt Field. The facade system, spanning a 90,000-square-foot area, undulates horizontally around the building via a custom space frame of 20 miles of tubing weighing 20 tons, structured in 32 bays each with distinct geometries springing from the existing concrete piers. Interior architectural updates, handled by , incorporated precision-engineered aluminum ceiling systems mimicking wood rafters to enhance acoustics and visual flow in concourses, with varying heights and angles creating a wave-like aligned with the exterior motif. These modifications, part of a $165 million overhaul, preserved the venue's foundational engineering while adapting it for modern event demands without altering core structural elements.

Seating capacity and configurations

The Nassau Coliseum originally opened in 1972 with a ranging from 13,000 to 15,000, varying by event configuration such as hockey or . In the early 1980s, expansions increased the maximum capacity to approximately 18,000, accommodating larger crowds for concerts and other events. Prior to its closure for renovations in August 2015, the arena's capacity stood at 16,170 for , up to 18,511 for concerts, and 17,686 for and similar combat sports. Following a $180 million redevelopment completed in 2017, seating was reduced to prioritize sightlines, comfort, and modern amenities, resulting in 13,917 seats for hockey and 14,500 for . The redesign included removing upper-level seats in certain sections and adding premium club areas, which decreased overall density while improving legroom and access. Current configurations, as operated by Nassau Coliseum management, support 13,900 seats for hockey events with ice installation; 14,500 for , , and , utilizing a full floor setup; up to 16,000 for end-stage concerts by adjusting floor seating and barriers; and a reduced 4,500-seat theater mode for intimate performances with staging. These flexible arrangements allow for modular flooring, retractable seating, and stage rigging to adapt between , and smaller-scale events without permanent structural alterations.
Event TypeCapacityNotes
13,900Includes ; prioritizes end-zone visibility.
/Boxing/MMA14,500Full court/floor configuration.
ConcertsUp to 16,000End-stage setup with flexible floor seating.
Theater/Intimate Events4,500 stage with reduced house.

Renovations and upgrades

The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum underwent its most extensive renovation beginning in late 2015, following selection of developer Forest City Ratner in to lead a privately financed overhaul approved by Nassau County. The project closed the arena for about 20 months, with construction focusing on modernizing facilities while retaining the original structural massing. Key architectural updates included cladding the exterior with 4,700 brushed aluminum panels to create a lighter, ethereal appearance. Interior enhancements emphasized fan experience and operational efficiency, incorporating a new glass storefront along the concourse to allow natural light penetration, a redesigned main entrance, and replacement of all seating with improved configurations for better sightlines. The total cost reached approximately $165 million for the core arena work, though broader site development pushed estimates higher in some reports. Post-renovation seating capacity was reduced from the prior 16,170 for hockey to 13,000, and to 13,500 for basketball, prioritizing comfort over maximum attendance. The venue reopened on April 5, 2017, headlined by a concert that drew over 13,000 attendees, marking the start of renewed operations under Nassau Events Center management. Subsequent minor upgrades have been limited, with no major structural changes reported through the 2020s amid ongoing site redevelopment proposals that have yet to materialize into executed arena improvements.

Sports

Ice hockey

The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum served as the primary home arena for the of the National Hockey League (NHL) from the venue's opening in 1972 until the conclusion of the 2014–15 season. The Islanders played their first game there on October 7, 1972, defeating the 3–2 in overtime before an announced crowd of 14,934. During this period, the arena's hockey configuration seated approximately 16,170 spectators, later adjusted to around 15,000 following renovations. The Coliseum became synonymous with the Islanders' dynasty in the early , hosting all four of their consecutive championships from 1980 to 1983, along with 12 Stanley Cup Finals games overall. This era featured a remarkable 19 straight playoff series victories, bolstered by the arena's intimate atmosphere and strong home-ice advantage, where the team compiled a postseason record of 28–7 during the Cup-winning years. The venue also hosted the 35th NHL on February 8, 1983, with the Wales Conference defeating the Campbell Conference 9–3 in front of 15,504 fans. Prior to the Islanders' arrival, the Coliseum hosted minor professional hockey teams, and it continued to feature occasional games by the Islanders' affiliate, the (later ), including playoff contests in 2009 relocated due to scheduling conflicts at their primary venue. After the Islanders departed for in following the 2014–15 season amid lease disputes and redevelopment plans, the arena underwent a $200 million renovation completed in 2017, reducing hockey capacity to 13,900. The returned sporadically for preseason and select regular-season games in 2017 and 2018, including a December 1, 2018, matchup against the . In response to the expiration of the Barclays lease and disruptions from the , the Islanders played all 2020–21 regular-season home games at the Coliseum, with limited attendance starting at 1,500 and increasing to around 9,000 for playoff rounds. This marked the final significant NHL usage of the venue, as the team transitioned to the newly constructed near starting in the 2021–22 season, where it has remained since.

Basketball

The Nassau Coliseum opened on February 11, 1972, hosting its inaugural event as an (ABA) game between the home New York Nets and the , drawing a crowd to the then-15,000-seat venue configured for . The Nets, who had previously played at smaller venues like the Island Garden, relocated to the Coliseum full-time starting in the 1972–73 season, benefiting from its larger capacity of up to 17,800 seats. From 1972 to 1977, the Coliseum served as the primary home for the New York Nets during their ABA tenure and inaugural (NBA) season following the 1976 . The team achieved two ABA championships there, in 1974 and 1976, powered by forward , who averaged 28.7 points per game in the 1975–76 regular season and led the Nets to a 55–25 record before their NBA transition. Attendance averaged over 10,000 per game in peak years, though the Nets struggled financially post-merger, prompting their relocation to in 1977 and eventual rebranding as the Nets. After the Nets departed, the Coliseum hosted sporadic basketball events, including NCAA tournaments, high school championships, and exhibitions, but lacked a permanent professional tenant until the 2017 reopening. Since then, it has been the home arena for the , the NBA G League affiliate of the , accommodating their regular-season games with a basketball-specific capacity of approximately 13,000 following renovations. The team opened the 2025–26 G League season with a home game against the on November 7, 2025, continuing a schedule of over 20 home dates annually at the venue. Additional events include college doubleheaders, such as the 2024 Icons of the Game featuring Seton Hall vs. Hofstra and UMass vs. another opponent.

Other professional sports

The Nassau Coliseum has hosted professional indoor soccer teams from the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL). The New York Arrows played home games there from 1978 to 1984, securing four consecutive league championships between 1980 and 1983. The New York Express followed as an MISL franchise, competing at the venue during the 1986–1987 season before the league folded. In professional lacrosse, the New York Saints of the National Lacrosse League (NLL, formerly Major Indoor Lacrosse) made the Coliseum their home arena from 1989 to 2003, reaching the league championship in their inaugural 1989 season. The New York Riptide, another NLL team, later utilized the facility for games following its 2017 reopening. Arena football returned to the Coliseum in 2025 with the , who scheduled their home opener there on June 14 as part of efforts to revive the sport's presence in the region.

Amateur events and miscellaneous

The Nassau Coliseum has hosted several amateur tournaments, including the (ECAC) Metro Region tournaments in 1978, 1979, 1980, and 1981, with semifinals and finals held at the venue in at least the 1978 edition. It also served as a site for the first- and second-round games of the 1982 men's tournament. More recently, on November 13, 2024, the arena featured the inaugural Icons of the Game doubleheader, pitting Seton Hall against Hofstra and UMass against . High school basketball events have included the MLK Classic in 1986, which drew significant attendance for matchups featuring notable players from the era. The venue has occasionally accommodated high school wrestling competitions alongside professional bouts. Miscellaneous sports events at the Coliseum have encompassed motorsports such as the Global RallyCross Championship races on July 19–20, 2014, and ongoing attractions like Monster Trucks Live events, which incorporate competitive truck performances.

Entertainment

Concerts and live performances

The Nassau Coliseum opened as a major concert venue with its inaugural performance by on April 29, 1972, marking the arena's entry into hosting large-scale live music events. Over the decades, it became a key stop for rock, pop, and other genres, drawing crowds with its capacity exceeding 15,000 for end-stage configurations. Early highlights included Elvis Presley's three-night stand on June 22, 23, and 24, 1973, followed by additional shows such as the double performance on July 19, 1975, where he delivered energetic sets praised for their rock elements. Led Zeppelin performed three sold-out concerts during their 1975 tour on February 10, 11, and 12, with recordings from these events circulating widely among fans due to their intensity and bootlegging prevalence. The Grateful Dead frequently played the venue, holding at least 27 shows from March 1973 to their final performance there in 1994, including notable runs like the May 15–16, 1980, dates later compiled on the live album Go to Nassau. Specific performances, such as the January 10, 1979, show featuring a revival of "Dark Star," and the March 29, 1990, concert with saxophonist , highlighted the band's improvisational style and drew dedicated followings. Other prominent acts included on November 9, 1992, with guest appearances, and more recent events like Elton John's Tour stop on March 4, 2022. The venue has also hosted diverse lineups from to Metallica, solidifying its legacy in live music history despite periods of closure.

Professional wrestling

The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum served as a key venue for professional wrestling in the northeastern United States, hosting frequent events by the World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/WWE) from the 1970s through the 2010s, including house shows, television tapings for Raw and SmackDown, and major pay-per-view spectacles. The arena's proximity to New York City made it a staple stop for touring promotions, drawing crowds exceeding 15,000 for high-profile cards featuring wrestlers like Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, and The Rock. In addition to WWE, it accommodated events from other promotions, such as National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)-affiliated shows in the 1980s, including the 1987 WarGames match and 1988 Bunkhouse Stampede. Among its most significant WWE events was WrestleMania 2 on April 7, 1986, which originated from the Coliseum as one of three simultaneous venues, attracting 16,585 attendees for bouts headlined by defending the WWF Championship against in a steel cage match, alongside celebrity involvement from figures like and William "The Refrigerator" Perry. The venue also hosted the debut on May 11, 1985, a prime-time special that elevated WWF's national visibility with matches like vs. and vs. . SummerSlam 2002 took place there on August 25, featuring The Rock vs. in the main event, which saw Lesnar capture the Undisputed before a sellout crowd. After a period of closure and reopening in 2017 with reduced capacity, the Coliseum resumed wrestling bookings, including WWE's revivals on September 9, 2023, and December 14, 2024, the latter airing live on with matches such as vs. for the . (AEW) held its on December 30, 2023, headlined by MJF vs. for the , marking a rare non-WWE major event at the venue post-renovation. These returns underscored the arena's enduring role in the industry despite shifts toward larger modern facilities.

Other entertainment events

The Nassau Coliseum has hosted a variety of family-oriented spectacles beyond concerts and , including circuses and rallies that drew large crowds for their high-energy performances and visual effects. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, produced by , made regular appearances at the venue, particularly in the fall season, as part of its annual tours. The circus's final performances worldwide occurred there on May 21, 2017, concluding 146 years of operation amid declining ticket sales and increasing operational expenses, including animal care and travel costs. These shows featured acrobats, clowns, and trained animals, with the 2017 finale attracting thousands for what was billed as on Earth." Monster truck events have been a longstanding draw since the 1980s, with promotions like hosting multiple shows over the years, including events in November 1986, February 1993 (under USHRA Monster Wars), February 2005, January 2013, and January-February 2020. These rallies showcased customized trucks such as Grave Digger performing stunts like jumps, donuts, and crushing cars, often drawing families for the loud, destructive entertainment. More recent family variants, including Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire, continue this tradition with added laser lights, theatrical effects, and toy giveaways, with performances scheduled for January 2025 and 2026.

Appearances in film and media

The Nassau Coliseum has been used as a filming location for multiple feature films. In Music and Lyrics (2007), directed by Marc Lawrence and starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore, interior and exterior scenes depicting a concert venue were shot at the arena. Similarly, American Gangster (2007), directed by Ridley Scott and featuring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, utilized the Coliseum for scenes involving large crowd gatherings. Earlier, Fletch Lives (1989), a comedy starring Chevy Chase, included footage filmed on-site to represent a sports arena setting. In television, the arena appeared in the CW series Ringer (2011–2012), where exterior shots contributed to establishing shots for Long Island-based sequences in the thriller starring Sarah Michelle Gellar. Documentary and concert films have also captured performances at the venue. The Highwaymen: Live at Nassau Coliseum, featuring Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson, documents their March 1990 concert, released as part of PBS's American Masters series in 2020 to showcase the supergroup's collaborative dynamic.

Closures and temporary returns

2015 closure and initial redevelopment efforts

The played their final regular-season game at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on April 25, 2015, defeating the 4–1, marking the end of their primary tenancy after 43 seasons. The team's departure stemmed from the expiration of their lease at the conclusion of the , coupled with the arena's outdated infrastructure, including a capacity of 16,170 that failed to meet modern league standards for revenue generation and fan experience. Following the hockey season, the ice surface was removed on May 5, 2015, signaling the arena's operational wind-down. The Coliseum hosted its last event, a by , on August 4, 2015, after which the facility closed indefinitely for redevelopment. Nassau County officials, led by Executive Edward Mangano, initiated plans to renovate the aging structure into a modernized multi-purpose venue capable of hosting , sports, and other events, addressing long-standing criticisms of its obsolescence dating back to failed prior proposals. Groundbreaking for the $165 million renovation project occurred on November 5, 2015, with the work focused on updating seating, concessions, exterior design, and reducing capacity to approximately 13,000–16,000 to improve intimacy and functionality. The initiative, projected to generate over 1,000 jobs and stimulate local economic activity, represented an effort to revitalize the Nassau Hub without relying on new tenant commitments, though operated under lease by Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. Initial estimates targeted a 2016 reopening, later delayed to amid logistical challenges.

2017 reopening

The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum closed in August 2015 for an extensive renovation project aimed at modernizing the aging facility while maintaining its structural integrity. The overhaul, privately funded by Nassau Events Center, LLC—a of Forest City Ratner Companies—cost approximately $165 million and lasted about 20 months. Key upgrades included a redesigned interior with improved sightlines, reduced from around 16,000 to 13,000 for better acoustics and intimacy, new premium club areas, and enhanced technology infrastructure such as LED lighting and digital displays. A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the venue's physical unveiling on March 31, 2017, ahead of its full operational return. The official reopening occurred on April 5, 2017, with a sold-out by , a native who had performed there numerous times previously, drawing over 13,000 attendees and symbolizing the arena's revival as a premier entertainment destination. An open house event on April 8, 2017, also sold out rapidly, reflecting strong public interest in the transformed space. Under new management by Nassau Events Center, the Coliseum shifted focus toward concerts, family shows, and non-NHL sports events rather than professional hockey, aligning with the ' ongoing relocation to . Early bookings emphasized , with the concert calendar filling quickly post-reopening to capitalize on the upgraded amenities. This repositioning addressed prior economic challenges, including underutilization before closure, by prioritizing high-revenue events over low-margin sports tenancy.

Islanders' temporary return and post-2020 uses

In January 2018, the New York Islanders announced plans to play 12 home games per season at the renovated Nassau Coliseum starting with the 2018–19 NHL season, splitting the remainder at Barclays Center in Brooklyn while awaiting the opening of their permanent arena at Belmont Park. The team hosted its first game back on December 1, 2018, defeating the Dallas Stars 4–0 before a sellout crowd of 13,917. This arrangement continued into the 2019–20 season, with the Islanders playing 12 regular-season home games at the Coliseum, though the schedule was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which suspended play in March 2020. On February 28, 2020, amid construction delays at the new , New York Governor confirmed that the Islanders would play all remaining 2020 Playoff home games—should they qualify—and their entire 2020–21 regular-season schedule exclusively at Nassau Coliseum. The team advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals that year but conducted their playoff "bubble" games in due to league protocols. However, on June 16, 2020, arena operator announced the Coliseum's indefinite closure, citing unsustainable finances without a full-time like the Islanders, who instead returned to for the abbreviated 2020–21 season before moving permanently to in November 2021. Following the closure announcement, the Coliseum's lease was assumed in August 2020 by Nassau Live, a live entertainment promoter, enabling limited operations including drive-in movie screenings during the summer of 2020. Full indoor events resumed by late 2021, with concerts such as Michael Bublé's performance on October 15, 2021. Since then, the venue has hosted a mix of concerts, , and minor-league sports, including home games for the of the . Other programming has included trade shows like the Electrify Expo in October 2025, the Empire State Fair from June 27 to July 13, 2025, and family events such as the in February 2026. As of October 2025, the Coliseum operates without a permanent major tenant, relying on sporadic bookings amid ongoing uncertainty over Nassau Hub redevelopment plans following the withdrawal of a proposed casino project.

Redevelopment proposals

Lighthouse Project

The Lighthouse Project was a proposed mixed-use of the 150-acre Nassau Coliseum site and surrounding area in , aimed at modernizing the venue and creating a regional destination with residential, commercial, and entertainment components. Introduced by owner in partnership with the Lighthouse Development Group and Rexcorp Realty (later involving Forest City Ratner elements in related discussions), the initiative sought to renovate the aging Coliseum into a more efficient arena while addressing the franchise's need for upgraded facilities to secure its long-term presence on . Key features included a renovated Coliseum with enhanced seating and amenities, approximately 2,300 residential units (including condominiums and apartments), two hotels—one a prominent 60-story tower designed to evoke a —a convention center, office spaces, retail outlets, restaurants, and recreational facilities such as sports fields and an amphitheater. The project was projected to cost between $3.74 billion and $3.75 billion, with an expected timeline of 8 to 10 years for completion, and proponents forecasted it would generate over $71 million in annual for Nassau County through job creation and economic activity. Announced formally on , 2007, the plan advanced slowly amid rezoning efforts submitted to the Town of Hempstead in November 2007, requiring changes from industrial to mixed-use to accommodate higher density. Initial support came from Nassau County Executive , who viewed it as a catalyst for suburban revitalization, but progress stalled due to concerns over strain, including on local roads like Hempstead Turnpike. Opposition intensified from Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and local residents, who argued the development's scale—particularly the high-rise elements and population influx—would overwhelm suburban character and exceed the site's capacity without adequate public input or environmental review. In July 2010, Murray proposed scaling back the project by roughly half, reducing density and height, which developers rejected as unviable, effectively halting momentum. The initiative collapsed without approval, exacerbated by shifting political priorities and failure to align stakeholders, paving the way for subsequent, smaller-scale proposals and the Islanders' eventual relocation considerations.

2011 arena replacement proposal

In May 2011, Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano announced an agreement with the to construct a new arena at the Nassau Coliseum site in Uniondale, replacing the 1972 facility that had become outdated for NHL standards due to its circular design, limited sightlines, and lack of modern amenities. The plan called for the county to issue up to $400 million in general obligation bonds to finance the project, with private partners—led by Islanders principal owner —responsible for operational costs, revenue sharing, and potential mixed-use developments on the surrounding 77-acre Nassau Hub property, including retail and office space. Proponents argued the investment would secure the Islanders' future on , generate economic activity through events, and prevent the team's relocation, while critics, including fiscal watchdogs, highlighted risks of taxpayer liability amid the county's $2.7 billion debt load and recent hikes. The proposal required voter approval via referendum, scheduled for August 1, 2011, as mandated by New York state law for such bond issuances exceeding certain thresholds. Mangano campaigned actively in support, emphasizing job creation and the arena's role in revitalizing the site, but opposition mounted from groups like the Long Island Progressive Coalition and tea party activists, who viewed it as fiscally irresponsible public subsidy for a private sports franchise. Voters rejected the measure decisively, with 57% voting against and 43% in favor, defeating the bond authorization and halting the replacement plan. The outcome reflected broader voter skepticism toward subsidies during economic recovery, similar to rejections in other jurisdictions, and intensified speculation about the Islanders' potential move to Brooklyn's or . In response, Mangano shifted focus to soliciting private redevelopment bids for the Coliseum site without public bonding, though no viable alternative emerged immediately to retain there.

Nassau Hub initiatives

The Nassau Hub initiatives represent Nassau County's ongoing efforts to redevelop the approximately 77-acre site encompassing the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and surrounding parking lots into a mixed-use urban center, emphasizing economic revitalization through residential, commercial, retail, entertainment, and transportation improvements. These plans aim to convert underutilized land into a pedestrian-friendly capable of generating jobs, attracting visitors, and integrating with regional transit networks. In October 2018, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran's administration selected a partnership between BSE Global (controlled by New York Islanders owner and Nets owner ) and to spearhead a $1.5 billion master plan, focusing on non-casino development to draw businesses, tourists, and residents without relying on gaming revenue. The proposed components included up to 1,000 units of , office spaces, hotels, retail outlets, and enhanced sports and entertainment venues complementing the Coliseum, with an emphasis on and connectivity to nearby highways and rail lines. However, progress stalled amid financing challenges and shifting priorities, with 's proposing a revised timeline in 2021 to commence construction by 2022 on , retail, and event spaces, though no significant groundbreaking occurred. Transportation upgrades form a core element of the initiatives, addressed through the Nassau Hub Transit Study and (BRT) project, which seek to improve access via premium bus services linking the Hub to the and local arterials. As of August 2025, the BRT plan outlines a hybrid system with dedicated guideways, mixed-traffic segments, and transit signal priority at key intersections, funded in part by federal grants to support denser land uses and reduce automobile dependency. Advancing these non-gaming elements, the Town of Hempstead approved rezoning in June 2025 for the Coliseum property, establishing a framework for mixed-use density while explicitly deferring proposals, amid debates over impacts and benefits. This rezoning, passed by a 4-1 vote, enables phased development of residential towers, commercial pads, and public amenities, with county officials projecting thousands of construction jobs and long-term employment in hospitality and services. Despite endorsements from business groups for the economic ripple effects, critics have questioned the feasibility given prior delays and competing regional developments like .

Las Vegas Sands casino bid and 2025 withdrawal

In January 2023, Las Vegas Sands Corporation announced its intent to pursue a downstate New York gaming license for a multi-billion-dollar integrated resort at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum site in Uniondale, entering agreements to acquire the site's long-term lease from Nassau County. The proposed development included a 400,000-square-foot casino floor, multiple hotels with thousands of rooms, retail spaces, restaurants, a convention center, and entertainment venues, with initial cost estimates around $4 billion, later revised upward to $5 billion amid environmental reviews that projected total expenses nearing $7.6 billion by May 2025. Nassau County lawmakers approved a 42-year lease transfer to Sands in advance of the bid, positioning the project as a key contender among three downstate casino licenses authorized by New York state legislation. The proposal advanced through regulatory hurdles, securing a key zoning approval from Nassau County in August 2024, which allowed Sands to proceed with site control and environmental impact assessments despite local opposition. Community groups and neighboring raised concerns over , environmental effects, and competition with existing educational and recreational facilities, contributing to public resistance that delayed progress. Sands invested hundreds of millions in planning, land acquisition, and preliminary work, arguing the project would generate thousands of jobs and significant tax revenue for Nassau County while revitalizing the underutilized Nassau Hub site. On April 23, 2025, withdrew its bid for a New York gaming , citing strategic concerns including the potential expansion of online gaming (iGaming) in the state, which executives believed could cannibalize physical revenues and reduce the project's economic viability. The company maintained that the Nassau Coliseum location remained optimal for a but opted not to proceed with the application ahead of New York's June 27, 2025, deadline, instead expressing intent to partner with a third-party operator who could secure licensing. Subsequent discussions with potential successors, such as , ended without commitment by May 30, 2025, leaving the component of the in limbo as of mid-2025. Nassau County officials indicated in June 2025 that no other operators had emerged to revive the bid, though Sands retained rights to non-gaming development on the site, potentially including hotels, entertainment, and convention facilities to leverage existing infrastructure investments. The withdrawal highlighted broader challenges in New York's competitive downstate market, where regulatory delays, high capital requirements, and shifting state policies on gaming expansion influenced operator decisions.

Controversies and current status

Economic and community debates

The proposed redevelopment of the Nassau Coliseum site, particularly the Las Vegas Sands' $6 billion casino-resort plan announced in 2023, sparked intense economic debates centered on job creation versus fiscal risks. Proponents, including local labor unions and officials, argued the project would generate thousands of and permanent jobs, bolster revenues exceeding $100 million annually for Nassau County, and stimulate ancillary economic activity in and on the long-underutilized 72-acre Nassau Hub. However, critics highlighted escalating costs—revised to $7.6 billion in a May 2025 —as evidence of unviability, noting short-term unprofitability amid competition from legalized , which Sands cited as a primary factor in its April 2025 withdrawal from the bid. Community debates intertwined economic promises with concerns over localized harms, including on already strained roads like Hempstead Turnpike and increased demands straining local supplies. Residents and environmental groups opposed changes approved in public hearings through May and June 2025, citing potential rises in , , and property value declines near the site, which has historically failed to attract sustainable tenants beyond sporadic events since the ' departure in 2015. Opponents argued these social costs outweighed vague revitalization benefits, especially given the Coliseum's $100 million municipal debt burden and pattern of closures, as seen in 2017 and post-2020. Post-withdrawal, as of October 2025, the site's limbo has amplified skepticism about non-casino alternatives, with community advocates favoring lower-impact uses like parks or mixed retail to avoid repeating failed mega-projects like the Lighthouse initiative, which promised but did not deliver broad economic uplift. Economic analyses from local outlets underscored that without a marquee , the arena's sporadic from concerts and events fails to offset maintenance costs, fueling calls for scaled-back development prioritizing fiscal prudence over speculative booms.

Political opposition and zoning battles

The Lighthouse Project, a $3.74 billion mixed-use redevelopment proposal for the Nassau Coliseum site announced in 2006 by owner and Forest City Ratner, encountered significant political resistance from local officials concerned with variances and infrastructure impacts. Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray rejected key elements of the plan in April 2009, citing inadequate public input, potential on surrounding roads, and the need for stricter height restrictions under existing codes that limited development density in the area. The project required rezoning approximately 150 acres of the Nassau Hub from commercial to high-density residential and entertainment uses, but opponents argued it would overwhelm local water and sewer systems without sufficient upgrades. A 2011 referendum, which sought voter approval for a $400 million county bond to fund Coliseum renovations as part of broader hub , failed with 56.6% voting against, reflecting widespread skepticism among Nassau residents about fiscal risks and unproven economic benefits amid zoning uncertainties. Subsequent 2011 proposals for a new arena to retain the Islanders faced similar hurdles, as Nassau conditioned support on zoning concessions from Hempstead, leading to protracted negotiations that ultimately collapsed when the team relocated temporarily to . More recently, Las Vegas Sands' $4 billion casino resort bid for the Coliseum site, formalized through a 99-year lease agreement approved by the Nassau County Legislature in April 2023, triggered zoning battles intensified by legal challenges and community pushback. A New York State Supreme Court ruling in November 2023 voided the lease, determining that the county's planning commission violated open meetings laws during the transfer process, which delayed rezoning efforts and highlighted procedural lapses in local governance. Following Sands' withdrawal in April 2025 due to mounting regulatory and opposition pressures, the Town of Hempstead proceeded with rezoning hearings in May 2025 to create a "Mitchel Field Integrated Resort District" allowing casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues on the 77-acre site. Public hearings drew hundreds of opponents, including residents from adjacent Garden City, who cited projected increases in —up to 20,000 additional daily vehicles—strained resources, and heightened risks of without adequate mitigation under the proposed . Garden City filed a in December 2024 challenging the changes for potential extraterritorial impacts, such as spillover and . Despite vocal protests, including five-hour meetings marked by boos and shouts, the Hempstead Town Board unanimously approved the rezoning on June 10, 2025, enabling future casino development while emphasizing short-term non-gaming uses like offices and retail to address immediate economic needs. This approval underscored persistent tensions between county-level ambitions for revenue generation and town-level enforcement of to preserve suburban character, with critics attributing the battles to inconsistent rather than inherent project flaws.

Future prospects as of 2025

Following the April 23, 2025, withdrawal of ' $5 billion resort proposal for the Nassau Coliseum site—after the company invested hundreds of millions without securing a state gaming license—the future of the 72-acre property entered a period of uncertainty. Nassau County Executive stated the county would assess within 30 days whether to pursue another bidder or pivot to non-gaming , emphasizing the need for economic revitalization without gambling dependency. As of October 2025, no new major developer has been announced, leaving the site in limbo amid ongoing debates over traffic, environmental impacts, and fiscal returns from prior proposals. The Coliseum itself persists as an operational multi-purpose arena under Nassau County ownership, with no immediate closure or demolition plans. It hosts the of the , who affirmed in April 2025 their commitment to remaining at the venue with capacities of 14,500 for and up to 16,000 for concerts, alongside MMA, , and theater events. This continued use underscores its viability for mid-tier entertainment without NHL-scale tenancy, as the remain at since 2021, rendering a permanent hockey return improbable due to lease terms and infrastructure costs. Broader Nassau Hub initiatives advanced modestly in 2025, with Hempstead Town approving rezoning on to create the Mitchel Field Integrated Resort District, permitting non-casino developments such as a 280-foot , convention spaces, retail, and on adjacent lands—explicitly excluding for the immediate term. Complementary projects include a proposed Nassau Hub line, funded in part by federal and aimed at improving connectivity to mitigate concerns from any future builds. These steps signal a shift toward mixed-use urban revitalization over casino-centric schemes, though critics, including local residents and environmental groups, argue the enables eventual gaming resumption and risks overburdening infrastructure without guaranteed revenue. Overall prospects hinge on attracting private for sustainable, non-subsidized growth, with county officials prioritizing job creation and absent the high-risk model.

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