Ribbon Cut To Officially Open UBS Arena

ELMONT, NY — The Islanders finally have their new home. UBS Arena was opened to VIPs on Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Gov. Kathy Hochul.

"This is the first step in the newly redeveloped Belmont Park, which will serve as an internationally recognized destination for sports, entertainment, retail and hospitality," Hochul said in a statement. "As New York continues to recover from the COVID pandemic, Belmont Park will be instrumental in strengthening the regional economy and boosting tourism for generations to come."

The arena was part of a $1.3 billion Belmont Park Redevelopment Project to transform 43 acres of underutilized parking lots.

Future plans on the land, include a hotel and a community center. Two nearby parks are expected to get an overhaul as well.

By 2024, the governor's office said, more than 3,000 full-time jobs should be created, producing more than $800 million in annual economic activity.

New York Islanders Co-Owner Jon Ledecky said: "It is our privilege to celebrate Islanders fans and New Yorkers throughout the region as this new landmark for New York opens today."

The Islanders welcome fans for the first game at UBS Arena on Saturday night.