The New Coliseum: A First Look At 'The Eiffel Tower Of Long Island'

When introducing guests and reporters to the newly renovated Nassau Coliseum, Bruce Ratner, the developer of the venue, said he hopes it will become "the Eiffel Tower of Long Island."

The new Nassau Coliseum -- formally NYCB Live, Home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum -- may never reach the grandeur of the famous French landmark, but it is certainly leagues beyond the former venue.

The Coliseum has been closed for nearly two years for a $165 million renovation. The venue officially opens on Wednesday, April 5 with a concert by Billy Joel, who closed out the old Coliseum. Media and select guests were given a special peek at the new coliseum on Friday. And the work that went into remaking it is evident.

The exterior -- what used to be simple, drab concrete -- has been completely encased in 4,700 aluminum fans that give the facade a different look depending on where the observer is. The entrance has been completely renovated and is welcoming to people coming in.

When you step into the actual arena, everything looks different, and yet also familiar. It is still obviously Nassau Coliseum, but all the seats have been replaced (and are much more comfortable), the lighting has been improved and the walls are covered in wood paneling instead of just being exposed concrete.

The entire building has been brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act during the renovation, so there is more handicap-accessible seating than ever before.

The old Coliseum was notorious for traffic jams of human bodies -- it was hard to navigate around the arena, and bathrooms were always a nightmare. The developers have addressed both issues: seats have been removed in the middle concourse ring to allow for the easy flow of traffic when an event is happening. And the number of fixtures in the bathrooms has been doubled.

The seating numbers have changed in the venue, and are less than what they used to be. The Coliseum can now sit 14,000 people for hockey, 14,500 for basketball and 16,000 for concerts that allow for floor seating.

"Our goal was to create a space that reflected the tremendous sense of place that permeates Long Island, from the look of the building to the taste of the food," Ratner said. "Our talented architectural and development teams have succeeded beyond our dreams, creating a venue that is visually striking and wonderfully comfortable. We're excited about the opening and are looking forward to the ongoing development of this entertainment destination."

There is already an impressive lineup slated for the Coliseum's first few weeks. After Billy Joel holds the inaugural show, he'll be followed by Stevie Nicks, Marc Anthony, Barbara Streisand, Metallica, Bruno Mars and more. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will be performing its final shows at the Coliseum in May.

Speaking to the crowd, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano remembered all the failed attempts to change the Coliseum over the years, but said how wonderful the renovated venue was, thanks to the partnership with Ratner's company.

"Together, we delivered a modern venue -- at no cost to taxpayers -- that makes all Long Islanders proud," Mangano said. "From star-studded headlines to sporting events and the availability of local food options from some of your favorite local restaurants, the new Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Presented By New York Community Bank is sure to impress, and will return a minimum of $4.4 million to taxpayers every year."

In keeping with its name, the new Coliseum also goes further to honor veterans and those that have died in the line of duty. Eight seats inside the venue will be forever vacant, dedicated to POW/MIAs, military personnel, first responders and those that lost their lives on Sept. 11. In addition, a granite Veterans Memorial with an eternal flame will be dedicated on April 8.

Photos: Alex Costello/Patch