‘This is their building.’ Ledecky says Isles fans will feel at home at UBS Arena
On
Saturday, 17,000 Islanders fans will pack UBS Arena for the team’s inaugural
game in their new home – a feat more than 20 years in the making.
News
12’s Kevin Maher spoke to team co-owner Jon Ledecky, who says he
can’t wait to see fans’ reaction to the finished product.
Ledecky
says fans had a huge impact on the look and feel of the arena.
“This
is their building. They feel like they built it. That's the best thing an owner
in sports can ask for,” says Ledecky.
What
are some of the spots Islanders fans should check out inside the building?
“The
first thing is the inclusive nature of the arena. Most arenas – there’s a rope
and you can't go here and you can't go there. In this building, we're going to
let people go where they want to go so it's open to the public.”
He
also mentioned the Heineken Bar, the Tailgate Bar and the outside terrace where
fans can see the paddock at Belmont Park.
“The
major spaces we built here -- the fans said, ‘Jon, don't make it a corporate
suit building. We are Islander fans. We want to be able to celebrate together.’”
Ledecky
told Maher that he was able to incorporate the “best of the best” practices
from other teams in the league.
“Imitation
is the foremost form of flattery,” said Ledecky. “We have tried to build a
building that is unique and different but also incorporates these best
practices.”
The
long wait is almost over. Here’s all you
need to know about catching an Islander game or some other event at UBS Arena.