According to the study, UBS Arena is the worst place for hockey fans

For years — decades, really — the dilapidated Nassau Coliseum was considered one of the worst arenas in the league, if not the worst. Sure, it had great site lines, and the Old Barn rocked in the playoffs, but it lacked all the modern amenities that newer arenas had. Islanders fans understood the criticism, but would proudly defend the Coliseum to the end.

Such criticism of the Isles’ home arena was to end forever with the opening of their new home in Elmont, NY. However, research from CanadaSportsBetting.com is located at UBS Arena in Belmont Park, a two-year home New York IslandersThe NHL’s worst place for hockey fans based on their criteria.

Now before you dismiss the study entirely, it is noted that it was based of the average price of an ounce of beer; proximity to public transport; proximity to an external restaurant; and availability of on-site parking.

What are you thinking now?

UBS Arena is a fourth-generation arena built specifically for hockey and Islanders fans. It’s wonderful. It’s everything an Islanders fan dreams of – and it has so many bathrooms!

But you can tell by the factors that study was based on how it ranked 32nd in the league. It’s not cheap. When ticket prices, food, drinks and parking are factored in, UBS Arena ranked 10th most expensive in the series. TMR 2021-22 fan cost index.

There’s plenty to do in the new arena, as there’s no shortage of bars and restaurants like ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski pointed out when he attended the opening of the home in November 2022. But an outside restaurant? In downtown Elmont? Not so much.

The parking situation is improving and will continue to improve.

However, during the first year, getting in and out of the arena was a nightmare when the parking garage was built. On many nights, fans resorted to parking on the streets of Elmont to avoid the hassle of getting in and out of the arena parking lot. Even now, the shuttle bus to the Emerald Lot is not an ideal fan experience.

The LIRR has a dedicated stop at Belmont is a huge boost – and now it goes both ways, east and west, all season long. Fans are still getting used to it and we should see it increase in use in the coming years, but for now it still feels a little abnormal for fans to first drive to the train station and then jump on the train and then straight into the arena.

So was this study flawed? Absolutely.

It didn’t take into account all the things that make UBS Arena one of the most unique and advanced buildings in all of professional sports. However, based on the criteria, you can understand how it ended up at the bottom of the list.

If it makes you feel any better, Madison Square Garden was 27th.

Ball Arena, home Colorado Avalanche, earned the top spot, followed by Little Ceasars Arena in Detroit and Columbus Blue Jackets The national arena.