When the Islanders and UBS Arena opened up “The Park” last season, it sent a message to the fan base and to the National Hockey League that the Isles could handle major activations and fan engagements on a regular basis, and bring major NHL events to Belmont Park.
So well received, that the Islanders and UBS Arena received a 2024 NHL Stanley Award for Venue Business Initiative for The Park.
And, the day that the Islanders played the Rangers in the Stadium Series game at MetLife Stadium, the NHL awarded the 2026 NHL All-Star Game to Long Island and UBS Arena.
The Park at UBS Arena returns this year, and opens on Friday night for the Islanders pre-season finale against the Rangers. The Northwell Pond ice rink will be open to the public, and it will feature some returning activations and some new ones.
“We’re committed to creating a vibrant outdoor pre-event experience and The Park offers a fantastic opportunity for fans of all ages to enjoy the ice and celebrate the sport of hockey via our new games and activities,” said Janet Duch, Vice-President of Marketing and Communications for the Islanders and UBS Arena.
The Northwell Pond will remain open to the public through February 2025, and will host a series of 4v4 pond hockey tournaments that will follow USA Hockey guidelines catering to youth and adult divisions at multiple competitive levels. General admission 90-minute public ice skating sessions will cost $20, and there will also be skate rentals available and lockers on-site to store personal belongings.
“Northwell Pond’s early return to The Park further demonstrates the continued growth of Belmont Park as a dynamic destination for entertainment and community engagement,” said Duch.
Fans who love NHL All-Star Weekend will love some of the new activities at The Park, as they’ll have a chance to show off their hockey skills. There’s an all-new UBS Hockey Skill Game Zone, where guests will have the opportunity to show their skills with the “Bullseye Battle,” “Accuracy Challenge,” and “Hardest Shot."
There will be a Kids Zone with a slap shot booth, an obstacle course, bounce house, mini-golf, and a dunk tank, and another new feature will be the “Penalty Box Photo Moment,” where fans will be able to take a photo with family and friends inside the Sin Bin.
Activations that will be returning to The Park include the Heineken Beer Garden, American Express Igloo Garden, Isles Lab Swag Shack, and Food Trucks.
In addition to Islanders games, The Park will be open prior to a couple of concerts: Amor En Vivo on October 5th and Jelly Roll on October 7th. The Park will also host “The Great American Family Christmas Festival from November 22nd through the end of December.
The Park is a great experience for fans of all ages with fun activities and the chance to create memories that will last a lifetime. For more information on the activities, to book ice times, and to find out when The Park is open, please visit www.theparkatubsarena.com.