UBS Arena is the home of the New York Islanders in Elmont, Queens

The New York Islanders play at UBS Arena, located in Elmont, Queens, about 20 miles east of Manhattan. The arena opened in November 2021 and replaced the Islanders' previous home at Nassau Coliseum, which the team had used since 1972. UBS Arena sits on the grounds of Belmont Park, the famous horse racing track, and is connected to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Belmont Park station.

The arena holds approximately 19,000 people for hockey games. It is a modern facility with club seating, premium suites, and standard seating throughout the bowl. The building was designed to be accessible by public transit, which was a major goal of the project — fans can take the LIRR directly to the arena without needing to drive or pay for parking.

Key Takeaways

  • UBS Arena opened in November 2021 in Elmont, Queens, and is the Islanders' home for all regular season and playoff games.
  • The arena is located at Belmont Park and has direct access to the Long Island Rail Road, making it reachable by public transit from Manhattan and other parts of the region.
  • The building holds about 19,000 people and includes club seating, suites, and standard seating options at different price points.
  • Parking is available on-site, though many fans use the LIRR to avoid driving and parking fees.

Getting to UBS Arena by Public Transit

The easiest way to reach UBS Arena is by the Long Island Rail Road. The Belmont Park station is directly connected to the arena, and trains run from Penn Station in Manhattan, Jamaica Station in Queens, and other LIRR stops. On game days, the LIRR typically runs extra trains before and after the game to handle the crowd.

From Penn Station in Manhattan, the trip takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour depending on which branch of the LIRR you take and whether the train makes local or express stops. Fares vary based on your starting point and the time of day, but a round-trip ticket from Manhattan is usually in the $15 to $25 range. You can purchase tickets at Penn Station, through the MTA website, or using the MTA TrainTime app.

If you are driving, the arena has a parking lot on-site. Parking fees vary depending on the event and how far in advance you reserve a spot. Some parking is included with premium seating packages, while general admission parking is typically paid separately.

Seating and Ticket Options

UBS Arena has several seating levels and sections to choose from. Standard seating makes up the majority of the arena and offers views from the corners, ends, and sides of the rink. Club seating is located in the lower bowl and includes amenities like wider seats, access to a private club area, and sometimes food and beverage perks. Premium suites are private boxes that can hold groups and often come with catering options.

Ticket prices vary widely based on the opponent, the day of the week, and how far in advance you buy. Weekend games and matchups against popular teams like the New York Rangers or Boston Bruins tend to cost more than weekday games against less-traveled opponents. You can purchase tickets through the Islanders' official website, Ticketmaster, or resale platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek.

Amenities and Concessions Inside the Arena

UBS Arena has food and beverage options throughout the building, including concession stands, restaurants, and bars. The arena features both traditional arena fare like hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn, as well as more upscale dining options in club and suite areas. Prices for food and drinks are typical of modern sports venues — expect to pay $12 to $18 for a sandwich or entree and $8 to $12 for a beer or soft drink.

The arena also has merchandise shops where you can buy Islanders jerseys, hats, and other team gear. Restrooms, first aid stations, and guest services are located throughout the building. If you have questions during the game, arena staff can direct you to any facility you need.

What to Know Before You Go

Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before puck drop to allow time for parking, transit, or walking from the station. The arena can get crowded during popular games, and lines at concessions and restrooms can be long during intermissions. Bringing a small bag or backpack is allowed, but large bags and outside food and beverages are not permitted.

The arena is non-smoking inside, though designated smoking areas exist outside the building. If you are bringing children, the arena has family-friendly seating sections and offers reduced-price tickets for kids at some games. Service animals are welcome, and the arena has accessible seating and facilities for people with disabilities.

Parking and Transportation After the Game

After the game ends, parking lots can take 30 to 45 minutes to clear, especially after popular games. If you drove, plan to wait or leave early if you want to avoid the rush. If you took the LIRR, trains run for about an hour after the game ends, though they fill up quickly. Arrive at the platform early to find a spot on the next available train.

Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate at the arena, but surge pricing is common when ready after games end. If you use rideshare, consider waiting 15 to 20 minutes in the arena or a nearby area before requesting a ride to avoid peak pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into UBS Arena?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the arena. However, you can purchase food and drinks at concession stands and restaurants throughout the building. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, contact the arena in advance to ask about options or accommodations.

Is there accessible seating for people with disabilities?

Yes, UBS Arena has accessible seating throughout the building, including wheelchair spaces and companion seating. Accessible parking is also available. When you purchase tickets, you can request accessible seating, or you can contact the arena's guest services to discuss your needs.

What time should I arrive for a game?

Plan to arrive 30 to 45 minutes before puck drop. This gives you time to park, take transit, walk from the station, and find your seat without rushing. For popular games, arriving earlier is a good idea because parking lots and transit platforms fill up quickly.

Can I take the LIRR from other parts of Long Island?

Yes, the LIRR connects to Belmont Park station from multiple branches and stops across Long Island and Queens. You can board from Jamaica Station, Babylon Branch, Port Jefferson Branch, and other lines. Check the MTA website or use the TrainTime app to find the schedule and fare for your starting point.

Are there hotels near UBS Arena?

Several hotels are located near Belmont Park and UBS Arena, though they fill up quickly on game nights. Hotels in nearby areas like Jamaica, Queens, and along the LIRR line are also options. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for popular games or playoff matchups.