Islanders take next step in path to Belmont

Shovels are not yet in the ground for the new Belmont Arena, but Islanders fans are ecstatic following the news that New York State has certified the Environmental Impact statement for the arena.  In laments terms, it’s another checkmark in what has been a long and drawn out process for the new arena.

https://twitter.com/NYIslanders/status/1148359579639660544

New York has come out with a plan to have a full-service train station to Belmont Park from all branches of the Long Island Rail Road.  While it’s still a certainty that most branches will have to transfer at Jamaica, it’s a step in the right direction for the team.  There are still a few more hurdles to overcome but all signs point to construction beginning at the end of the summer.

It’s been a long time coming for Islanders fans, as the team split last season between Nassau Coliseum and Barclays Center for their home games.  They will do the same in the 2019-20 season, with 21 games being played at the Coliseum and 20 games at Barclays.  There are rumors that once a shovel is in the ground at Belmont, they may play the entirety of their home games in Nassau.  However, that’s just heresay for now.  Either way, it’s a big announcement for the Islanders’ future home.