Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum: A Historic Hub of Sports and Entertainment

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The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, commonly known as Nassau Coliseum, is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Uniondale, New York, on Long Island. It opened on February 11, 1972, and was built on 63 acres of Mitchel Field, a former Army and Air Force base. The Coliseum is situated approximately 7 miles east of the eastern limits of the borough of Queens in New York City, adjacent to the Meadowbrook Parkway.
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Historical Significance

The Coliseum has a rich history, having hosted numerous significant events and teams over the years. It was the home of the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1972 to 2015, and again from 2018 to 2021. The Islanders won four consecutive Stanley Cups at the Coliseum, earning it the nickname "Fort Neverlose" due to their strong home record during the finals. The Coliseum also served as the home for the New York Nets (now Brooklyn Nets) of the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1972 to 1977.

Renovations and Current Use

The Coliseum underwent a major renovation between 2015 and 2017, which included a significant reduction in seating capacity. The renovation aimed to bring the facility up to modern standards, although it lowered the seating capacity to 13,917 for hockey and 14,500 for basketball. The Coliseum reopened on April 5, 2017, with a concert by Billy Joel, who has a strong connection to the venue, having performed there numerous times.
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Current Tenants and Events

Since its reopening, the Coliseum has been the home of the Long Island Nets, the NBA G League team affiliated with the Brooklyn Nets, since 2017. It also hosted the New York Riptide of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) from 2020 to 2024. The venue continues to host a variety of events, including concerts, trade shows, and other entertainment events.
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Accessibility and Neighborhood

The Coliseum is centrally located in Uniondale, part of the Town of Hempstead, and is about 20 minutes from the New York City border in Queens. It is accessible by car via the Hempstead Turnpike and the Meadowbrook Parkway, with ample parking available. However, it is less accessible by public transportation. The surrounding area includes several attractions such as the Cradle of Aviation Museum, Hofstra University, and the Roosevelt Fields Mall.

Notable Events and Performances

The Coliseum has hosted numerous iconic events and performances over the years. It was a regular stop for major rock bands, including Elvis Presley, David Bowie, Queen, Pink Floyd, and Bruce Springsteen. The venue also hosted significant wrestling events, including WrestleMania II and several WWE Raw and Smackdown events.

Future Plans

The future of the Coliseum is currently in a state of flux, with ongoing discussions about potential redevelopment of the surrounding area. Plans have been proposed to include housing, offices, retail space, and biotech research facilities, although these plans are still in the early stages.
In summary, the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum is a historic and versatile venue that has played a significant role in the sports and entertainment landscape of Long Island. Despite its age, the recent renovations have ensured that it remains a modern and functional facility for a variety of events.