In case you haven't been following the local news, earlier this week Nassau County voters rejected a plan to spend $400 million to build a new arena for the New York Islanders (an NHL Hockey Franchise). Without a new arena, it's likely that the Islanders will seek a new home in the region (or outside of the state, if they must).
Of course, it didn't take long for the local press to start talking about the Islanders' options, including moving into the controversial Barclays Center, currently being built at the end of Fifth Avenue for the New Jersey Nets.
So, what do you think? Can we support a hockey franchise? Is it better to get the most use out of the arena (even if we hate it) or is the extra traffic not worth the hassle? Which result is better for Park Slope's Fifth Avenue?
you forgot to mention that the playing surface is currently too small to support a pro hockey team.
ReplyDeleteNope, You're wrong. From the NY Times:
ReplyDelete"A revised design of the arena has raised doubts over whether the arena floor, in its present configuration, is large enough to accommodate an N.H.L.-sized ice sheet. But Brett Yormark, the chief executive of the Barclays Center, said the arena “will have an ice rink that can support professional hockey.”
All About Fifth, you ought to research Brett Yormark's history of struggles with veracity (not to mention The Times' struggles with accurately covering Brett Yormark and Atlantic Yards).
ReplyDeleteWe guarantee you that no NHL team will ever call the Barclays Center home.
Sorry, Islanders: Brooklyn Nets arena still too small for hockey
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fieldofschemes.com/news/archives/2011/08/4632_sorry_islanders.html