From the island to Brooklyn, hockey is almost here

February 5, 2015 Jaime DeJesus

BROOKLYN MEDIA GROUP/file photo

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It’s quickly becoming a reality.

The New York Islanders, soon to be Brooklyn’s very first NHL club, are coming, and on a high note at that. During the final season in Uniondale, which the franchise has called home since 1972, the team is having its best season in years, spending a good portion of it in first place in the Metropolitan Division.

Barclays Center recently announced that season tickets for the inaugural 2015-16 campaign at Barclays will go on sale Tuesday, February 10 at 9 a.m.

“The Islanders are having a terrific season with a young, dynamic team, and the timing couldn’t be better for their arrival in Brooklyn next season,” said Barclays Center CEO Brett Yormark. “While there’s a lot of excitement in the borough about its new team, we’ve also been delighted by the enormous interest among current season ticket holders who are following the Islanders to Brooklyn. Our priority in pricing our general season tickets was to ensure that Islanders games are accessible. We are also looking forward to providing all Islander fans with Barclays Center’s renowned guest experience.”

In 2011, team owner Charles Wang proposed to keep the Islanders in Uniondale by renovating its current home, Nassau Coliseum, using taxpayer money; however, Nassau County voters rejected the proposal. After rumors of the franchises moving to Kansas City or Quebec, the franchise made a deal closer to home in 2012, with Barclays slated to be the home of the Islanders until 2040.

Although some Long Islanders who have watched their beloved team at the Coliseum for decades are upset to see the team leave, many Brooklynites are ready to embrace their newest sports team.

“Personally, I think it’s great because now my family and I can hop on a train that takes you right there. There won’t be any hassle with driving or traffic,” said fan Maria Zaami.

Fans are happy the franchise will remain in New York. “The great news about it, speaking for the Long Island fans, is that Charles Wang did not move the Islanders far away, like California or Arizona,” added avid fan Frank Scire. “As for me, I’m in Brooklyn so it’s even better news for me and it allows me to get to the game quickly.

Some may believe that fans that live on the island may find the commute to see their team too inconvenient. Due to the Long Island Railroad stopping at Atlantic Avenue and the team’s performance, Brooklynites feel otherwise.

“Believe me, if the team plays well, Long Island fans will come to Brooklyn,” added Scire.

Nonetheless, residents of Brooklyn will receive exclusive early access to buy season tickets. Brooklynites can visit the American Express Box Office at Barclays Center on Monday, February 8, from 12-6 p.m. Lower level non-premium season tickets start at $75 per ticket and upper level season tickets start at $20. The average season ticket price for non-premium seats is $53 per game.

For more information, call 844-33-ISLES, or visit www.barclayscenter.com/ny-islanders.