Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
The Nassau Coliseum has played a significant role in the economic and cultural fabric of Nassau County and Long Island. As a major venue for sports and entertainment, it has attracted millions of visitors, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. File photo: Leonard Zhukovsky, licensed.

The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, often referred to simply as the Nassau Coliseum, is a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Uniondale, New York, on Long Island. Known for hosting a wide range of events, including sports, concerts, and other entertainment, the Coliseum has long been a central hub for cultural and community activities in Nassau County. Since its opening in 1972, it has undergone significant renovations and upgrades, solidifying its status as one of Long Island’s premier venues.

Nassau Coliseum was originally constructed to provide Long Island with a major entertainment and sports venue. The arena was built on the site of the former Mitchel Field Air Force Base and opened to the public on February 11, 1972. The name honors the veterans of Nassau County and reflects the region’s respect for those who served in the armed forces.

The Coliseum quickly gained prominence as the home of the New York Islanders, an NHL expansion team that debuted in 1972. It also hosted the New York Nets, a basketball team that played in the American Basketball Association (ABA) before joining the NBA. The venue became a symbol of pride for Nassau County, drawing thousands of fans for sports, concerts, and other events.

Originally designed by the architectural firm Welton Becket and Associates, the Nassau Coliseum was built with a utilitarian, modernist style. The arena featured a distinctive circular design with a low-profile roof that helped it stand out in the suburban landscape.

The arena underwent a major renovation in 2015–2017, which modernized its facilities while preserving its iconic character. The renovation reduced its seating capacity to create a more intimate atmosphere, added premium seating options, and upgraded concessions, restrooms, and other amenities. The exterior was transformed with a striking design of aluminum fins, giving it a sleek, futuristic look.

Notable Events and Tenants:

  1. Sports:
    • New York Islanders: The Nassau Coliseum served as the Islanders’ home arena from their inaugural season in 1972 until 2015, with intermittent returns afterward. The Islanders achieved notable success at the Coliseum, including winning four consecutive Stanley Cup championships from 1980 to 1983.
    • New York Nets: The Nets played at the Coliseum during their ABA and early NBA years before relocating to New Jersey in 1977.
    • Minor League and Other Sports: The Coliseum has hosted numerous minor league hockey teams, indoor lacrosse, and college basketball tournaments over the years.
  2. Concerts and Entertainment:
    • The Nassau Coliseum has hosted some of the biggest names in music, including Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel. Joel, a Long Island native, famously performed numerous sold-out shows at the venue.
    • In addition to concerts, the Coliseum has been the site of family-friendly events such as Disney on Ice, the Harlem Globetrotters, and professional wrestling shows from WWE.
  3. Community and Special Events:
    • The Coliseum has been a venue for trade shows, graduations, political rallies, and charity events, serving as a versatile space for Nassau County and the greater Long Island community.

Renovation and Reopening (2015–2017):

In 2015, the Coliseum underwent an extensive $180 million renovation led by developer Bruce Ratner and Nassau Events Center. The renovation aimed to modernize the arena and make it more competitive in attracting events while maintaining its historical significance. The updated venue reopened in April 2017 with a concert by Billy Joel, marking a new chapter in the Coliseum’s storied history.

In recent years, the Coliseum has faced challenges, including financial struggles and competition from newer venues in the region, such as UBS Arena in nearby Elmont. In 2020, the arena temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and financial restructuring. Despite these challenges, efforts are ongoing to ensure that the Coliseum remains a vital part of Long Island’s entertainment landscape.

The Nassau Coliseum has played a significant role in the economic and cultural fabric of Nassau County and Long Island. As a major venue for sports and entertainment, it has attracted millions of visitors, supporting local businesses and creating jobs. It has also served as a gathering place for the community, hosting events that bring people together and celebrate the region’s heritage and diversity.

The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum remains an enduring symbol of Long Island’s passion for sports, music, and community. Despite changes and challenges, it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of Long Islanders as a venue that has hosted historic moments and unforgettable memories.