More than 17,000 fans are expected to be at the Islanders' first game in the new UBS Arena at Belmont Park.

Officials are recommending that those coming to the facility take the Long Island Rail Road, a ride-share service or taxi. Still, many will be driving themselves.

Drivers are urged to pre-pay for their parking.

"That really is the best way to do it," says Hank Abate, who works at the UBS Arena. "If you can pull right in and you flash your phone to the attendant and pull into the lot."

Fans can also buy parking on the day of the event, but they should figure out which lot they are going to ahead of time. Some of the lots are on the other side of the racetrack from the arena so it's best to plan your route ahead of time.

Abate says there are signs along the parkway that give directions to the arena and specifies the different lots.

Some people may look for parking so they may look for other places near the area.

Elmont resident Garry Vaiann lives less than a quarter-mile from the arena and plans to rent out his driveway. He says other Elmont neighbors are doing the same and have done this during the Belmont Stakes as well.

Some civic groups are worried that some fans many want to tailgate off property since it's not allowed in the parking lot. They say that could create noise and garbage.

"This community is a very quiet community, and we would expect everyone who is coming in to enjoy the benefits of the arena and would respect the community," says Bob Barker of the Locustwood/Gotham Civic Association.

Arena workers say they will be patrolling lots to discourage any tailgating.