Blakeman keeping 'open mind' for future of Nassau Coliseum

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is exploring options on what to do with the former home of the New York Islanders.

News 12 Staff

Jul 25, 2022, 7:41 PM

Updated 866 days ago

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Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is exploring options on what to do with the former home of the New York Islanders.
Earlier last week, Blakeman said in a radio interview that it would be difficult to maintain the Nassau Coliseum in its present form.
He told News 12 that he is keeping his options open.
"You know if someone comes up with a good plan - and something that's sustainable for Nassau County - something that's exciting and good for the residents, I'm certainly going to keep an open mind to that," Blakeman says.
Blakeman says the county, which owns the land, is in talks with the Coliseum's operator and developer about the future of the site.
Proposals could include a health care facility or more sports and entertainment events. Nothing has been chosen so far.
Blakeman says there is a lot of interest in the location.
The Nassau Coliseum has been relatively dormant since the UBS Arena in Elmont opened in 2021.
Mary Sekosky, of East Meadow, says it's heartbreaking to see the building empty on most days, especially since it underwent ta $150 million facelift just five years ago. The renovation, however, reduced its seating capacity.
"They spent a good amount of money to try and fix it up, and nothing's going on," Sekosky says.
The coliseum currently plays host to the minor league Long Island Nets and the Riptide lacrosse team.
The next scheduled event at the Uniondale arena is in October for a Judas Priest concert.