The Islanders and UBS Arena offered a glimpse at the new home for hockey on Long Island to a group of veterans Thursday - and debuted a tribute to veterans that will permanently live at the new arena.

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The arena unveiled a special seat dedicated to veterans and POWs.

It's all a nod to the Islanders' previous home, Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. 

The veterans on the tour were given Islanders jerseys and got a surprise visit from NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, who was there to unveil his Big Chicken brand's UBS Arena rollout.

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"It really doesn’t feel like an arena. It feels like you’re in a really special, close-knit place where you’re going to have an amazing experience," said Army veteran Jennifer Kasker.

The Islanders take the ice for the first time at UBS Arena Nov. 20.

"This was a fanbase in search of home for two decades, really," said Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky. "The sell-by date of the Nassau Coliseum came and went a long time ago. This is an A+ arena."