The Islanders are coming home to Long Island earlier than expected.
In an unusual deal announced Monday, the team will split their games between the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the next three years, until a new arena is built at Belmont.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo was on hand today for the announcement. "Long Island's own Islanders -- that's who they are, that's where they belong, and that's where they will be," he said.
Some modifications will be made to the Coliseum to house the team, according to officials. The first game there could come as soon as this September or October, and the Isles' Belmont arena is expected to be ready for the 2021-2022 season.
In addition to the excitement of having the team back at the Old Barn, officials from the Long Island Association say the local economy stands to benefit as well.
Frank Borrelli and his family have been making their signature pizza at Borrelli's restaurant in East Meadow since the 1950s. Now he's hoping the Islanders' return will bring in more customers.
"Now it will be over the top, like it was years ago," Borrelli says.