The MTA has opened the eastbound side of the new Long Island Railroad Station in Elmont, just in time for the New York Islanders opener at the UBS Arena this Saturday.

This is the first time there has been a newly built station in nearly 50 years.

Elected officials and community leaders attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday.

Officials say the westbound side of the station will be under construction until 2022.

The new station provides direct service to Belmont Park from both the east and the west and is located between the Queens Village and Bellerose Stations on the LIRR main line.

New York Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky said, "This new station will provide an essential transportation option for hockey and music fans attending events at UBS Arena. We encourage our guests to take the train whenever possible - it's the fastest and most sustainable way to get to our new, state of the art venue."

Officials say electric shuttle buses will run from parking lots within Belmont Park to the arena and grandstand until the westbound side is complete.

"I think it's going to be a minor inconvenience but once they have everything set up it's going to run a lot smoother and I think people will be happy," says West Hempstead resident Amy Zaum.

The Islanders will be playing the Calgary Flames in their first game at the new arena.