Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum opened on February 11, 1972, in Uniondale, New York, built on the former grounds of Mitchel Air Force Base. For decades it served as the beating heart of Long Island sports and entertainment, best known as the home rink of the New York Islanders during their early-1980s Stanley Cup dynasty.
After the Islanders departed for Brooklyn and later UBS Arena, the Coliseum underwent a roughly $260 million renovation completed in 2017. Rather than fading away, the arena found new life hosting the Long Island Nets, the New York Riptide lacrosse team, and a steady stream of concerts, carrying on a legacy that includes some of rock’s biggest tours.
- Brooklyn Nets played here 1972–1977. See every Nets arena →
- New York Islanders played here 1972–2015 and 2018–2021. See every Islanders arena →
Stats at a Glance
- Teams: New York Islanders (1972-2015, 2018-2021), New York Nets (1972-1977), Long Island Nets, New York Riptide
- Location: Uniondale, New York
- Opened: February 11, 1972
- Renovated: 2015-2017, reopened March 31, 2017
- Capacity (hockey): about 13,900
- Capacity (concerts): up to 16,000
- Notable fact: Islanders went 11-1 at home in Stanley Cup Finals games, earning the nickname “Fort Neverlose”
An Islanders Dynasty’s Home Ice
The Coliseum is forever tied to the New York Islanders’ run of four straight Stanley Cup championships from 1980 to 1983. The team’s dominance at home during that stretch gave the building its “Fort Neverlose” nickname, and the 1983 NHL All-Star Game held there featured a four-goal third period from Wayne Gretzky. The Islanders returned to play at the Coliseum again from 2018 to 2021 while their new arena was under construction, giving the building one last run as an NHL venue before UBS Arena opened.
A Second Act in Concerts and Sports
Beyond hockey, the Coliseum built a reputation as a major concert stop, hosting Pink Floyd’s The Wall tour, dozens of Grateful Dead shows, and Billy Joel performances both before and after its renovation. Owned by Nassau County and operated by Nassau Live Center, the venue was substantially rebuilt between 2015 and 2017 at a cost of roughly $260 million, reopening with a reduced but modernized footprint. Today it continues operating as a sports and entertainment venue on Long Island.
Explore more: Explore more legendary stadiums and arenas.
Keeps chili hot from the tailgate to the fourth quarter.
Team-color face paint in a twist-up stick — no brushes, no mess in the car.
Sized to the NFL's 12x6x12 clear-bag rule. Fits snacks, a jacket and a rally towel.
Nassau Coliseum FAQs
Is Nassau Coliseum still open?
Yes, the arena continues to operate in Uniondale, New York, hosting concerts and events after its 2015-2017 renovation.
Do the New York Islanders still play at Nassau Coliseum?
No, the Islanders moved permanently to UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, in 2021 after using the Coliseum as a temporary home from 2018 to 2021.
What is Nassau Coliseum’s capacity?
Following its renovation, the arena seats about 13,900 for hockey and up to 16,000 for concerts.
Get More from Nassau Coliseum
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Nassau Coliseum, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Photo: Antony-22 / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.