Islanders announce big increase for Coliseum games

The 9,000 fans in attendance for Game 6 of the New York Islanders first-round series against the Penguins were deafening. The Islanders faithful made such an impact on the atmosphere that night that their energy directly affected the game.

I felt it. You felt it. The players felt it. And so did Lou Lamoriello.

The Isle President and GM said in an open letter to fans today that the 9,000 in attendance were not only incredibly energetic but “truly made a difference in the result.”

That’s why – as well as for economic reasons I’m sure – the Isles are increasing capacity for home games in round two by another 130% to 12,000 fans.

New York Islanders announced increased Coliseum Capacity

Today, the Islanders announced that 12,000 fans will be able to attend Games 3, 4, and 6 (if needed) at the Coliseum. That’s basically a sell-out crowd for the 13,913 capacity venue.

To do so, the vaccinated sections were expanded greatly. As in, it will basically be a 100% vaccinated arena. Earlier in the day, The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta leaked what sections would be for vaccinated fans and which will be for unvaccinated fans.

Of the 240 sections, only five are for unvaccinated fans. Take away the four sections that are unavailable as per NHL rules (the ones behind the bench and penalty boxes) and that’s 98% of the sections reserved for those who are fully vaccinated.

By fully vaccinated that means receiving your final dose 14 days before game day. Kids under 16 must provide a negative COVID test.

So, to be fully vaccinated by June 5 you would have to have received your second dose no later than May 22.

At the time of writing, we still don’t know when Games 2 through 7 will be played. We know the series starts in Boston on Saturday but the remainder of the dates are up in the air. One rumor suggested that Games 3 and 4 could be played on Thursday, June 3, and Saturday, June 5.

If the 9,000 fans from Monday’s game sounded loud wait until another 3,000 people cram into the old barn for the second round. People out in Montauk will clearly hear them all.