Fans Say NY Islanders are Restricting Fan Access Behind the Glass During Warm-Ups

Edmonton Oilers v New York Islanders
Edmonton Oilers v New York Islanders | Bruce Bennett/GettyImages

According to multiple fans on social media, the New York Islanders have implemented a new policy restricting fan access behind the glass during warm-ups at UBS Arena. This change limits fans' ability to get up close and personal with the players before games, a long-standing tradition popular amongst die-hard fans and season ticket holders.

For years, fans—especially younger ones—have enjoyed watching their favorite players up close, taking photos, and interacting with them from behind the glass before puck drop. Think about it: you're a young fan; you head down with your Mom or Dad with a sign, maybe catch a puck or a smile from a player. It's how forever fans are often made. However, that experience now appears more limited than previously in favor of fans who have paid for premium seating.

"Islanders have restricted warm-up viewing for fans even more," wrote Isles superfan Kim, known for her orange and blue lipstick. "You can no longer stand behind the glass behind the Islanders bench you must be a JetBlue Mosaic Member. Only place fans can stand is behind visitor's bench or behind netted area behind goal. Just wow."

On the UBS Arena website, JetBlue Mosaic Members have access to a private cocktail club equipped with an upholstered lounge area and a private mixologist. Those fans who can afford the premium game experience can transition from the club to the action in seconds.

As disappointing as it may be for some fans who have become accustomed to that experience, this is one of the unfortunate trade-offs of having your team play in a state-of-the-art fourth-generation arena. You get the All-Star Game in 2026, and you get "The Park" with its outdoor rink, but you also get higher prices and lose the community feel that was ever-present at the Nassau Coliseum.

Decisions like this have been reversed before, and we'd expect co-owner Jon Ledecky to hear about it whenever he interacts with fans at home games. Of course, winning makes all these issues fade into the background. If the Isles do that, the fans will be more accepting of these concessions while still paying to see their favorite hockey team for the remainder of the season.

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