NY Islanders fans offer reasons for low attendance at UBS Arena on Tuesday night

The New York Islanders' 1-0 shutout loss to the Detroit Red Wings was forgetful for many reasons, but history was made on Tuesday night, although it was of the dubious variety. The team announced an attendance of 12,739, the lowest in UBS Arena history. The previous low was on Dec. 7, 2023, when 13,510 not only saw the Islanders score a goal but witnessed them score seven in a 7-3 rout over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Attendance in October and November has historically been an issue for the Islanders, but numbers tend to pick up as the season goes on, which has coincided the last two seasons with the team's strong play down the stretch to clinch a playoff spot. The reasons for the low attendance vary, but fans have genuine concerns over rising ticket prices, costs of food and beverage, and overall inconvenience in parking and getting to the arena. Oh, and the team's play.

Some fans replied to Newsday and beat reporter Andrew Gross with their reasons for dropping attendance. Many attributed it to the cost and parking situation.

"Everything is so expensive. It’s a great arena, not a single bad seat there. There’s [sic] great things in the concourse. But everything is so damn expensive." - @jamescarrello

It’s rough. I’ve got 4 tixx as a STH and the cost of the food and drink is just insane. 2 margaritas in the new blue mule cups they have was $84 after tip. wtf - @shamrockmarc

No garage parking. I’m not parking in Emerald. I’m old. Too far to walk. Not waiting and boarding a bus.- @brenneis

Meanwhile, others were more focused on the on-ice product:

As one of those 12,739, that’s my last game for a while. There is no reason whatsoever to watch this team in person. It’s a waste of time, money, effort for a team that is out of time, is happy with just getting paid, and shows negative effort. - @IslesThoughts

Can’t sell fans on the same mid team for the 4th straight season. Same issues still exist. Can’t score, can’t win w/out a goaltending masterclass. Same players aren’t playing at the level they r paid to. 1st round exit ceiling and 12th overall pick floor. They’re super boring too -@amansi97

It's a combination of many things. UBS is a spectacular arena—an Islander fans' dream—and the game experience improves yearly. However, some of the novelty has worn off, and fans who committed to season tickets in the building's first years have scaled back their ticket packages, some by a lot. The Islanders have a very passionate fanbase, but there has always been a ceiling on how large the full-season ticket base can be, even during successful stretches.

Are things expensive? Yes. Can the team be uninspiring? Yes. Ultimtaley, winning and having the fanbase believe they're paying to watch a Stanley Cup contender goes far. Fans are waiting and wanting to see this version of the Isles prove to them that they can be more than a fringe playoff team. If they do, attendance will take care of itself, even with all the associated costs.