Islanders UBS Arena Opener is Second Most Expensive Venue Opener Since 2015

The New York Islanders are opening their new arena in just two days. UBS Arena at Belmont Park is going to be the home of the Islanders after spending their first 48 years in the league split between the Nassau Coliseum and Barclays Center.

As we know, the Barclays Center was a disaster and Nassau Coliseum wasn't a long-term option for the New York Islanders so this is a massive deal for the team to open their building that fans have been waiting essentially decades for bringing the team into the 21st century.

When looking at other arenas that opened around the NHL over the last five years, the New York Islanders have the second most expensive ticket to get into the building according to TicketIQ.

NHL Ticket Cheapest Prices: First Games At New Arenas

1. Climate Pledge Arena (SEA) | 2021 - $339

2. UBS Arena (NYI) | 2021 - $317

3. Rogers Place (EDM) | 2016 - $226

4. T-Mobile Arena (VGK) | 2016 - $196

5. Little Caesars Arena (DET) | 2017 - $133

When looking at the cheapest ticket prices on the secondary market, Little Caesars Arena in Detroit was the cheapest coming in at $133. Surprisingly, T-Mobile Arena came in fourth at $196.

In a market like Las Vegas, I would've imagined that they would be up much higher than $196. Especially when you consider that it was an expansion team as well playing their first ever game.

The Islanders and Kraken are the only two to go up over $300. While the price is extremely high for the average fan, the one "good" thing that I will say this means is that there is a demand for tickets.

The new building can hold 17,000 for ice hockey and 18,500 for concerts. This is a big jump from the Nassau Coliseum and for a "smaller fanbase" selling out this building on a regular basis is a tough ask. I know it's only one game, and clearly the most important for the regular season, but this could be a potential sign for a high demand for tickets.

If the Islanders continue to put a good product on the ice, it will be a hot ticket in this city outside of the fact that people want to go just to see the new building. All these things matter which I'm sure means a lot to ownership.

Hopefully, I'll see you there on opening night.