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Sands Las Vegas will no longer pursue a casino at the site of Nassau Coliseum, the former home of the NY Islanders

A casino will not be built on the grounds of Nassau Coliseum by Sands Las Vegas
ByMichael Stahurski|
Jun 23, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; General view of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum during the National Anthem before game six of the 2021 Stanley Cup Semifinals between the New York Islanders and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Jun 23, 2021; Uniondale, New York, USA; General view of Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum during the National Anthem before game six of the 2021 Stanley Cup Semifinals between the New York Islanders and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Since the NY Islanders played their final game at Nassau Coliseum in 2021, the historic arena has been for the most part baren in the four years since. The building is without a full-time tenant, with the space used sparingly.

Just over a year ago, Sands Las Vegas entered an agreement with Nassau County to build a $4B casino complex on the grounds, backed by County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

But as of Wednesday, Sands has decided to withdraw its bid for the site, meaning it will no longer pursue their next venture in Nassau County.

“For Las Vegas Sands, we believe the highest and best use of our capital in the near term is to purchase Las Vegas Sands and Sands China shares,” a representative for Sands told Carl Companile and Josh Kidman of the NY Post. “Accordingly, Sands has decided not to bid for a casino license in New York.”

Many opposed the potential Casino location, including neighboring Hofstra University.

“Hofstra University is pleased with Las Vegas Sands' decision to abandon their application for a license to build a casino at the Nassau Coliseum,” Hofstra President Susan Poser told the NY Post. “Over the past 90 years, Hofstra has been deeply invested in the future of this region, and we are eager to be a part of planning for development in the Nassau Hub that would promote, sustainable economic growth, enhance the quality of life for all who live and work here, and serve the true needs of Nassau County and Long Island.”

The Islanders won four straight Stanley Cups while playing at Nassau Coliseum - the last major sports franchise in North America to accomplish the feat.

The Islanders moved locations to UBS Arena in 2022, after they were unable to build a new arena on the property.

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